Express Entry and Canada’s Agriculture Sector: Pathways for Foreign Workers
If you are a skilled worker in the agriculture and agri-food industry, Canada has made it easier for you to immigrate to the country through their recently launched category-based selection! In this article, we will discuss all about Canada Express Entry’s Agriculture and Agri-Foods Category Selection.
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🌾 What is Express Entry? Agriculture and Agri-Foods Occupations Category Selection
Express Entry Canada refers to the points-based system or process of selecting candidates for Canada permanent residency from the pool of applicants who have submitted their EE profile. The selection is based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
The Agriculture and Agri-Foods Occupations Category is a specific stream within the Express Entry system that targets skilled workers with experience in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. This category aims to address the labor needs in these industries and attract professionals who can contribute to Canada’s agricultural development.
“”77% of our members are affected by labour shortages, with 40% unable to fill vacancies to meet their existing operational needs and 19% unable to find the staff to grow their business…”
Originally, Express Entry had 3 programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). In this system, candidates were evaluated based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. Now, let’s explore how these streams are relevant to the newly introduced Agriculture and Agri-Foods category within Express Entry.
👩🌾 Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) for Agriculture Workers
The FSTP is designed for skilled tradespeople with experience in specific occupations. To be eligible, they need a job offer or a certificate of qualification. The Agriculture and Agri-Foods category within Express Entry considers skilled tradespeople with relevant experience in agriculture and agri-food industries applying for permanent residency.
👩🌾 Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for Agriculture Workers
The FSWP is for skilled workers living outside Canada who want to become permanent residents. It assesses factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The Agriculture and Agri-Foods category within Express Entry considers skilled workers with relevant experience in the agriculture and agri-food sectors applying for permanent residency.
👩🌾 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for Agriculture Workers
The FSTP is designed for skilled tradespeople with experience in specific occupations. To be eligible, they need a job offer or a certificate of qualification. The Agriculture and Agri-Foods category within Express Entry considers skilled tradespeople with relevant experience in agriculture and agri-food industries applying for permanent residency.
👩🌾 Who is Eligible for Express Entry’s Agriculture Category? List of Agriculture and Agri-Foods Occupations
To be eligible for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations Category, there are specific requirements that applicants must meet. These requirements are designed to ensure that individuals have relevant work experience and meet the criteria for the specific occupation listed below.
Within the past three years, you must have accumulated at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience).
Ensure that you meet all the specific requirements mentioned in the ministerial instructions for the relevant Express Entry round.
Your work experience must be in a single occupation listed in the table provided below. This applies to both work done in Canada or abroad.
Agricultural and Agri-Foods Occupations | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services | 82031 | 2 |
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors | 82030 | 2 |
Butchers- retail and wholesale | 63201 | 3 |
FSTP Requirement for Education
Canadian Education: If you have completed education in Canada, you can earn points for a certificate, diploma, or degree from either a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or a post-secondary institution.
Foreign Education: For individuals with foreign education, it is still possible to earn points through the FSTP. To do so, you need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes from a designated organization. Though not required, by obtaining a favorable ECA report for FSTP, you can increase your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
☑️ Benefits of Working in Canada as an Agriculture or Agri-Foods Foreign Worker Under Express Entry
Canada’s tech industry offers a multitude of benefits and opportunities for professionals in the STEM fields. Here are some key advantages of immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry’s STEM Category:
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries offer abundant employment opportunities for foreign workers under Express Entry. Skilled individuals can find positions in various sectors such as farming, food processing, agricultural research, and more. The diversity of roles ensures that foreign workers can choose careers that align with their expertise and interests.
Working in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors often comes with competitive wages and favorable work conditions. The country values its workforce and maintains industry standards to ensure fair compensation and safe working environments. This commitment enhances job satisfaction and provides foreign workers with a stable and rewarding employment experience.
Foreign workers in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries have the opportunity to enhance their professional growth and skill development. Employers invest in training programs to upskill workers, enabling them to excel in their roles and contribute to the industry’s advancements. This dedication to continuous improvement ensures that foreign workers can build valuable expertise during their time in Canada.
Canada’s social services, including high-quality healthcare and education, are accessible to foreign workers and their families. This comprehensive support system provides peace of mind and a healthy work-life balance for foreign workers pursuing opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
Working in Canada under Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, Canadian citizenship. Foreign workers with valuable skills and experience can showcase their eligibility through the Express Entry system, increasing their chances of obtaining permanent resident status. Becoming a permanent resident opens doors to numerous benefits, including access to social services, education, and employment opportunities throughout the country.
