Are you looking to start a new life as a farm worker in Canada? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many ways to immigrate to Canada as a farm worker. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various pathways on how to immigrate to Canada as a farmer. Whether you’re looking for permanent or temporary residency, this guide will help you understand the process of immigrating to Canada as a farm worker. Read on to learn more!
You’re on the right track if your goal has been to work on farms in Canada. Did you know that from 2019 to 2028, there will be 15,200 farmer job openings in the Great White North?
According to Canada Job Bank, this calls for 17,000 new job searchers; enough to state that the labor market will maintain a healthy balance between labor supply and demand starting in 2019 up until the 2028 term. Moving forward into 2028, this is advantageous.
Due to the long-term demand for agricultural workers, farmers in the North can see a bright future for themselves and their families. This article will cover which Canadian provinces currently need farm workers, the best programs for farmers, and how to apply to start your life-changing journey.
Easiest Provinces to Immigrate to Canada as a Farmer
You would need to target the proper provinces and territories looking to fill the labor shortage and the skills you have to offer if you wanted to work as a farm worker in Canada. We will present to you the employment opportunities that are either “Fair,” “Limited,” “Undetermined,” or “Good” in each province or territory.
Demand for General Farm Workers (NOC 8431) in Nova Scotia
The following factors can influence whether there are job possibilities in Nova Scotia:
- Employment for general farm workers will birth many new positions.
- Retirements will mean fewer available vacancies.
- Some farmers are unemployed with experience in this occupation.
- The prediction of potential high employee turnover could generate more employment opportunities.
- Work in this occupation is seasonable and due to the nature and circumstances of this occupation, working during the summer months are more preferred.
According to Canada Job Bank, the number of full-time employees is 73%, compared to 80% for all occupations, and the number of part-time employees is 27%, as opposed to 20% for all occupations. The availability of job opportunities in this occupation can vary, just like in any other job. We suggest you keep an open mind and explore different career paths as a backup if you want to live and work as a farm worker in Canada.
The Demand for General Farm Workers (NOC 8431) in Ontario
Below are some factors that help determine the availability of job opportunities in Ontario:
- There’s a stable employment rate that’s being maintained.
- There won’t be many vacancies available due to retirement.
- There are a few farmers who are unemployed with experience in this occupation.
The number of full-time employees in this province is 69%, compared to 79% across all occupations. According to Canada Job Bank, the number of part-time employees is 31%, compared to 21% across all occupations.
The Demand for General Farm Workers (NOC 8431) in Prince Edward Island
Below are some factors that help determine the availability of job opportunities in Prince Edward Island:
- Growth in employment in this province will result in new vacancies.
- There won’t be many vacancies available due to retirement.
- Some farmers are unemployed with experience in this occupation.
- The prediction of potential high employee turnover could generate more employment opportunities.
- The nature and seasonal circumstances of this occupation will vary, affecting the availability of job opportunities.
According to data from Canada Job Bank, 83% of workers in this province are employed full-time, compared to 83% across all occupations, and 17% are employed part-time. Furthermore, farmers can anticipate a balanced labor supply and demand in the future for general farm workers, so they won’t need to worry about this market over the following ten years.
When relocating abroad, you should have a variety of solutions in mind that will allow you and your family to live comfortably. We strongly advise anyone wishing to live and work in Canada to thoroughly investigate the province or territory before settling there. Because different provinces have different difficulties, be careful to conduct studies on potentials such as career opportunities, cost of living, and safety and security.
What Skills Do I Need to Work in Canada as a Farm Worker?
No formal education is necessary, and due to the nature of the job, foreign workers may receive training while on the job. But the following are the abilities that all farmers should possess:
- General farmers in Canada must prove that they attended a Grower Pesticide Safety Course or an on-farming training session that was supervised and approved.
- The foreign worker should have experience operating various agricultural machinery such as seeders, sprayers, feeding systems, etc.
- Experience in agricultural farming (crop or livestock) may be highly favored.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Farm Worker
You must be aware of the programs to which you can apply to work as a farm worker in Canada if you want to come to Canada successfully.
The Agri-Food Pilot Program
This is a pilot program, so the Canadian government has not yet made it a permanent initiative. Its purpose is to determine the pilot’s long-term viability. The Agri-Food Pilot also aims to meet the labor demands and shortages in the agri-food industry. We want to point out that this pilot is appropriate for foreign nationals who are skilled non-seasonal workers and who wish to apply for Canadian permanent residence. As a pilot program, it will continue until May 2023.
Eligibility to apply for permanent residence under the Agri-Food Pilot
- You must have Canadian work experience in occupations or industries the Canadian government deems eligible.
- You must have a non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries outside Quebec.
- Applicants must meet the language requirements and, if possible, exceed them.
- Applicants must have the necessary settlement funds where needed.
- Applicants should maintain temporary residence status if they’re in Canada already.
Educational Requirements under the Agri-Food Pilot:
- You must have a Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization or professional body – this will prove that you’ve completed a foreign credential at the secondary school level or above.
- Note that your ECA report cannot be more than five years old based on the date of your application.
- The original ECA report should be issued on or after the date the organization was designated.
Let’s look at some sectors or professions the official Canadian government website lists as eligible in that country.
Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116) is:
- NOC B 6331 – Retail butchers
- NOC C 9462 – Industrial butchers
- NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC D 9617 – Food processing laborers
Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114):
- NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
- NOC D 8611 – Harvesting laborers
Animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, and 1129):
- NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
According to information on the official website of the Canadian government, the annual restrictions below show the number of applications that can be accepted for each occupation:
The Express Entry System
Express Entry is a points-based online system for managing immigration applications. The system comprises of the following three very accommodating programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
But why is Express Entry so well-liked? The program is well-known among other immigration programs for being user-friendly and for producing quick immigration results. Candidates for Express Entry must obtain up to 600 points; however, they are also eligible to receive an additional 600 points if they, their spouses, or partners meet other criteria that the Canadian government would consider highly favorable for immigration to Canada.
By doing this, applicants can improve their chances of receiving an Invitation To Apply (ITA), which is required for all foreign nationals to apply directly to Express Entry programs.
READ ALSO: How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa
Just so you know, the accuracy and completeness of the information you provide on your Express Entry profile will determine whether you receive an ITA. Remember that you must verify the data you’ve provided with the required credentials and other documents if you succeed.
Any dishonesty on your part will result in the IRCC delaying and rejecting your application. We, therefore, advise applicants to apply to any immigration program with integrity.
Let’s now discuss the steps involved in the application process.
How to Apply to Immigrate to Canada as a Farm Worker
Whatever immigration category you select, you must follow these procedures to apply for permanent residency in Canada:
- Check if you meet the program criteria (and the job requirements)
- Check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score – under the Express Entry system or other points-driven programs
- Gather your documents beforehand and have them ready
- Create your online Express Entry profile
- Apply to the most suitable program, pay the application fees and submit your application
After completing the steps above to obtain PR in Canada, the waiting game begins.
FAQs
Furthermore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions on how to immigrate to Canada as a farmworker.
Which program makes it the easiest to immigrate to Canada?
The Express Entry procedure is the most popular choice. Given that it has three flexible immigration options, including the Federal Skilled Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program, it is very accommodating. The method is renowned for producing quick results.
Can Canadian farmers obtain Permanent Residence?
Yes, farmers who choose the proper province or territory looking for farmers can obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Before applying, it’s crucial to research the Canadian provinces to ensure you can meet the program standards and the hiring needs. The Agri-Food Pilot, which will last through May 2023, offers PR in Canada.
Are farm workers needed in Canada?
In Canada, there is a significant demand for farmers because there will be 15,200 new openings from 2019 to 2028, according to the Canadian government. However, one would need to confirm whether there are prospects in each province. We urge immigrants to keep their alternatives open because the agriculture economy is seasonal, physically demanding, and combined with the unpredictability of Canadian weather.
The good news is that Canada provides a wealth of diverse job choices that meet the demands of everyone. But if you’re determined to come to this country as a farmer, you should look into the Agri-Food Pilot, which will last until May 2023. The experimental program also makes PR possible for knowledgeable, seasoned personnel in Canada.
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