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|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
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 grant allows employers in the agricultural sector to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers to perform essential primary agriculture duties. These activities are specified to ensure that the agricultural production is effectively supported by foreign workers under designated streams.
- Operation of agricultural machinery on farms, nurseries, or greenhouses.
- Care, breeding, and handling of animals to obtain raw products like milk or wool.
- Planting, care, and harvesting of crops and plants for market purposes.
- Activities related to preparation of crops, trees, and sod 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_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.
Apply to this program
Temporary Agricultural Workforce Support in Canada
This grant through Employment and Social Development Canada allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers (TFWs) without needing to meet minimum advertising requirements for LMIAs during a specified period. It facilitates access to necessary labour for primary agriculture activities aligned with specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
Understanding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for Agriculture
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in agriculture provides a streamlined process for employers in Canada to source necessary labour from abroad. With the recent suspension until June 30, 2025, of the minimum advertising requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA), this initiative is particularly beneficial for agricultural employers who need to supplement their workforce with temporary foreign labour due to shortages in local labour availability. These changes are crucial in supporting continuous agricultural production and meeting market demands.
Employers involved in primary agriculture can utilize this grant to hire skilled temporary foreign agricultural workers who will engage in essential on-farm activities. These activities must comply with designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, including the operation of agricultural machinery, planting, care, and harvesting of crops, or livestock care other than fish, aligning with Canada's agribusiness needs. The emphasis on maintaining production continuity without the previous advertising constraints enhances efficiency in the hiring process.
The TFWP outlines specific streams through which employers can hire foreign workers — the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, the Agricultural Stream, and streams for both high-wage and low-wage positions. Each stream has detailed requirements concerning the source countries of the workers and the nature of the agricultural products, such as those on the National Commodities List. Employers must select the appropriate stream based on their needs and ensure compatibility with the type of agricultural production they are engaged in, enhancing the specificity and relevance of workforce participation.
While the temporary suspension of advertising requirements provides flexibility, it remains important for employers to demonstrate continued efforts to recruit Canadians and permanent residents. This ongoing recruitment requirement ensures that the program still considers domestic labour market conditions and encourages local employment opportunities wherever possible. Additionally, employers must remain compliant with all other TFWP regulations to avoid penalties, such as the worker's rights protection and proper management of the employment contract and conditions.
The use of the 2021 version of the NOC is a critical part of the transition to a more updated classification system, ensuring that the job roles and requirements are relevant to contemporary agricultural practices and labour dynamics. This update is a part of ongoing improvements within the TFWP to align with international workforce standards.
This program not only supports the immediate labour needs of agricultural employers but also contributes to the broader goals of maintaining food security and economic stability in Canada's agricultural sector. By facilitating the hiring of temporary foreign workers, the program allows for the continued operation and competitiveness of Canadian farms, nurseries, and greenhouses, even amidst local labour shortages. The streamlined LMIA process is a pivotal component in achieving these objectives, reducing administrative burden and potentially expediting the hiring process.
Overall, this grant and its associated changes reflect a targeted approach to fostering resilience and sustainability in Canada's primary agriculture sector. It recognizes the sector's unique challenges and aims to provide a practical, responsive solution through regulated but supportive frameworks, ensuring that Canadian agriculture continues to thrive and contribute significantly to the economy.
