Apply for Canada PR through the Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Agri-Food Pilot Program of Canada aims to invite workers from particular occupations to fill in the labour demands of certain occupations. A few provinces of Canada have been battling labour needs since most of the workers are seasonal whereas the jobs aren’t. Hence, Canada decided to provide permanent residence to experienced workers so they would stay in the country and be a long-term asset to the agri-food industry. 

Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) of Canada provides a pathway to permanent residence for particular occupations and certain industries only. 

This program aims to reduce labor shortages in the agri-food sector of Canada which is currently facing one of the worst labor needs in the country.  

Those with plenty of work experience in particular fields and are looking for work in Canada in eligible occupations, can try out the Agri-Food Pilot in Canada. 

Before we check out the steps to apply for PR through AFP, we need to see which are the eligible occupations and industries, and what are the eligibility requirements under the Agri-Food Pilot Program. 

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Eligibility Criteria for PR via AFP

• The candidate must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer in Canada. The job offer must be in one of the eligible occupations. 

• The candidate must have Canadian work experience in one of the eligible occupations. 

• They should have enough financial resources. 

• The candidate must meet or could also exceed language requirements, and educational requirements. 

• In case they are already in Canada, they should maintain their temporary residence status. 

Next, let’s check out the eligible industries under the Agri-Food Pilot Program of Canada. 

Eligible Industries under Agri-Food Pilot

• meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)

• greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)

• animal production (excluding aquaculture) 

1. hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
2. cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
3. poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
4. sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
5. other animal production (NAICS 1129)

The specific industries identified here are classified based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). When the candidate requires a job offer, their employer must have mentioned a valid, eligible industry code on the job offer. 

Eligible Occupations

The eligible occupations under the meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116) are:

• NOC 63201- Butchers – retail and wholesale
• NOC 65202- Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale
• NOC 94141- Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
• NOC 82030- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120- Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100- Livestock labourers
• NOC 95106- Labourers in food and beverage processing

Eligible occupations with NOC codes under the greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114) are:

• NOC 82030- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120- Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100- Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101- Harvesting labourers

For those in animal agriculture (excluding aquaculture) (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, and 1129) eligible occupations are:

• NOC 82030- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120- Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100- Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101- Harvesting labourers

Now that we have covered which occupations are eligible for the Agri-Food Pilot, let’s see the process to apply for permanent residency. 

Also Read: Are You Legally Entitled to Work in Canada?

How to Apply for PR through AFP?

1. Complete Application Package
2. Give Biometrics
3. Pay Fees
4. Submit Application

Step 1: Complete Application Package

The candidate’s job offer and work experience, both, should meet the eligibility requirements of the program. In case any one of them is not eligible, the permanent residence application may even be refused. 

The candidate may need to fill out some online application forms and sign a few PDF forms. These are: 

1. Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
2. Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
3. Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
4. Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)
5. Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (in case it is needed)
6. Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (in case it is needed)

Step 2: Give Biometrics

Once you are done filling out the necessary forms and applications, you should go ahead and apply for biometrics. Biometrics information of an individual consists of their fingerprints and photographs to verify their identity. 

If the candidate is between the ages of 14 and 79, they need to give their biometrics. 

Step 3: Pay Fee

You must pay the PR application fee online. Since the application process is online, it is understandable that the payment is also done online. 

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit your completed Canada permanent resident application. But, before you do so, make sure that all the necessary documents are uploaded, information entered, applications signed, and payment receipts attached to the main PR application. Then you can apply. 

Do Read: Apply For Canada Visa From India 2024

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