Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program

To begin with, Canada has taken an initiative that focuses on addressing the labour shortage in the field of agriculture by facilitating immigration for experienced and skilled workers. This program is named Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and was launched in 2020. It was initiated to retain qualified workers who have relevant work experience in this industry.

OVERVIEW OF THIS PROGRAM

Here’s a brief insight into the program:

• This started on May 15, 2020.

• Quota (Cap) of 2750 plus their family members.

• First come First serve basis.

The program is designed to provide permanent residence to: 

• Temporary visa holder.

• Living in Canada.

• Doing full-time work.

• Experience in certain Agri and food industries.

Below you will find the details regarding eligibility criteria and procedure to follow under this program.

STEP 1 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:  WHO CAN APPLY?

Different points are being covered. It includes the following:

• Education Requirement

1. Only High School Education (Grade 12).

2. If you have completed your education outside of Canada you need an    Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

3. ECA is done by third-party agencies like WES (World Education Services),*IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service), *ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service), and Comparative Education Service- University of Toronto.

4. The ECA report must be less than five years old at the time of application.

• Language Test

1. Low CLB level 4 is needed.

2. Results must be less than 2 years old on the date of your request.

3. You must take an English or French Language test to prove your language skills.

4. CELPIP General: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program.

5. IELTS: International English Language Testing System. You need a minimum score of CLB 4 in all 4 abilities.

• Work Experience

1. Within the last three years, you have accumulated at
least one year (30 hrs./week = 1,560 hours).

2. Full-time, non-seasonal, paid work experience in Canada, under a valid work permit.

3. Work experience must have been through a work permit issued based on a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a minimum 12-month duration.

4. Work experience needs to be in one or more eligible NOC occupations.

Open work permits*: If you have an open work permit but previously had a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you may have eligible work experience. However, any work experience gained while on an open work permit is not counted.

• Job Offers

1. Job offers must be genuine.

2. Full-time (i.e. at least 30 hours per week).

3. Permanent meaning there is no set end date.

4. Full-time (i.e. at least 30 hours per week).

5. Should be in one or more NOC codes.

6. The employer is Canadian and outside of Quebec.

• Settlement Funds

1. Show that you have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.

2. If you are working in Canada with a valid work permit you DO NOT need to show settlement funds.

3. If you are outside of Canada or out of employment, you should demonstrate a settlement fund.

4. The amount you show must meet the LICO table.

STEP 2: ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES AND OCCUPATIONS

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code categorizes occupations. The eligible jobs for each industry are listed below.

1. Eligible positions in meat product production (NAICS 3116).

• NOC B 6331. - Retail butchers 

• NOC C 9462 - Industrial butchers 

• NOC B 8252 - Farm supervisors and specialized

• NOC D 9617 - Food processing  labourers

2. For greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114), eligible jobs.

• NOC B 8252 - Farm supervisors & specialized livestock workers

• NOC C 8431 - General farm workers

• NOC D 8611 - Harvesting laborers

3. For animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1)
1123, 1124 and 1129), eligible jobs.

• NOC B 8252 - Farm supervisors & specialized livestock wa

• NOC C 8431 - General farm workers

STEP 3: APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE 

Make sure you are eligible. Apply online using the PR Portal. The following documents are required throughout the application procedure.

1. Identity Documents

2. Canada Status Documents

3. Canadian Employer Documents

4. Job Offer Documents

5. Work History Documents

6. Education Documents

7. Language Test Results

8. Proof of Funds Documents

9. Résumé / CV

10. Photographs (CIC Format)

• Forms for you (principal applicant) to fill out.

1. Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008].

2. Schedule A - Background/Declaration [IMM 5669].

3. Schedule 1 - Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. (IMM 0114).

4. Additional Family Information. [IMM 5406).

5. Supplementary Information for Travels (IMM 5562).

• Fill out any applicable forms as the principal applicant.

1. Additional Dependents/Declaration. [IMM 0008 DEP).

2. Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409).

3. Use of a Representative (IMM 5476).

You can fill out this application package online & download it OR Download the package and fill it normally with a pen.

STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION 

Before submitting your application, make sure you get your Biometrics done & pay your application fee.

• Kindly save a payment receipt as you'll need to mail a hard copy along with your application form & documents.

• You will have to physically mail your application form package, fee payment receipts, and documents to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

• Immigration officials will now check if you have submitted your complete application and documents. If you paid your fees, they will contact you to ask for your biometrics, for which you have just 30 days.

• After reviewing your application, immigration officials decide to accept or refuse your application.

• If your application is REJECTED or refused, you'll be sent a letter explaining the reason for your refusal & you'll have to submit a newly revised application.

• If your application is APPROVED, the officials will mail you your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or your Permanent Resident (PR) Visa.

STEP 5: PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

Here’s how you can prepare for your arrival:

• If you're already in Canada :

• Inform your employer about your permanent residence status.

• Wait for confirmation of your status by email or phone.

• For the most recent information, see the Permanent Residence Portal.

• If you are outside Canada:

• Prepare for life in Canada with pre-arrival services. 

• Gather all relevant documentation, such as a passport, COPR, and proof of finances.

• Check the CBSA website for import restrictions.

• Upon arrival in Canada, meet with a CBSA official for entry.

• Prepare for life in Canada with pre-arrival services.

• Gather all relevant documentation, such as a passport, COPR, and proof of finances.

• Check the CBSA website for import restrictions.

• Upon arrival in Canada, meet with a CBSA official for entry verification.

• Provide accurate information and meet the entrance requirements.

• Inform CBSA if you have more than CAN$10,000.

• After arrival, seek immigration assistance for settlement.

CONCLUSION

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot program is ground-breaking and represents a synergy of agricultural expertise, technology innovation, and government support. It is targeted at building a sustainable and profitable Agri-food sector. The procedure has been mentioned above for this 3-year pilot program under the economic class. Gain the benefit of getting permanent residency in Canada by following our guide.