Migrate to Canada as an Agricultural Worker: Step-by-Step from Africa
The dream of a stable career and life abroad is highly attainable for those with agricultural work experience. If you are looking to migrate to Canada as an Agricultural Worker from Africa, this comprehensive guide provides the necessary steps, programs, and official links to begin your application journey. Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is continually hiring, making this a viable path for immigration.
Step 1: Understand the Core Immigration Pathways
To migrate to Canada as an Agricultural Worker, you’ll primarily use a temporary work visa that acts as a bridge to permanent residence (PR).
Temporary Work Path: The TFWP
The main route for workers from African nations is the Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This allows Canadian employers to hire foreign agricultural workers for year-round, non-seasonal positions when local workers are unavailable.
- Eligibility: Your potential job must fall under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, such as:
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting labourers
- NOC 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
Permanent Residence (PR) Goal: The Agri-Food Pilot
After gaining work experience, the most direct permanent residence pathway for many is the Agri-Food Pilot (AFP). This pilot is for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific agri-food industries. Please note: While the pilot continues to process applications, the deadline for new applications was May 14, 2025. Always check the official IRCC website for the latest program status and potential future pathways.
- Other Options: Canadian work experience is highly valued and can improve your chances for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the federal Express Entry system, allowing you to settle permanently as an Agricultural Worker Canada.How can I get a Turkish passport?
Step 2: Secure an LMIA-Supported Job Offer
This is the most critical requirement for obtaining a work permit to migrate to Canada as an Agricultural Worker.
- Find a Canadian Employer: You must secure a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian agricultural employer.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Your employer must obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This document confirms that hiring a foreign agricultural worker will not negatively affect the Canadian job market because no qualified Canadian or permanent resident was available to do the job. The employer provides you with this positive LMIA and a formal job contract.
Outbound Link: For detailed information on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the LMIA process, visit the official government page: Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFWP) – Canada.ca
Step 3: Apply for Your Work Permit
With the positive LMIA and job offer, you apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit from your current location in Africa.
- Gather Documents: Collect your valid passport, the job offer, the Positive LMIA, police certificates, and proof of your previous agricultural work experience.
- Submit Application: Apply online via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
- Biometrics and Medical: You will receive instructions to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and undergo a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Outbound Link: For instructions on applying for your work permit from outside Canada, check the official IRCC website: Work in Canada Temporarily – Canada.ca
Step 4: Meet Permanent Residence Requirements 🇨🇦
Once working in Canada, you can prepare to apply for PR, focusing on the Agri-Food Pilot criteria (or alternative PNP/Express Entry routes).
- Canadian Work Experience: For the AFP, you typically need 1,560 hours (one year) of eligible, non-seasonal Canadian work experience.
- Language Skills: You must prove a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 in English or French. You must take an approved language test.
- Education: You need the foreign equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).Spousal Work Permit Eligibility for Canada- What the 2025 Rule Changes Mean
