Agri-Food Sector Pilot

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The Agri-Food Sector pilot will is closed on February 15, 2013. Individuals are encouraged to apply through the federal Self-Employed category. Click here for more information
 
 
The Agri-Food Sector Pilot is aimed at immigrants interested in agri-food production and/or value added production. The pilot gives the opportunity to strengthen rural communities by creating jobs and growing the economy by bringing agricultural skills to Nova Scotia. The Agri-Food Sector Pilot is a joint venture between the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.

 
The first step to applying to the Agri-Food Sector Pilot is for you, the applicant, to complete an Information Intake Form fillable electronically, that you can return to our office via email. The Office of Immigration in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture will examine the information provided in the form to determine if you may come for an exploratory visit.

If the Office of Immigration feel that you may be eligible to apply under the Agri-Food Sector Pilot, you will be contacted and you will need to come to Nova Scotia for a minimum of one five (5) working days exploratory visit to research farming opportunities. During this initial visit, you will meet with representatives of the Department of Agriculture who will inform and guide you in the Nova Scotia agri-food sector. You will also have an interview with a nominee officer from the Office of Immigration who will provide you with information about the application process.
 
Some of the eligibility criteria:

  • The applicant needs to have a minimum of three years experience in the past five years in farm ownership, farm management and practical farming experience with skills relevant to Nova Scotia farming conditions.
  • You, the applicant, must plan to establish a farm, purchase a farm or become partner in an existing farm business. If investing in an existing farm business, you must control at least 33.33% and take an active part in the operation of the business.
  • You will be required to demonstrate that you have a minimum personal net worth of $150,000 (after relocation in Nova Scotia – before the farm is purchased).
  • You will also be required to make a minimum investment of $100,000 in a new or existing farming operation in capital assets (land, machinery) or working capital.
  • You will submit a detailed agri-business plan with your application form. A template can be found here (pdf).
  • A qualifying farming business must demonstrate a minimum annual revenue of $10,000 CAD. Hobby farms are not eligible.

Meeting the criteria listed above and in the application guide, does not guarantee a nomination or permanent residence.
 

Agri-Food Sector Pilot Application Guide and Forms

Please carefully review and follow the instructions outlined in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) Agri-Food SectorApplication Guide and forms. The applications will be assessed based on the criteria outlined in the NSNP Agri-Food SectorApplication Guide. All provincial and federal forms as well as supporting documents need to be included in your application to the NSNP.
 
NSNP Agri-Food Sector Application Guide 
 
NSNP 130 - Application Form
 
Agri-Business Plan
 
NSNP 50 - Use of a Representative (if applicable)
 
NSNP 60 - Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (if applicable)

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Forms

Provide copies only with your application to the NSNP
 
Application for Permanent Residence: Guide for Provincial Nominees [IMM EP7000]
 
Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
 
Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP]
 
Schedule A - Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]

Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]

Schedule 4A: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees - Business Nominees [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4A]

Supplementary Information - Your Travels [IMM 5562]

Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (if applicable)

Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (if applicable)