Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP)
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a targeted immigration program introduced by the Canadian government to help address labour shortages in specific sectors of the agri-food industry. This pilot provides a pathway to permanent residency for experienced, non-seasonal workers in industries that are critical to Canada’s agricultural and food production sectors.
Why Choose the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot?
- Industry-Specific Solution: The program directly targets labour gaps in the agri-food sector, ensuring long-term workforce stability.
- Opportunities for Growth: Workers can transition from temporary positions to permanent residents, contributing to Canada’s agricultural economy while securing a future for themselves and their families.
- Family Support: Spouses and dependents can come to Canada, ensuring that workers don’t have to choose between career opportunities and family life.
Key Features of the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
- Targeted Industries
The pilot focuses on industries facing significant labour shortages, including:- Meat processing (such as industrial butchers and food processing labourers).
- Mushroom production.
- Greenhouse crop production.
- Livestock farming (e.g., farm supervisors or specialized livestock workers).
- Eligibility Criteria To qualify for permanent residency under this pilot, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Work Experience: At least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal work in an eligible occupation within the agri-food sector in Canada.
- Job Offer: A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the pilot’s eligible industries.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in English or French.
- Education: Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent. If the education was obtained outside of Canada, it must be verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Settlement Funds: Applicants must show they have enough funds to support themselves and their families unless they are already working in Canada.
- Program Benefits
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: This pilot offers a direct route to permanent residence for foreign workers with skills in agriculture and food production.
- Supporting Canada’s Agricultural Sector: The program helps fill persistent labour shortages, especially in rural areas where the demand for agricultural workers is high.
- Family Inclusion: Applicants can include their spouses and dependent children in the application, allowing the entire family to immigrate together.
- Job Categories and NOC Codes
Some of the eligible occupations under the pilot include:- NOC 8252: Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, and specialized livestock workers.
- NOC 9462: Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry preparers, and related workers.
- NOC 9617: Laborers in food, beverage, and associated products processing.
- NOC 8431: General farm workers (in specific agri-food sectors).
- NOC 8611: Harvesting labourers (in specific sectors like mushroom and greenhouse crop production).
- Program Duration
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a three-year pilot program. The goal is to address labour shortages in key agricultural and food production industries while also helping foreign workers and their families become permanent residents.
Application Process
The application process involves:
- Securing a valid job offer from an employer in one of the eligible sectors.
- Demonstrating at least 12 months of work experience in the industry.
- Submitting the necessary documentation, including proof of work experience, language test results, educational credentials, and financial information.
- Once approved, applicants can work in Canada and gain permanent residency for themselves and their families.
If you’re a skilled worker in the agri-food industry, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot could be your pathway to permanent residency in Canada. Contact us today to explore your eligibility and get personalized guidance through the application process.
