From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n May 15, 2020\u2014Ottawa\u2014<\/strong> The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced the commencement of the Agri-Food Pilot, which will begin accepting applications today.<\/p>\n This three-year initiative is designed to address labor shortages in the meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock-raising sectors by providing a pathway to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers already in Canada.<\/p>\n Annually, the pilot will accept up to 2,750 applications, primarily targeting individuals currently residing in Canada. Existing travel restrictions will remain in effect.<\/p>\n Canada seeks to attract global talent through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, which aims to mitigate skill shortages, boost local economies, and support middle-class employment across the country.<\/p>\n The Agri-Food Pilot complements existing economic immigration programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the caregivers pilots, the Global Skills Strategy, Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program.<\/p>\n The success of Canada’s agricultural sector relies on recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce. This pilot ensures that the agri-food industry has the talent it needs to enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards nationwide.<\/p>\n \u201cSupporting our farmers and food processors is crucial to maintaining Canada’s food security. Attracting and keeping skilled workers is vital for economic growth and improving Canadians’ living standards. The Agri-Food Pilot will bring in permanent residents who have proven their ability to contribute economically and support our farmers and processors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThis initiative provides a crucial pathway to permanent residency for experienced workers who are essential to feeding our country and driving economic growth. Today’s announcement strengthens our commitment to ensuring our farmers and food producers have the support they need, while guaranteeing worker safety.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Contacts for media only<\/strong><\/p>\n Kevin Lemkay<\/strong> Media Relations<\/strong> The Agri-Food Pilot is a program aimed at addressing labor shortages in the agri-food sector by offering a pathway to permanent residency for temporary foreign workers in Canada.<\/p>\n Eligibility includes workers in meat processing, greenhouse production, and livestock-raising sectors, among other specified roles.<\/p>\n Applications will be accepted from May 15, 2020, to May 14, 2023.<\/p>\n No, the Agri-Food Pilot does not apply in Quebec due to the Canada-Quebec Accord.<\/p>\n For more information, Read our immigration guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Program Launch Announcement<\/h2>\n
Statements from Officials<\/h2>\n
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Important Information<\/h2>\n
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Media Contacts<\/h2>\n
Minister\u2019s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064<\/p>\n
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
What is the Agri-Food Pilot?<\/h3>\n
Who is eligible for the Agri-Food Pilot?<\/h3>\n
How long will the Agri-Food Pilot accept applications?<\/h3>\n
Does the Agri-Food Pilot apply to Quebec?<\/h3>\n