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
Facts:
- employers will sign up to participate in the pilot and will be eligible for a 2-year LMIA
- a cap of 2,750 principal applicants plus their family members per year will be accepted meaning eligible participants must act quickly to apply prior to the cap being filled. Approximately 16,500 possible new permanent residents until 2023 may benefit
- eligibility factors are not yet available but we anticipate an update later this year (2019)
- it has been the case in the past that there were limited options for permanent residence available to individuals who worked in agriculture as employees not business owners
- addressing labour market needs will help key industries in Canada grow
- these are monumental changes that may benefit thousands of people interested in immigrating to Canada but who do not have financial means or want to become entrepreneurs or self-employed in the agriculture field
- stay tuned for more information prior to the end of this year
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