Canada has announced it will conduct a first Express Entry draw aimed at the agriculture and agri-food sector this week.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller said on Wednesday that the draw targeting candidates with skills and experience in three occupations in the sector would take place.
Those jobs are agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and retail and wholesale butchers
Occupation | 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 |
The sector is the final one on a list identified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canad as having a level of labour shortages that needed to be tackled with occupation-specific draws.
Express Entry invitations have already targeted the other four sectors, namely:
The new draws have also targeted candidates with French language proficiency.
“By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with work experience in agriculture and agri-food jobs, Canada aims to meet increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the advancement of the nation’s farming and food processing operations,” IRCC said.
Miller added: “Food security is top of mind for all Canadians, and our country is the fifth-largest exporter of agri-food and seafood on the planet.
Read More Canada Express Entry News
Alberta Express Entry Draw Targets Tourism and Hospitality Sector
Canada Express Entry Draw To Target Truck Drivers Among 10 Transport Jobs
CRS As Low As 300 In Alberta Express Entry Draw For Healthcare Workers
“That is why addressing labour shortages is crucial to maintain the sector’s ability to produce and process food at this scale for Canadians and export markets around the world.
“This is an exciting step toward welcoming more skilled farm and food workers to our country.”
Video
Canada has now conducted the following draws this year:
IRCC has now issued 85,448 ITAs in 2023 after inviting 45,115 candidates in the whole of 2022.
Canada also operates the Agri-Food Pilot, launched in 2020, providing a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations.
IRCC has recently announced several changes to the Agri-Food Pilot, including an extension by two years until May 2025.
Discover the latest trends in Canadian immigration with a notable decline in permanent residency applications.…
Learn about the Parti Québécois' call to halt temporary immigration in Quebec, its impact on…
In a recent panel discussion at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa,…
Discover Saskatchewan's enhanced Immigration Services Act, bolstering protection for foreign workers, combating fraud, and facilitating…
Discover how newcomers to Canada can access a wide range of benefits and tax credits…
Discover how immigrant children in Canada outshine their counterparts, excelling in education and earning higher…
This website uses cookies.