There is good news and then there is even better news. Let’s start with the good news: the food manufacturing industry in Canada is large and growing. Now, you might be wondering how this good news affects you. Well, Canada needs immigrants to fill the vacancies in its labor market, especially in the food industry. In other words, if you are considering immigrating to Canada, there are thousands of food processing jobs in Canada for foreign workers. From pickers and factory workers to butchers and farmworkers, the opportunities are plentiful. Let’s move on to even better news: you can become a permanent resident of Canada by working in the food processing industry.
Through specially designed immigration programs such as the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFP) and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP), the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC) seeks to fill the gaps in its growing labor market by offering permanent residence to dedicated foreign workers. Let’s take a look at the positions available in the industry and how these immigration programs work.
Food Processing Jobs in Canada
A quick online search reveals that there are hundreds of thousands of food processing jobs in Canada. The key is to find the right position in the right province that aligns with your goal of becoming a permanent resident. The two most important factors for applying for permanent residency are having a valid job offer in an occupation that Canada needs to fill and being eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Food Processing Jobs
- Machine Operator: No specific training is required for these positions, as on-the-job training is often provided. However, previous experience can be helpful. Wages vary depending on the level of expertise required to operate the machinery, typically ranging from $13 to $22 an hour.
- Food Production Laborer: From sausage wrappers to mushroom sorters, jobs in various food manufacturing facilities require significant human capital. Wages are around $17 an hour.
- Equipment Cleaner: Hygiene is crucial in Canada, which has strict health codes and regular inspections. Equipment cleaners earn around $15 an hour.
- Food Processing Supervisor: This role involves identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards during the food production process. Supervisors in food production earn an average of $33 an hour.
- Quality Control/Auditor: Maintaining and ensuring standards is vital in the food industry, as mistakes can damage a company’s reputation. Quality assurance officers typically earn around $24 an hour.
Jobs for Butchers
- Industrial Butcher: Depending on your experience, you can earn between $18 and $30 an hour as an industrial butcher in Canada. This is one of the most in-demand occupations, and the IRCC is specifically targeting foreign workers for this role to help fill the gap.
- Retail Butcher: This more customer-facing role involves wrapping meats and interacting with customers. Wages range from $16 to $20 an hour, depending on experience and responsibilities.
Farm Workers and Supervisor Jobs
Although not strictly in the food processing sector, these professions are included in the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and are worth considering if you are interested in obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
- Farm and Livestock Supervisor: A high school qualification is necessary, but experience is key to earning a good wage in this occupation. Your hourly earning potential will be between $18 and $28, depending on your level of experience.
- General Farm Worker: This role can also include harvesting. A good permanent position will pay between $12 and $21 an hour. No qualifications are required, but having them can lead to better wages and a step closer to becoming a supervisor.
Your Immigration Options
Once you have a valid job offer and are sure you are eligible to immigrate to Canada, you can begin your immigration application. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, launched in June 2020, is a three-year program that invites 2,750 foreign workers each year who have job offers or are working in Canada to apply for permanent residence. Applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly to avoid disappointment.
Annual Limits for Permanent Residency Applications
| Annual Limits | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Applications accepted for permanent residency |
| Farm supervisor and specialized livestock worker | 50 |
| Industrial butcher or retail butcher | 1,470 |
| Food processing worker | 730 |
| General farm worker | 200 |
| Harvesting laborer | 300 |
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot was established by the Canadian Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. This pilot project aims to address critical labor shortages in these provinces by providing candidates with valid full-time employment or permanent residency offers. To qualify, you generally need to:
- Have work experience in a job that requires a high school education and/or specific on-the-job training.
- Have the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Score a minimum of 4 on a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) test to demonstrate effective communication in English or French.
- Show that you can support yourself and your family upon arriving in Canada.
In summary, the food manufacturing industry in Canada presents a wealth of opportunities for foreign workers. With numerous food processing jobs in Canada available, you can find a pathway to permanent residency through programs like the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. By securing a valid job offer and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can take significant steps toward building a new life in Canada. Whether you are looking to work as a machine operator, butcher, or farm supervisor, the potential for a rewarding career and a brighter future awaits you in Canada. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your aspirations into reality!