Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) — Agriculture
- Open Date : January 12, 2022
- Closing date : June 30, 2025
Overview
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Agriculture allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers for occupations related to primary agriculture, with activities falling under specific National Occupational Classification codes. Employers are exempt from meeting minimum advertising requirements for hiring in agriculture until June 30, 2025; the program supports sectors including crop production, animal care, and agricultural machinery operation.
At a glance
Funding available
- Attract or retain talent
- Varies by project
- Open Date : January 12, 2022
- Closing date : June 30, 2025
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Canada
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- All groups
Next Steps
Activities funded
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
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
Who is not eligible
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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
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.
Additional information
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.