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Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Agriculture
Canada
Hire foreign workers for agriculture jobs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 12, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateJune 30, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
When qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available, you can access a pool of foreign workers you can hire on a temporary basis for activities in one of four streams related to primary agriculture (work that is done on a farm, or in a nurser
grant_single_labels|projects
This initiative allows employers in the agricultural sector to hire temporary foreign workers to perform essential tasks within primary agriculture. The focus is on activities that support the agricultural production and operations integral to the Canadian economy.
- Operation of agricultural machinery on a farm, nursery, or greenhouse.
- Care and handling of animals for the purpose of obtaining raw animal products.
- Activities related to the planting, care, harvesting, or preparation of crops, trees, sod, or other plants for market.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 51,200
Recruiting seasonal dairy farm workers for milking operations
$ 32,000
Recruiting low-wage foreign farmworkers for strawberry picking
$ 86,400
Bringing in temporary foreign workers for poultry processing
$ 120,000
Bringing in high-wage specialists for greenhouse operations
$ 64,000
Hiring seasonal workers for vegetable harvesting
$ 40,000
Hiring seasonal foreign workers for apple picking
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for hiring a temporary foreign agricultural worker under the specified streams is based on several criteria related to the type of agriculture and employee origin.
- Work duties must be performed within the boundaries of a farm, nursery, or greenhouse.
- Job activities must involve operation of agricultural machinery, animal handling for raw product market, or plant care for market.
- The job must be consistent with specified NOC codes: 80020, 80021, 82030, 82031, 84120, 85100, 85101, and 85103.
- Employers must hire temporary foreign workers under one of the specified streams: Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, Agricultural stream, Stream for high-wage positions, or Stream for low-wage positions.
- For the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, the worker must be from Mexico or participating Caribbean countries and the production must be on the National Commodities List.
- For the Agricultural stream, the worker can be from any country but the production must be on the National Commodities List.
- For the Stream for high-wage and low-wage positions, the production does not need to be on the National Commodities List.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies for the grant to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers in Canada include those involved in primary agriculture activities such as farm operations, animal handling, and crop preparation. Employers must meet specific criteria related to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and production types.
- Companies engaging in primary agriculture activities
- Employers with job positions aligned with National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes related to agriculture
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their primary activities not related to primary agriculture. These restrictions ensure compliance with the grant’s focus on the agricultural sector.
- Companies whose main activities are not performed within the boundaries of a farm, nursery, or greenhouse.
- Organizations not involved in the operation of agricultural machinery, animal care for raw animal products, or crop-related activities.
- Industries that do not fall under the specified National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The program supports agricultural employers in hiring temporary foreign workers for roles within primary agriculture, adhering strictly to designated activities and occupational classifications. This initiative helps address labor shortages by supplementing the workforce with suitable candidates from abroad.
- Operation of agricultural machinery within farms.
- Handling and care of animals for raw product market preparation.
- Planting and harvesting crops, trees, or plants within specified locations.
- Preparing sod and other plant products for market within agricultural boundaries.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available for companies hiring temporary foreign agricultural workers in Canada. There are no specific geographical restrictions mentioned, indicating flexibility in eligible locations across the country.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers (TFWs) in primary agriculture are expected to demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents. The evaluation and selection criteria include:
- Evidence of efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents for the position
- Demonstration of compliance with program requirements and regulations
- Relevance of the position to primary agriculture activities
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for hiring a temporary foreign agricultural worker:
- Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Stream
- Determine the correct stream for hiring a temporary foreign agricultural worker based on your production type and wage offering, such as the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, Agricultural Stream, Stream for high-wage positions, or Stream for low-wage positions.
- Step 2: Understand and Prepare LMIA Requirements
- Gather necessary details for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), though minimum advertising requirements are suspended until June 30, 2025.
- Ensure all job offers align with the NOC codes relevant to primary agriculture.
- Step 3: Submit LMIA Application
- Complete the LMIA application form through Employment and Social Development Canada's online portal or submit via the instructed method.
- Attach all supporting documents required for the chosen stream.
- Step 4: Await LMIA Decision
- Receive a decision from Employment and Social Development Canada on your LMIA application.
- Ensure compliance with any additional requests or documentation from the agency.
- Step 5: Facilitate Worker Entry
- Upon receiving a positive LMIA, facilitate the worker’s entry by ensuring they comply with all immigration entry requirements, including biometrics expansion notices if applicable.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- As of January 12, 2022, and until June 30, 2025, there is a temporary suspension of minimum advertising requirements for employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for hiring temporary foreign workers in primary agriculture.
- Employers are still expected to make efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents, although the same stringent proof of such activities is not required for the LMIA application during the suspension period.
- The grant can be applied to workers in primary agriculture who fit within specific NOC codes updated to the 2021 version.