Launched in 2019, the Agri-Food Pilot has become a beacon of opportunity for skilled foreign workers who hope to secure permanent residence (PR) in Canada.
Supporting and growing Canada’s agricultural industries
Originally limited to a maximum of 2,750 principal applicants per year, the Agri-Food Pilot underwent a significant expansion in 2023 that extended it until 2025 and removed the cap on applicant numbers.
The initiative addresses pressing labour shortages in key sectors of agriculture and agri-food production, providing a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for eligible candidates.
Participating agricultural employers also benefit, becoming eligible for a 2-year Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Who it suits
- Experienced: people with prior agricultural work experience.
- Non-native speakers: applicants whose English is limited.
- Fast-track: applicants eager to speed up their arrival in Canada.
Program highlights
- Modest language requirement: with an English requirement of only Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 4 (equivalent to middle school level), the program opens its doors to a wider pool of applicants, keeping it inclusive and accessible.
- Abundant employer options: agriculture offers a wealth of jobs, giving applicants a diverse range of choices across sectors of the agri-food industry.
- Flexible education criteria: the program keeps its education requirements low, so most applicants can meet them. Whether you have a basic education or advanced qualifications, there is a place for you in the Agri-Food Pilot.
- Minimal work experience: applicants are eligible for permanent residence with just one year of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years. This streamlined approach shortens the journey to Canadian permanent residence and helps you join the workforce sooner.
Eligibility criteria
- Job offer: you must secure a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in an eligible agricultural occupation. This ensures stable employment and supports the program’s goal of strengthening Canada’s agri-food sector.
- Education: you need educational credentials equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher. This ensures the foundational education needed to work effectively in agriculture.
- Work experience: you must have at least one year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work experience (1,560 hours) in the past three years in an eligible agricultural occupation. This shows that you are able and ready to contribute to the industry.
- Language proficiency: you must reach CLB 4 in English or French. For English, this corresponds to IELTS scores of Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Listening 4.5 and Speaking 4.0. This ensures effective communication and a smooth start in the Canadian workforce.
A step-by-step guide
- Find an employer (1 to 2 months)
Begin by exploring job opportunities in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. This usually takes 1 to 2 months and involves researching potential employers and openings that match your skills and experience.
- Employer LMIA application (3 to 6 months)
Once you secure a job offer from a Canadian employer, the employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) on your behalf. This usually takes 3 to 6 months and assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market.
- Apply for a closed work permit (2 to 3 months)
Once the LMIA is approved, you can apply for a work permit to work legally in Canada. The application usually takes 2 to 3 months and requires supporting documents, including your job offer and the LMIA approval.
- Arrive and start work
Once you receive your work permit, you can travel to Canada and start working for your designated employer in agriculture or agri-food.
- Build work experience (1 year)
Over one year, gain valuable work experience in your designated occupation in the agri-food sector. This experience is essential for applying for permanent residence under the Agri-Food Pilot.
- Submit your PR application (after 1 year of work)
After completing one year (1,560 hours) of full-time, non-seasonal work, apply for permanent residence. Submit proof of your work experience, employment, education and language proficiency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- PR approval (6 months)
Processing a permanent residence application takes around 6 months. IRCC will review your application and may ask for more documents. Once approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and officially become a permanent resident of Canada.
Ready to start your journey?
The Agri-Food Pilot offers skilled workers a unique opportunity to secure permanent residence in Canada’s thriving agricultural sector. If you meet the eligibility criteria, now is the time to take the next step.
Contact Huafei Immigration today for expert guidance and personalized advice. Our team will help you through the application process as you work towards your dream of living and working in Canada.