Canada has announced the extension of Agri-Food Pilot- Removed Annual occupational Cap

The Immigration Minister of Canada, Sean Fraser on 8th May announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot, It will now be operational until May 14, 2025. Launched in May 2020, this immigration pilot helps assist the transition of experienced workers in agricultural and food industries to PR (Permanent Residence) in Canada.

IRCC has extended the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

The Government understand the significance of supporting the agri-food sector’s labour market requirements and consolidating Canada’s food supply system. One key to success for Canadian farmers and food processors is their capability to hire and retain a skilled workforce. Speaking about this measure, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said,

“Our farmers and food processors depend on the steady arrival of foreign workers so that planting, harvesting and food processing activities can take place throughout the year, and they need our continued support to attract and retain these talented workers. Extending the Agri-Food Pilot helps these sectors find the employees they need, so we can be confident that our food security, economy and living standards for Canadians across the country will continue to improve and grow.”

To support employers and applicants, the Minister has also announced the elimination of the annual occupational caps, or the limits for how many applicants can apply for a specific occupation under this particular pilot. Eliminating these limits will provide a chance to more eligible applicants to apply.

Upcoming Changes to the Pilot

By the end of 2023 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is planning to announce new changes to the pilot in phases, such as,

• Providing open work permit access to family members of all members in the Agri-Food Pilot—irrespective of the participant’s job skill level
• allowing unions to attest to a applicant’s work experience, as an alternate to employer reference letters
• giving candidates residing in Canada the option to either fulfil the employment offer requirement, including the median wage requirement for the employment offer, or the education requirement, including ECA verification
• accepting work experience obtained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers, providing more workers an opportunity to qualify

The Agri-Food Pilot accompaniments Canada’s existing group of economic immigration programs, which comprise the following:

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP),
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot,
• Caregivers pilots,
• Global Skills Strategy,
• Express Entry, and
• Provincial Nominee Program.

It continues to endorse the skills and labour required in the agriculture and agri-food sector while also offering an opportunity for these workers to settle in Canada and contribute to the economy of the maple leaf country.

Also read-

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Manitoba PNP Immigration Draws on 4th May- 539 Candidates received Letters of Advice

New ISW category draw of Saskatchewan PNP- 1,032 Candidates received Invitation

Saskatchewan invites 34 candidates in Entrepreneur category draw of SINP

To confirm latest Canada immigration updates and apply for immigration to Canada this year, through best Immigration Program, you may call on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar