Because of its well-established agricultural sector, Canada is known to have a high demand for skilled farm laborers.
The rich prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are the hub of Canada’s livestock and agricultural sectors, which flourish on their broad plain grasslands.
Canada’s immigration rules aim to meet the country’s agricultural demands by facilitating the entry of competent farm workers in response to a scarcity of labor in the home labor market.
This strategy includes work visa programs for farmers, which makes Canada a desirable location for farm laborers worldwide.
This article will guide you through the process and visa requirements for hiring prospective farm workers through the Canada work visa programs.
The Three Work Visa Programs for Farm Workers in Canada
1. The Agri-Food Pilot
A three-year immigration trial program called the Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) got underway in May 2020. By bringing in experienced, non-seasonal workers, this initiative seeks to address labor shortages and contribute to Canada’s food security needs in the agri-food sector.
It’s an excellent method for non-seasonal workers in particular industries and occupations to secure long-term residency and employment in Canada.
The occupations eligible for the Agri-Food Pilot include Harvesting laborers (NOC 85101) and Livestock laborers (NOC 85100).
Eligibility
- A full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in the agricultural sector (outside of Quebec)
- Sufficient language skills in English or French per the standards outlined in the Canadian Language Benchmark
- Adequate funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada
- A clean criminal record
- Meeting any additional program-specific requirements
2. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a community-driven initiative that encourages immigrants to reside in rural and northern areas of Canada.
This program assists local employers, particularly those in the agriculture industry, in filling open positions.
In contrast to the SAWP, a Temporary Foreign Work Program component, the RNIP will advocate for your application for permanent residence to be approved by the Canadian government immediately. Eligible localities can apply for the RNIP.
Eligibility
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer in the agricultural sector
- A community recommendation from any one of the participating rural communities
- Sufficient language skills in English or French per the standards outlined in the Canadian Language Benchmark
- Adequate funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada
- A clean criminal record
3. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) aims to supply temporary labor to Canadian agricultural firms when they cannot locate domestic workers for their seasonal employment openings.
This program makes it easier for foreign employees from Mexico or some Caribbean countries to reside and work in Canada. However, it is crucial to remember that the SAWP is a transitory program, and employees are only permitted to work in Canada for a set period per year.
The company initiates the procedure by requesting a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to ensure that no Canadian worker is qualified.
After receiving a positive LMIA, the employee receives a formal job offer. If all immigration and visa requirements are satisfied and the employment contract terms align with Canadian norms, the worker can apply for a work permit.
Eligibility
- The worker must be from a country that participates in the SAWP (Mexico, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
- Have a job offer for seasonal agricultural work.
- Workers must comply with immigration and visa regulations.
- Workers and employers must meet the conditions outlined in the employment contract.
Benefits of the Work Visa Programs for Farm Workers in Canada
This visa offers the significant advantage of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
The Canadian government has established initiatives to entice foreign workers to develop long-term relationships with the country because it acknowledges the significance of the agriculture industry.
Through various immigration categories, people who work in the agricultural industry and can prove their dedication to Canada may be able to apply for permanent residency.
The Process of Applying for a Farm Worker Visa in Canada
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The process starts when the Canadian employer gets Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to issue a positive LMIA. This critical stage guarantees a legitimate need for a foreign worker and verifies that no Canadian worker is qualified.
The stringent LMIA procedure guarantees that hiring a foreign worker is necessary while defending the interests of the Canadian labor market.
Application Submission
A positive LMIA clears the pathway for the foreign worker to apply for a work permit. The application process involves meticulously submitting various necessary documents.
Furthermore, the positive LMIA is essential, serving as a substantial foundation for the application. The documents submitted to the IRCC must be complete and accurately reflect the applicant’s eligibility.
Medical Examination
Certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination depending on their circumstances and the requirements stipulated by IRCC.
This step is imperative to ensure that the applicant does not pose a medical risk to Canadians and is fit to work in the agricultural sector, which often involves physically demanding tasks.
Visa Approval
The application moves toward approval after all necessary documents are submitted and reviewed and required procedures, such as the medical examination, are completed.
IRCC conducts a comprehensive review to ensure that all prerequisites are met. The farm worker visa is issued if the application aligns with all the requirements and successfully navigates through the evaluation process.
What are the Top Provinces for Farm Jobs in Canada?
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is renowned for having rich soil, which makes it an excellent place for agriculture. The province grows various crops, such as lentils, canola, and wheat.
Additionally, Saskatchewan boasts a robust livestock economy with many employment prospects in the dairy, hog, and beef industries.
Workers in general, nursery, and greenhouse agriculture have access to a particular immigration program that allows them to apply for permanent residency after working in the province for a minimum of six months.
This is the ideal opportunity for temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents of Canada.
Ontario
Ontario, Canada’s most populated province, boasts a varied agricultural sector. The province is well-known for its dairy, poultry, and fruit and vegetable businesses.
Additionally, it boasts a flourishing greenhouse sector that offers employment opportunities all year round. Over 90% of Canada’s soybeans, nearly 50% of its corn, and practically all of its tobacco are produced in Ontario.
Farm laborers are entitled to apply for permanent residency offered by the province, which includes harvesting laborers.
Alberta
The agricultural sector in Alberta is broad and varied, including employment opportunities in agribusiness, livestock farming, and crop production.
The province boasts numerous sizable cattle ranches and is well-known for its beef business. In addition, Alberta’s organic farming sector is expanding and offers employment prospects in this specialized field.
Alberta’s primary products are cattle, wheat, barley, and canola. Most of these farms are in counties like Barrhead, Westlock, Woodlands, and Lac Ste. Anne. In terms of industrial hemp output, Alberta leads the prairies.
Conclusion
For competent farm laborers, the agricultural sector in Canada offers a wide range of employment options.
People can seize opportunities to work in this exciting and expanding business by knowing the best Canadian agriculture work visa programs for farm workers, the qualifications for these visas, and the best provinces in Canada for farm jobs.
Thanks to the Opportunity Stream, harvesting laborers in Alberta can obtain permanent residency in the country by merely receiving a nomination from their local government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Permanent Residency (PR) as a farm worker in Canada?
Yes, obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada as a farm worker is possible. One pathway is through the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, which targets non-seasonal agricultural workers who have eligible job offers in specific industries and occupations.
Additionally, provincial nominee programs (PNPs) may offer routes to PR for farm workers based on regional labor market needs.
Ensure you meet all the criteria, such as work experience, language proficiency, and other eligibility requirements, to enhance your chances of success in obtaining PR.
How long can a farm worker stay in Canada?
The duration a farm worker can stay in Canada depends on the validity of their work permit, which is often aligned with the terms of the employment contract.
A work permit for agricultural workers might be issued for up to 24 months. Extensions are possible but are subject to eligibility, employer needs, and authorities’ approval.
Do farm workers need IELTS in Canada?
Language requirements such as IELTS scores depend on the specific immigration or visa program through which a farm worker is applying. Language proficiency tests like IELTS might not always be necessary for temporary foreign worker programs.
However, if a farm worker aims for permanent residency through pathways like the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot or specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), meeting language proficiency requirements, possibly through tests like IELTS, might be essential.