Canada’s provinces welcome thousands of immigrants each year. Many of these individuals are selected on the basis of their skills, work experience, and other background characteristics. This includes many foreign farmers who set up or acquire farms in the country.
Many Canadian provinces offer special immigration programs that cater specifically to farmers. This immigration guide will examine three of the most popular PNP farmer stream options.
- 1. Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operator Stream:
- Farm Owner/Operator: Minimum net worth of $500,000 CAD, three years of farm operation experience, minimum investment of $150,000 CAD.
- Young Farmer Stream: Under 40 years of age, minimum net worth of $300,000 CAD, three years of farm operation experience, minimum investment of $150,000 CAD.
- 2. Alberta Farm Stream:
- Eligibility Criteria: Farm management skills, minimum investment of $500,000 CAD in the farm business, net worth of at least $500,000 CAD.
- 3. Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway:
- Eligibility Criteria: Net worth of $500,000 CAD or more, three years of farm ownership experience, conducting a Farm Business Research Visit in Manitoba, and making a refundable $75,000 CAD deposit upon MPNP approval.
What are the Farmer Stream Immigration Programs?
The farmer stream immigration programs are special categories under the Canadian Business Immigration programs. They offer a viable immigration pathway for foreign farmers with the resources, skills, and knowledge to start or acquire and operate farms in the country.
The three main PNP streams for farmers are:
1. Saskatchewan Farm Owners and Operator Stream
Saskatchewan’s Farm Owner and Operator Stream are for foreign farmers who want to acquire and operate a farm in this province. If the principal applicant is successful, foreign farmers and their families accompanying them will receive permanent resident status.
This Saskatchewan Farm Stream is divided into two subcategories.
- Farm Owner/Operator category
- Young Farmer Stream
The eligibility requirements for each one are summarized in the table below.
| Factors | Farm Owner/Operator | Young Farmer Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Age | No requirement | Under 40 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $500,000 CAD | $300,000 CAD |
| Experience | Three years or more of farm operation experience |
|
| Intent Grid Score | 55 points or higher | |
| Minimum Investment | $150,000 CAD | |
| Business Ownership Share | 33.3% or more. This requirement isn’t present for candidates who invest $1 million CAD or more. | |
| Common-Law Partner or Spouse Skills and Experience | No requirement | The candidate’s common-law partner or spouse must possess the skills, education, and experience to assist them with operating their farm. |
2. Alberta Farm Stream
The Alberta Farm Stream was designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who possess the right resources, farm ownership, and operating experience. Entrepreneurs who qualify under this category can start their own farm or purchase an existing one in Alberta.
This Alberta Farmer Stream’s eligibility requirements are described below.
a) Canadian Farm Management Skills
Prospective farmers must demonstrate they have the right skills to manage a Canadian farm. They can offer proof by providing the following types of documents:
- Financial documents relating to the farm business they currently own and run.
- Documents that demonstrate their farm-related work experience, education, and training.
- A comprehensive business plan that talks about the farm they plan to build or purchase in the province.
- Proof they are receiving financial assistance from a Canadian financial institution.
b) Proof of Financial Resources
Prospective farmers must be willing to invest a minimum of $500,000 CAD in their farm business. They must also show they possess a net worth of at least $500,000 CAD.
c) Investment Plan
Applicants are required to explain their investment plans by providing a comprehensive business plan that discusses them in detail. They must submit this business plan along with their application to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
3. Manitoba Farm Investor Pathway
Manitoba’s Farm Investor Pathway (FIP) is another program for foreign farmers who plan to set up or purchase and operate a farm in the province. Manitoba is known for its flat terrain and fertile soil, making it ideal for farming.
Prospective foreign farmers who wish to apply to the Manitoba Farmer Stream must ensure they meet the following eligibility requirements:
Minimum Net Worth
Prospective farmers must possess a net worth of $500,000 CAD or more. This net worth may need to be verified by a third party at the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program’s (MPNP) request.
Farm Ownership and Work Experience
Farmer applicants must have a minimum of three years of the farm ownership experience. They are also required to provide documents verifying they possess experience operating and managing their farm. Candidates must have gained this farm ownership and operation experience in the last five years.
Demonstrating Adaptability
Farmer applicants must show they possess relevant technical knowledge and applicable farming skills that would be useful for running a farm in Manitoba.
Exploratory Visit
Prospective farmer applicants are required to conduct a Farm Business Research Visit in Manitoba before submitting an Interest Guidelines form.
Refundable Deposit
Candidates are required to make a refundable $75,000 CAD deposit once MPNP approves their application.
Business Plan
Farmer applicants must create and submit a Farm Business Plan that discusses their plans to set up or acquire a farm in the province. This business plan must be submitted once they have received approval to come to Manitoba and set up their farm.
Need help with Farmer Immigration to Canada?
As you can see, there are many Business Immigration Canada programs available for foreign farmers who wish to immigrate to the country. Each of these programs differs in terms of requirements, so prospective farmers should research each one thoroughly.
If you are a foreign farmer who would like assistance with choosing the program that offers you the best chance of succeeding, you can contact us here. Our exceptional team of Regulated Immigration Consultants understands the requirements and application processes for each of the farmer stream programs mentioned above. Get in touch with us to start your new farm life in Canada.
