Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program: Ability to become economically established
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
The principal applicant must demonstrate they have the ability to become economically established.
An Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) applicant may have a child who does not meet the definition of “dependent child” under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), and therefore cannot be included in the application for permanent residence. Those who do not meet the definition of dependent children may submit their own application for permanent residence in a relevant program. They will be assessed on the merits of their own ability to meet the requirements of the program and become economically established.
Factors to examine when determining the ability to become economically established
In cases where the officer is not satisfied that the selection criteria are sufficient indicators of an applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada, they may examine certain factors as part of the overall assessment to determine the applicant’s ability to become economically established. These factors may include
- current job or job offer
- language ability
- work experience
- education and training
The weight given to these factors may vary on a case-by-case basis. For example, if an applicant were offered a position as an industrial meat cutter (National Occupational Classification [NOC] 9462 (under NOC 2016) or NOC 94141 (under NOC 2021) and lacked the relevant training and work experience, there would be little alignment between their labour market intentions and their skills and abilities.
One indicator of the ability to become economically established is the applicant’s intention and ability to enter the labour market in order to fully support themselves. If the officer is not satisfied that the individual intends to enter the labour market, they should consider refusing the application.
Critical in determining the applicant’s ability to become economically established is the officer’s comparison of the requirements of the occupation (indicated by the NOC) with all of the information provided by the applicant.
The officer must examine all information provided to ensure that there is consistency throughout the elements of the application before making a final determination. The applicant should be invited to address any concerns that arise, in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.
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