APPLICATIONS TO AGRI-FOOD PILOT BEGIN

Canada is committed to attracting the best talent from around the world through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to fill skills shortages, drive local economies, and create and support middle-class jobs in communities across the country that will benefit all Canadians.

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP) Program is designed to help address the labour needs of the Canadian agri-food sector, particularly in the year-round mushroom and greenhouse crop production, meat processing and livestock raising industries, and to attract experienced, non-seasonal workers who can settle in Canada.

The Agri-Food Pilot complements Canada’s existing suite of economic immigration programs, which includes the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the caregivers pilots, the Global Skills Strategy, a revitalized Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.

The 3-year pilot [Until May 14, 2023] will test an industry-specific approach to help employers in the meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock-raising industries fill ongoing labour needs for full-time, year-round employees. It will provide a pathway to permanent residence for many temporary foreign workers already in Canada. 

Eligible Occupations:

• Farm Supervisor or Specialized Livestock Worker
• Industrial or Retail  Butcher
• Food Processing Labourer
• General Farm Worker
• Harvesting Labourer

A total of 2,750 applications will be accepted annually throughout the pilot, which applies primarily to people who are already in Canada. Existing travel restrictions continue to apply.