New Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

In early 2020, an application for permanent residence will be available under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot for a period of three years, until 2023. This new pilot aims to attract and retain workers by providing them with an opportunity to become permanent residents and filling skill shortages, driving local economies, and creating and supporting middle-class jobs in communities across the country that will benefit all Canadians.

The target industries are particularly in meat processing and mushroom production, within the agri-food sector and help meet Canada’s ambitious export goals. The agriculture and agri-food industry is an important contributor to Canada’s economic growth and vitality, supporting 1 in 8 jobs across the country. Agricultural exports hit a new record in 2018, reaching $66.2 billion thereby making it a priority in our economy and complementing current immigration strategy.

“Our government is always looking for ways to promote growth in rural communities. This pilot provides those communities who rely on the agri-food sector the opportunity to address their labour market needs. It builds upon commitments made in Canada’s first-ever Rural Economic Development Strategy and the successful Atlantic Immigration Pilot.”

– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development