Thank you for visiting!

If you are in Canada on a temporary foreign work permit with a LMIA, have a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or an open work permit, and are working in a meatpacking, food processing or agri-food workplace, your union can help you get permanent residency.

UFCW is here to assist you if you qualify for one of the Provincial Nominee Programs. The qualification requirements vary depending on the program.

These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills, work experience, and contribution to the local economy. While specific requirements may differ across provinces, many PNP streams share common criteria:

1. Work Experience:
   • Relevant work experience in the nominated occupation category - National Occupational Classification (NOC) - typically ranging from one to two years.
   • Applicants are required to have a job offer from their employer.
2. Annual income:
   • Applicants should typically have a minimum annual income of over $40,000.
3. Education:
   • Provinces require the equivalent of high school diploma assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
4. Language Proficiency:
   • Proficiency in English or French is required, assessed through a recognized language test such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
   • Minimum scores for language proficiency vary by province and stream, but in most cases, a minimum level of 4 in either English or French is required.
5. Health and Character Requirements:
   • Applicants must pass medical examinations to ensure they do not pose a risk to public health.
   • A police clearance certificate from both Canada and your country of origin is required to evaluate your criminal background.
6. Application Process:
   • Candidates need to apply to a specific PNP stream and get a provincial nomination before applying to the federal government for permanent residency.
   • If you are nominated and invited to apply for permanent residence, your union, UFCW, will submit your application at no cost.
7. Settlement Funds:
   • Some provinces may require proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.

These are some of the main requirements, but they may vary depending on the PNP and the stream, and additional requirements could be requested.

If you think you meet the requirements above, send us a message, and a UFCW Canada representative will reach out to help you start the process. Please give us one week to respond.

Refugee claimants are currently ineligible for these programs, as they may already have a pathway to permanent residency. If you have been accepted as Protected Person, your union, UFCW, will submit your application at no cost.