Agriculture Stream in Canada

The agriculture stream is really important for Canadian employers as it helps them to hire temporary foreign workers for agricultural jobs when the local labor and permanent residents are not available for any reason. This stream applies to roles in farming, crop production, livestock handling, etc. These jobs are normally low-paying and limit the career opportunities.

Challenges in the Agriculture Sector

Physical Demands of the Job:

Agriculture jobs require physical work which is not mostly liked by local workers. The job includes work that demands long hours in different weather conditions, making it harsh and difficult for many people so it is hard to find people who are willing to do the job.

Lower Pay and Few Growth Opportunities:

Farming jobs often do not pay much and have limited chances to grow means there are no major chances for career development. This makes it hard to find and keep workers.

Seasonal Jobs

Farming work is mostly seasonal which means jobs are not available all year. This makes it hard for workers to have a steady income so they are not interested in it as they require income to fulfil their needs.

Aging Farmers

Many farmers in Canada are older and the young people are not ready to join the agriculture field. This creates a problem when older farmers retire so there is a shortage of workers.

Competition from Other Countries

Canadian farmers compete with farmers worldwide. Some countries can produce food cheaper, making it hard for Canadian products to compete so to maintain the high efficiency and productivity, large labour is required.

Rules and Environment

Farmers have to follow strict rules about safety and the environment. These rules are necessary but can be costly and hard to manage. Climate change also adds new challenges.

Employer Reliance on LMIA

Due to the challenges that are explained above, Canadian employers depend on the LMIA process to keep their businesses running. The ESDC recognizes how important the agriculture sector is to the country’s economy, which is why they waive LMIA application fees and give priority to processing these applications.

Who can apply for the Agricultural Stream LMIA?

Employers can apply for the Agricultural Stream LMIA if their work is in specific farming areas, like growing fruits as well as vegetables, producing grains, or raising animals like livestock and poultry. The jobs must involve on-farm work, such as planting, harvesting, or taking care of animals. Employers also need to show that there are no local workers available to do these jobs so foreign workers are required to fill the jobs.

Key Requirements and Benefits

• Fee Waiver: The fee is not required for the Agriculture stream LMIA application.
• Duration of LMIA Application: More than 2 years for regular jobs and for higher-paying roles it is up to 3 years.
• Priority Processing: Applications for the Agricultural Stream LMIA are processed quickly to address urgent labor needs.
• Travel and Housing Support: Employers should pay for the worker’s travel expenses and ensure they have proper housing.
• Health and Safety Requirements: Employers must provide health insurance and ensure the workplace meets safety standards.

How CWC Can Help?

CWC makes the LMIA process simple for employers who are looking to hire foreign workers. We offer a FREE assessment and we guide you through job posting requirements to meet Canadian rules effectively. Our professional team handles the LMIA application process and assists with work permits. We always ensure a smooth process, helping you stay compliant and achieve your hiring goals confidently.