Temporary Foreign Worker Program — Agriculture
Highlights
This program is designed for you if you need to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers. It simplifies the process by suspending minimum advertising requirements until June 30, 2024. This means you can focus on finding the right workers without the extra paperwork.
Why Apply?
- Flexibility: Hire workers from any country under the Agricultural Stream.
- Efficiency: No need to meet minimum advertising requirements.
- Support: Government-backed, ensuring a smoother application process.
Benefits for Your Business
- Streamlined Hiring: Quickly fill positions with qualified workers.
- Cost Savings: Reduce expenses related to advertising and recruitment.
- Operational Continuity: Maintain productivity with a reliable workforce.
Applying is straightforward, and the program is tailored to meet your agricultural needs. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance your workforce and keep your business running smoothly.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Wage Subsidy
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- This program does not require repayment. There are no interest rates associated with the subsidy.
Eligible Expenses:
- Wages for temporary foreign agricultural workers.
- Costs related to the recruitment and hiring process of these workers.
- Training and onboarding expenses for new hires.
Use of Funds:
- The funds can be used exclusively for expenses directly related to the employment of temporary foreign agricultural workers.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- The funds cannot be used for unrelated business expenses such as equipment purchases, facility upgrades, or non-labor-related costs.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this wage subsidy.
Qualifications
- Must hire temporary foreign agricultural workers (TFWs) for occupations and activities related to primary agriculture.
- Work duties must:
- Be performed within the boundaries of a farm, nursery, or greenhouse.
- Involve at least one of the following activities:
- Operation of agricultural machinery.
- Boarding, care, breeding, sanitation, or other handling of animals (excluding fish) for obtaining raw animal products for market, or activities related to the collection, handling, and assessment of those raw products.
- Planting, care, harvesting, or preparation of crops, trees, sod, or other plants for market.
- Be consistent with one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 80020, 80021, 82030, 82031, 84120, 85100, 85101, and 85103.
Can hire TFWs under one of the following streams:
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program:
- TFW must be from Mexico or participating Caribbean countries.
- Production must be included on the National Commodities List.
- Agricultural Stream:
- TFW can be from any country.
- Production must be included on the National Commodities List.
- Stream for high-wage positions:
- Production is not included on the National Commodities List.
- TFW can be hired for any high-wage agricultural position.
- Stream for low-wage positions:
- Production is not included on the National Commodities List.
- TFW can be hired for a low-wage agricultural position.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program:
Disqualifications:
- Hiring TFWs for activities not related to primary agriculture.
- Work duties performed outside the boundaries of a farm, nursery, or greenhouse.
- Activities involving fish.
- Work duties not consistent with the specified NOC codes.
Description
This program allows you to hire temporary foreign agricultural workers. This can help you fill labor gaps in your farm, nursery, or greenhouse.
You can hire workers for various tasks, such as operating agricultural machinery, caring for animals, or planting and harvesting crops. These workers can come from any country, depending on the stream you choose.
The program offers flexibility. You can hire workers for high-wage or low-wage positions, and there are specific streams for seasonal workers from Mexico and the Caribbean. This can help you maintain productivity and meet your business needs effectively.
Program Steps
Choose the Appropriate Stream: Determine which stream best suits your needs: Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, Agricultural Stream, Stream for High-Wage Positions, or Stream for Low-Wage Positions.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents for your application. You will need:
- Proof of business registration
- Financial statements
- Job descriptions for the positions you are hiring for
- Proof of recruitment efforts for Canadians and permanent residents
- National Commodities List inclusion (if applicable)
Complete the LMIA Application: Fill out the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application form. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Submit the Application: Send your completed LMIA application and supporting documents to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Follow the submission guidelines provided by ESDC.
Pay the Processing Fee: Pay the required processing fee for your LMIA application. Keep a receipt of the payment for your records.
Monitor Application Status: Regularly check the status of your application. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by ESDC.
Receive LMIA Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, you can proceed with hiring the temporary foreign agricultural worker.
Apply for Work Permit: Assist the temporary foreign worker in applying for their work permit using the approved LMIA.
Comply with Program Requirements: Ensure you comply with all ongoing requirements of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including maintaining records and meeting employment standards.