On May 8, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the Agri-Food Pilot Program extension until May 14, 2025. The annual occupational caps have also been removed to allow more candidates to apply.
Changes to the pilot will be introduced in stages by the end of the year, which include:
- expanding open work permit access to family members of all participants,
- allowing unions to attest to a candidate’s work experience,
- providing an option for applicants to meet job offers or education requirements, and accepting work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
The government is aware of the importance of strengthening the labor market needs of the agri-food industry and connecting Canada’s food supply system. The ability of Canadian farmers and food processors to hire and retain a qualified workforce is a key component in their success. Sean Fraser, the minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, said about this measure:
“In order for planting, harvesting, and food processing activities to continue throughout the year, our farmers and food processors depend on the regular entrance of foreign workers. They need our continuous support in order to attract and keep these talented workers. We can be confident that our food security, economy, and living standards for Canadians across the country will continue to grow and prosper as long as we extend the Agri-Food Pilot and help these sectors find the workers they need.”
Eligibility Requirements for Agri-food Pilot Program
The following eligibility requirements must be met by applicants in order to be eligible for the Agri-food pilot program:
- Work experience: 12 months of full-time, continuous employment in a Canadian occupation that qualifies under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, such as processing meat products, caring for livestock, growing mushrooms, or managing greenhouse vegetables;
- Job Offer: Have a full-time, permanent work offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries or occupations outside of Quebec;
- Language: English or French proficiency at the Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 is necessary;
- Education: High school diploma or its equivalent in Canada.
What is the Agri-food Pilot Program?
For agricultural workers in Canada, the Agri-Food pilot program offers a path to permanent residence. Workers have had to rely on temporary, seasonal work permits to find employment in recent years due to shortages of labor in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries.
By providing a path to Canadian permanent residence that allows workers and their families to stay and work in Canada for as long as they like, the pilot program aims to bring in and attract individuals.
Want to know more details about “IRCC announced the Agri-Food Pilot Program extension” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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