Agri-Food Pilot: Supporting Canada’s Agriculture and Food Sectors

Written by Fatima Sharifi

The Agri-Food Pilot is an immigration program designed to address labour shortages in Canada’s agriculture and food industries. It offers a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers who play a critical role in supporting these essential sectors.

What is the Agri-Food Pilot?

The Agri-Food Pilot provides an opportunity for skilled workers in specific agricultural and food production industries to become permanent residents of Canada. By targeting key occupations and industries, the pilot ensures that labour market needs are met while supporting economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Work Experience

• At least one year of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in Canada within the last three years.
• The experience must be in one of the eligible industries and occupations.

Eligible Industries and Occupations

• Meat Processing: Industrial butchers, meat cutters, and labourers in food processing.
• Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production: General farm workers and harvesting labourers.
• Animal Production: Includes industries such as poultry, egg, hog, and cattle farming.

2. Job Offer

• A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries.
• The job must be outside of Quebec.

3. Language Proficiency

• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in English or French across all four language components (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).

4. Education

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• If your education was completed outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.

5. Settlement Funds

• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family unless you are already working in Canada.

How Does It Work?

The Agri-Food Pilot operates through a straightforward application process:

1. Secure Eligible Work Experience and Job Offer: Ensure your work and job align with the program’s eligibility requirements.
2. Submit Your Permanent Residence Application: Apply through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
3. Transition to Permanent Residence: If approved, you and your family can live in Canada permanently.

Why Choose the Agri-Food Pilot?

This program is tailored to meet the specific needs of the agri-food sector and offers:

• Targeted Pathway: Focuses on critical agricultural and food production roles.
• Permanent Residence Opportunity: A secure future for you and your family in Canada.
• Job Stability: Opportunities in growing industries with ongoing labour needs.

Recent Updates

As of November 2024, key updates to the Agri-Food Pilot include:

• Extended Program Duration: The pilot is now active through 2025, allowing more workers to apply.
• Streamlined Documentation: Simplified processes for proving job experience and offers.
• Enhanced Employer Support: Employers are providing additional resources to help workers settle in Canada.

Visit the IRCC website for detailed updates and program changes.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Verify Your Eligibility: Ensure your job and work experience align with the program requirements.
2. Strengthen Your Application: Prepare all necessary documents, including language test results and proof of education.
3. Secure a Long-Term Job Offer: Focus on obtaining a full-time, non-seasonal position in an eligible industry.
4. Understand Settlement Needs: Research living costs and available resources in your chosen location.