In a significant boost to its agricultural and food industry sector, Canada is extending its Agri-Food Pilot until May 14, 2025.
Mr. Sean Fraser, Canada’s immigration minister, highlighted a broad spectrum of changes to the Agri-Food Pilot program besides the decision to extend its validity until May 2025. The decision will help experienced agricultural and food industry workers transition to permanent residency. It will help the sector fill its labor market gaps bolstering Canada’s food supply system.
Changes on the anvil
The following changes are in the pipeline to strengthen the Agri-Food pilot program.
- Allowing family members of all Agri-Food pilot applicants to access open work permits
- Providing the option of meeting job offers or education criteria to candidates residing in Canada
- Bringing more workers under the ambit of the Agri-food pilot program by accepting work experience through open work permits
- Providing an alternative of work experience attestation by unions to the employer reference letters
These changes to the Agri-food Pilot program’s eligibility criteria will enable Canada to attract more skilled workers in mushroom production, greenhouse crop production, livestock raising, and meat processing industries. The new criteria will expand the support to applicants and their family members and lower barriers to becoming eligible for permanent residency.
