Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

Overview

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP) is a program designed to address labor shortages in the Canadian agri-food sector. This pilot provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations that are critical to Canada’s agricultural and food processing industries. The program will run until May 14, 2025, and aims to attract and retain workers in areas that are crucial for the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Key Features of AFIP

• Targeted Industries: The program focuses on specific industries within the agri-food sector, including meat product manufacturing, greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production (including mushroom production), and animal production (excluding aquaculture).
• Community-Driven: The AFIP is designed to help smaller communities address their unique labor market needs by providing a pathway to permanent residence for workers in critical agri-food roles.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AFIP, candidates must meet several requirements:

1. Work Experience

   • At least one year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work in the past three years in an eligible occupation within the targeted industries. This experience must have been gained under a valid work permit, either through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment) or an open work permit for vulnerable workers.

2. Job Offer

   • A full-time, non-seasonal, permanent job offer from an employer in one of the eligible industries. The job must meet specific wage requirements and be classified under eligible NOC codes such as butchers, meat cutters, farm supervisors, livestock workers, and food processing laborers.

3. Language Proficiency

   • Proficiency in English or French, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

4. Educational Requirements

   • At least a high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

5. Proof of Funds

   • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada, unless you are already employed in Canada.

Participating Industries and Occupations

The AFIP targets several key industries and occupations, including:

• Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)

  • Butchers, retail and wholesale (NOC 63201)
  • Meat cutters and fishmongers, retail and wholesale (NOC 65202)
  • Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers (NOC 94141)
  •  

• Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114)

  • Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
  • Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
  • Livestock laborers (NOC 85100)
  • Harvesting laborers (NOC 85101)
  •  

• Animal Production, Excluding Aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1129)

  • Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
  • Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
  • Livestock laborers (NOC 85100)
  • Harvesting laborers (NOC 85101)

Recent Updates

• As of February 10, 2024, applicants residing in Canada at the time of application may now choose to meet either the job offer requirement or the educational requirement.
• Work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers is now counted towards the work experience requirement.

How GEMS Can Assist

At Global Expert Migration Strategies (GEMS), we provide expert guidance on navigating the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. Our consultants are knowledgeable about the latest updates and requirements, ensuring that your application is tailored to maximize your chances of success.

Useful Resources

• IRCC Agri-Food Pilot Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot.html
• Eligible Industries and Occupations: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot/eligibility.html