The agriculture industry in Canada is vital to providing a sustainable food source for Canadians and is a great way to immigrate to Canada. Due to the considerable shortage of agriculture workers in Canada, this has become an area of immigration with several streams and opportunities for immigration for both high skilled and low skilled workers.
More recently Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new program called the Agri-Food Pilot. This program focuses on attracting skilled and unskilled agriculture workers to become permanent residents of Canada once they have gained some work experience in Canada.
The Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot helps address the labour needs of the Canadian agri-food sector.
The pilot provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. It will run until May 2023.
About the process
To apply for permanent residence under the Agri-Food Pilot, you need
eligible Canadian work experience in one or more of the eligible industries and occupations
a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries and occupations (outside of Quebec)
to meet or exceed the language requirements
to meet or exceed the educational requirements
to have settlement funds (if applicable)
to maintain temporary resident status (if already in Canada)
Eligible industries for the Agri-Food Pilot
Industries are classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). You can see specific industry definitions by searching the industry codes below.
Eligible industries under the pilot are:
meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
animal production, excluding aquaculture
cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
other animal production (NAICS 1129)
Eligible occupations
Occupations are classified by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
Eligible jobs for each eligible industry are listed below.
For meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116), eligible jobs are
NOC B 6331 – Retail butchers
NOC C 9462 – Industrial butchers
NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
NOC D 9617 – Food processing labourers
For greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114), eligible jobs are
NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
NOC D 8611 – Harvesting labourers
For animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 and 1129), eligible jobs are
NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES
AGRICULTURE NATIONAL OCCUPATION CODES BEGINING WITH 82
Minimum requirements
To be eligible, you must
meet the required language levels for each language ability
writing
reading
listening
speaking
have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply
meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification
have a
valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year or
certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
PROVINCIAL NOMINATION PROGRAMS
Individual provinces have streams geared towards agriculture. These programs vary frequently depending on the individual province's need.
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are all provinces that focus on agriculture. However, we see a demand in all Canadian provinces at different times.
It is more difficult to become a permanent resident without Canadian work experience but if you have skills in Agriculture you should consider seeking a job in Canada. The genuine need for this type of worker makes your job search much easier than in other industries. We provide advice on job searching in Canada here.
For more information on how to apply for immigration to Canada through agriculture, contact us at info@immigrationstationcanada.com.
About Us
Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County, just east of Toronto, in Canada. We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford and St. Catharines and around the world. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the link located at the top right of the page.
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We do work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship with an expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications.
Please contact us if you would like assistance with your immigration application or to book an appointment.
