The Agri-Food Pilot Program serves as a solution to the labor demands within Canada’s agri-food sector. It offers a route to permanent residency for skilled, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations.

Recent Changes to the Agri-Food Pilot Program

As of February 10, 2024, significant changes have been introduced to the Agri-Food Pilot Program:

• Applicants residing in Canada when applying can opt to fulfill either the job offer or educational requirement.
• Work experience acquired under an open work permit for vulnerable foreign workers now counts towards the work experience requirement.

Eligibility Criteria for the Agri-Food Pilot

To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Job Offer or Educational Requirements:

• Applicants residing in Canada during the application submission can choose to fulfill either the job offer or educational requirement.
• If residing outside Canada during application, both the job offer and educational requirements must be met.

2. Educational Requirements:

• Candidates must possess either a Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization.
• The ECA report must be issued within five years of the application date.

3. Work Experience:

• A minimum of one year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work in the past three years is required.
• Work experience must be in one or more eligible occupations within the eligible industries.

4. Language Proficiency:

• Proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 4 is necessary.
• Test results must be submitted from an approved language test taken within the last two years.

5. Settlement Funds:

• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to settle in Canada, unless already working in Canada with a valid work permit.

Eligible Industries and Occupations

1. Eligible Industries:

• Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
• Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production, including Mushroom Production (NAICS 1114)
• Animal Production, excluding aquaculture

2. Eligible Occupations:

• Occupations within the eligible industries are classified by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
• Specific occupations are listed under each eligible industry, such as meat product manufacturing and greenhouse production.

The Agri-Food Pilot Program offers a valuable pathway to permanent residency in Canada for skilled workers in specific industries and occupations. By meeting the eligibility criteria and adhering to recent changes, applicants can avail themselves of this opportunity to contribute to Canada’s agri-food sector while securing their future in the country.

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