The long-awaited Agri-food Immigration Pilot has finally been passed! Canada introduced the pilot to allow experienced immigrant employees in the farm and livestock sector to apply for permanent residence.
This Agri-food Immigration pilot was to be launched in March, but doe to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the dates had to be moved forward. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) get to be permanent Canadian residents.
While this move greatly benefits skilled workers in industry, it also guarantees economic development for Canada as a state. This is a win-win scenario because the agriculture and food processing employs one in eight people in Canada.
Did you know that Agri-food exports in Canada hit $67 billion in 2019? You’ll agree with me that this is a record that cannot go unnoticed. As a booming industry, it attracts many talented workers from different parts of the world. The pilot aims at retaining talent as it’s essential in improving the living standards of all Canadians.
How does the Pilot work?
This three-year pilot is now open for applications and the best part is anyone who qualifies can immigrate into Canada with their family. Thanks to the pilot, 2,750 more spots have been made available and this move fills a huge gap in the labour market.
Skilled livestock and farm workers who apply for the pilot should be non-seasonal. Before you begin the visa application process, ensure you have extensive experience in mushroom production, meat processing, and the livestock sector.
Taking Care of the Temporary Foreign Workers
Aside from a three-year job security, the Agri-food Immigration pilot is also geared to address the labor needs of all workers. All employees who hold a temporary visa, working in greenhouse production, as well as livestock-raising sectors will be taken care of as stipulated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2,750 applicants together with their families will be admitted annually, for as long as the pilot runs. This means, the program will run up until 2023, and IRCC set the specific date to be May 14, the same year.
As a result, Canadian employers within the specified sectors are calling on Canada’s federal government to help in the recruiting and training process. This way, the Agri-food industry can successful select and retain the workforce needed for seamless operation.
