Agricultural Worker Program

Overview

The Agricultural Worker Program in Canada is designed to address the labor shortages in the agricultural sector by allowing Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for temporary or seasonal agricultural positions. The program includes various streams, such as the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Agricultural Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Key Features of the Agricultural Worker Program

• Addressing Labor Shortages: Helps Canadian employers fill labor shortages in the agricultural sector.
• Temporary and Seasonal Employment: Provides opportunities for foreign workers to work in Canada on a temporary or seasonal basis.
• Multiple Streams: Includes the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Agricultural Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Agricultural Worker Program, both employers and foreign workers must meet specific criteria:

1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

   • Employer Requirements: Must be involved in primary agriculture and have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
   • Worker Requirements: Foreign workers from participating countries (Mexico and certain Caribbean countries) who meet the criteria set by their home country and the Canadian government.

2. Agricultural Stream under TFWP

   • Employer Requirements: Must be involved in primary agriculture and have a positive LMIA from ESDC.
   • Worker Requirements: Foreign workers from any country who meet the criteria set by the Canadian government.

Required Documents

When applying for the Agricultural Worker Program, employers and foreign workers need to provide the following documents:

1. For Employers

   • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
   • Detailed job offer including wages, duties, and working conditions
   • Proof of business legitimacy (e.g., business registration, financial documents)

2. For Foreign Workers

   • Valid passport or travel document
   • Job offer letter
   • Copies of educational and professional qualifications (if applicable)
   • Medical exam results (if required)
   • Police certificates (if required)

Application Process

1. Employer Applies for LMIA

   • Employers submit an LMIA application to ESDC, demonstrating the need for foreign workers and efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

2. LMIA Decision

   • ESDC reviews the application and issues a positive or negative LMIA based on the impact on the Canadian labor market.

3. Foreign Worker Applies for Work Permit

   • With a positive LMIA, the foreign worker applies for a work permit from IRCC, providing necessary documents.

4. Work Permit Decision

   • IRCC reviews the application and issues a work permit if the foreign worker meets all requirements.

5. Travel to Canada

   • Upon arrival, the foreign worker presents their work permit approval letter and supporting documents to a border services officer, who issues the work permit.

Benefits of the Agricultural Worker Program

• Address Labor Shortages: Helps Canadian employers fill essential agricultural positions.
• Economic Support: Provides income for foreign workers and supports their families.
• Experience and Skills: Enables foreign workers to gain valuable work experience in Canada’s agricultural sector.

Useful Resources

• ESDC Agricultural Worker Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/agricultural.html
• IRCC Work Permits: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit.html
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/seasonal-agricultural.html

How GEMS Can Help

At Global Expert Migration Strategies (GEMS), we provide comprehensive support to employers and foreign workers navigating the Agricultural Worker Program. Our services include:

1. Employer Support

   • Assistance with LMIA applications, including preparing and submitting the required documentation.
   • Guidance on recruitment strategies and compliance with program regulations.

2. Foreign Worker Support

   • Personalized consultations to assess eligibility and understand job opportunities.
   • Assistance with work permit applications, ensuring all documents are correctly completed and submitted on time.
   • Guidance on preparing for arrival in Canada and understanding workplace rights and protections.

3. Post-Arrival Services

   • Continued support for both employers and foreign workers, including assistance with work permit extensions, transitions to permanent residence, and addressing any employment-related issues.