Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot is just one way that international workers can become permanent residents of Canada, especially Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) seeking work in the agricultural industry. This can also be helpful in bringing more skilled foreign talent to Canada and even filling some of the country’s labor shortages.
This article will explain the Agri-Food Pilot and some of its notable features, including how to apply.
What is Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot?
Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot is an immigration program that helps address the labor needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. This Pilot provides a pathway to permanent residence for non-seasonal skilled workers (including international candidates) with specific occupations within eligible agri-food industries. From farmers to food service workers and everything in between, admission into this program can allow skilled foreign workers to successfully live and work in Canada.
Who Qualifies for the Agri-Food Pilot?
In order to qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot, international candidates must:
- Have an eligible job offer
- Meet or pass the educational requirements
- Have eligible work experience
- Meet or pass the language requirements
- Prove you have enough money to settle in Canada (if applicable)
- Have maintained your temporary resident status (if already in Canada)
International candidates who already reside in Canada may choose to meet either the job offer requirement or the educational requirements when submitting their applications.
For more information on qualification for the Agri-Food Pilot, visit Canada’s official website.
What is the Process for Applying for the Agri-Food Pilot?
To apply for the Agri-Food Pilot, international candidates must apply online using the permanent residence portal. During the application, candidates must fill out various documents for themselves and any family members 18 years of age or older, including:
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
- Document Checklist [IMM 0116]
- Schedule 1 – Agri-Food Pilot [IMM 0114]
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (if applicable)
- Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604] (if applicable)
Applications for the Agri-Food Pilot also require a photo of each person in the application and an application processing fee starting from $1,525 CAD. All requirements must be met and fees must be paid before an application can be approved.
The Canadian government processes a maximum limit of 2,750 applications each year on a first-come, first-served basis. Annual limits are no longer used for individual occupations. If an application has been rejected because the annual limit has been reached, any application fees will be refunded.
For more information on specific application requirements, see Canada’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Agri-Food Pilot applications to process?
Processing times for Agri-Food Pilot applications vary depending on the circumstance of each case. Incomplete applications may prolong the wait time to get approved and, in worse cases, lead to an application’s rejection altogether. To avoid this, prepare any necessary documents beforehand and provide as much relevant information as possible to initial applications to increase chances of approval.
How can the Agri-Food pilot help Canadian companies?
The Agri-Food Pilot can help Canadian companies with their international recruitment, which is important in growing Canadian businesses on a global scale. Many companies worldwide are looking to foreign workers as a way to reach new markets of both employees and consumers, especially at a time when technology and globalization are so crucial to a business’s success.
With labor shortages being common in many parts of Canada, investing in international candidates can relieve a Canadian business of its job vacancies. From there, Canadian employers can prioritize their business’s productivity and outputs more readily and efficiently.
In addition, hiring foreign workers from a range of cultural backgrounds can make a work environment more inclusive and even more innovative. A diverse workplace attracts those who want to feel supported and valued in their work, and in return, these skilled candidates bring new ideas and expertise to the workplace, helping the business to grow and expand.
How Can I Immigrate to Canada as an International Worker?
With the help of No Limit to Canada, your immigration journey to Canada can start as soon as today! No Limit to Canada streamlines the Canadian immigration process by saving you money and resources, assisting with necessary immigration documents, and offering valuable advice and support from start to finish.
Give us a call at 888-391-1115 or contact us via email at info@nolimittocanada.com. We are available to answer all your questions on immigration for international workers and help you find the Canadian immigration program that fits best for you.