On September 28, 2023, Canada held its first Express Entry call for applications in the field of agriculture. On this historic occasion, a total of 600 candidates were invited to submit applications for permanent residency. This invitation is notable for the minimum required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 354 points, which is lower than the previous record of July 12 for these rounds that were aimed at French speakers; that required score was 375, according to the CRS.

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It is encouraging to have this fast-track entry pathway as a Canadian proposal to attract qualified foreign talent and as part of the government's Agri-Food Pilot Program for the benefit of the agri-food economy itself and the many families of agri-food workers who are eligible for permanent residency.

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Why is the minimum score so low in this call? 

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It is very likely that given the necessary specialization that qualified talent in this agriculture and agri-food category must have, there will be fewer candidates eligible to receive an invitation. In this context, only three occupations are eligible to participate, and a previous report suggested that only 1 to 2 percent of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) would be issued to these candidates.

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What does selection to receive an ITA for this call depend on?

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Basically, it depends on the candidate being very well trained in the agricultural sector which is responsible for the maintenance of farmland and horticulture, nursery and greenhouse workers, farm supervisors where livestock and poultry are raised, soils are prepared and crops are planted and sprayed, farm machinery is operated and harvested, also butchers of standard and special cuts of meat, poultry, fish and seafood for sale in retail or wholesale food establishments; However, you must meet basic immigration requirements such as a valid passport, visa, financial funds, among others. Read more.

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The Canadian government is focused on addressing labour shortages and this system evaluates and qualifies the best profiles, therefore, candidates wishing to participate in the Express Entry category rounds in agriculture must ensure that their skills and experience align strongly with the eligible occupations. While the number of ITAs may be limited in this category, those with the right experience will have the opportunity to contribute to Canada's thriving agricultural sector.

Here we share a table with the required occupations and their respective NOC/TEER:

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Occupations  

NOC/TEER (2021)

Landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticultural service contractors and supervisors.

82031/2

Farm Service Contractors and farm or agricultural supervisors

82030/2

Butchers-retail and wholesale

63201/3

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At Immiland Canada, we always recommend that you prepare yourself better and better, it is not enough to have technical or professional knowledge in a field, language proficiency is increasingly required in Canada, so the leveling of English and French must be present in your plans if you have decided to emigrate to this country to work or study; even if the minimum score is low, you go for a higher position and follow the updates and requirements to increase your chances of success in future Express Entry calls.

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If you would like to schedule an immigration consultation with Immiland, we invite you to request a free evaluation of your profile or you can schedule a consultation with a regulated consultant.

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We also invite you to visit our English and French language school Planeta Immiland.

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With love,

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Immiland

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