Toronto Farm Project, Canada
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
In Ontario, "farm migration" mainly falls into two paths.
Pathway 1: Immigration through agricultural work – OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Specific requirements for key information points
The program is specifically designed for applicants willing to work in in-demand occupations such as agriculture, food processing, construction, and nursing, and adopts an employer-driven approach.
Invitation data for 2026: As of April 15, 2026, 1,334 invitations were issued in this category, with the Immigration Department clearly targeting the agriculture and food processing industries.
Invitation score requirements: Agriculture-related occupations: 35 points or above; Other preferred occupations: 36 points or above.
Agricultural occupational NOC codes: NOC 84120 (Specialized Livestock Worker/Agricultural Machinery Operator), NOC 85100 (Livestock Worker), NOC 85103 (Nursery/Greenhouse Worker), NOC 94140 (Food and Beverage Processing Operator), NOC 94141 (Slaughterhouse and Meat Processing Worker), NOC 95106 (General Food and Beverage Processing Worker)
Pathway Two: Immigration through Farm Investment – OINP Entrepreneur Stream (Entrepreneur Category, Under Reform)
Specific requirements for key information points
The project is targeted at entrepreneurs who have established or acquired businesses (including agricultural businesses) in Ontario.
Latest Developments (Federal Workers in Ontario Should Pay Special Attention): Ontario plans to reform the OINP (Ontario Inland National Employer Program), merging all employer job offer categories into one. The current application categories are expected to be officially phased out by May 30, 2026. The second phase will eliminate all other existing categories and introduce a completely new Entrepreneur category.
The net worth/investment threshold varies considerably depending on the source, but it is recommended to prepare at least: net worth of CAD 2 million + farm investment of CAD 500,000 (including land and operating facilities).
Additional risk warning: During the current reform phase, normal registration for new Expressions of Interest (EOI) under the Entrepreneur category has not yet resumed.
The estimated review process typically involves a total of 12–18 months, including the entire EOI scoring and queuing process, ITA issuance, interviews, and pre-work visa assessments (if applicable).
Pathway 3: Through Ontario's RCIP—a federal rural community immigration pilot program specifically targeting agricultural workers for direct permanent residency (high points awarded without an employer—pay close attention!).
Starting in 2026, designated communities in Ontario participating in the RCIP, such as Sudbury and Timmins, will accept screening for agricultural workers (especially greenhouse vegetables and livestock), with targeted invitations and no strict restrictions on high NOC levels! Graduates of one-year short-term certificate courses from outside Ontario who are willing to settle in designated remote communities and hold a job offer from a local agricultural employer can directly obtain Rural Community nomination eligibility without entering the EE pool.
"Simply buying a farm ≠ immigrating
""Farmer immigration" is not simply about land investment; it's a core immigration pathway combining "agricultural management skills + agricultural investment + agricultural business plan." Applicants must be personally involved in the sustainable operation of their agricultural projects, and the immigration authorities focus on whether the agricultural operation is genuinely feasible.
In Ontario, "farm migration" mainly falls into two paths.
Pathway 1: Immigration through agricultural work – OINP Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Specific requirements for key information points
The program is specifically designed for applicants willing to work in in-demand occupations such as agriculture, food processing, construction, and nursing, and adopts an employer-driven approach.
Invitation data for 2026: As of April 15, 2026, 1,334 invitations were issued in this category, with the Immigration Department clearly targeting the agriculture and food processing industries.
Invitation score requirements: Agriculture-related occupations: 35 points or above; Other preferred occupations: 36 points or above.
Agricultural occupational NOC codes: NOC 84120 (Specialized Livestock Worker/Agricultural Machinery Operator), NOC 85100 (Livestock Worker), NOC 85103 (Nursery/Greenhouse Worker), NOC 94140 (Food and Beverage Processing Operator), NOC 94141 (Slaughterhouse and Meat Processing Worker), NOC 95106 (General Food and Beverage Processing Worker)
Pathway Two: Immigration through Farm Investment – OINP Entrepreneur Stream (Entrepreneur Category, Under Reform)
Specific requirements for key information points
The project is targeted at entrepreneurs who have established or acquired businesses (including agricultural businesses) in Ontario.
Latest Developments (Federal Workers in Ontario Should Pay Special Attention): Ontario plans to reform the OINP (Ontario Inland National Employer Program), merging all employer job offer categories into one. The current application categories are expected to be officially phased out by May 30, 2026. The second phase will eliminate all other existing categories and introduce a completely new Entrepreneur category.
The net worth/investment threshold varies considerably depending on the source, but it is recommended to prepare at least: net worth of CAD 2 million + farm investment of CAD 500,000 (including land and operating facilities).
Additional risk warning: During the current reform phase, normal registration for new Expressions of Interest (EOI) under the Entrepreneur category has not yet resumed.
The estimated review process typically involves a total of 12–18 months, including the entire EOI scoring and queuing process, ITA issuance, interviews, and pre-work visa assessments (if applicable).
Pathway 3: Through Ontario's RCIP—a federal rural community immigration pilot program specifically targeting agricultural workers for direct permanent residency (high points awarded without an employer—pay close attention!).
Starting in 2026, designated communities in Ontario participating in the RCIP, such as Sudbury and Timmins, will accept screening for agricultural workers (especially greenhouse vegetables and livestock), with targeted invitations and no strict restrictions on high NOC levels! Graduates of one-year short-term certificate courses from outside Ontario who are willing to settle in designated remote communities and hold a job offer from a local agricultural employer can directly obtain Rural Community nomination eligibility without entering the EE pool.
"Simply buying a farm ≠ immigrating
""Farmer immigration" is not simply about land investment; it's a core immigration pathway combining "agricultural management skills + agricultural investment + agricultural business plan." Applicants must be personally involved in the sustainable operation of their agricultural projects, and the immigration authorities focus on whether the agricultural operation is genuinely feasible.
Eligibility & Requirements
Applicant requirements
B1. OINP Skills Required Category (Agricultural Employment Pathway)
• Work experience: At least 9 months (1,200 hours) of full-time work in Ontario within the 3 years prior to application (in an agriculture-related NOC position), part-time work is calculated on a cumulative basis.
• Language proficiency: English or French at CLB 4 (IELTS General Training: Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0).
• Educational background: Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (overseas qualifications must be certified by a designated institution through ECA, and the ECA report must not be older than 5 years).
• Canadian status: Currently holding a valid work permit, study permit, or visitor record in Canada.
• Employer Job Offer: You must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer in Ontario, with at least 30 hours per week and an hourly wage no less than the industry median wage in the region.
B2. OINP Entrepreneur Category (Invest in Farms Stream)
• Minimum net worth and investment benchmark: approximately CAD 2 million or more in net worth + CAD 500,000 or more in investment in an operating farm;
• Age: Usually limited to 21–55 years old;
• Management experience: At least 3 years of full-time business ownership or senior management experience within the past 5 years (agriculture or other industries are acceptable);
• Language: Minimum CLB 4 (IELTS General Training score around 4);
• The type of business must comply with the agricultural asset assessment in the long-term sustainable operating performance agreement.
B3. Ontario RCIP Targeted Agriculture Category
• Currently, priority is given to agricultural NOC 85100 (livestock worker), 85103 (nursery/greenhouse worker) and 84120 (livestock/agricultural machinery operator).
• No need to enter the EE pool; you can be directly recommended by the community based solely on a full-time job offer from a designated employer in the community and your intention to settle there.
• Minimum language requirement: CLB 4;
• A genuine and long-term stable plan for settling and working in a rural community must be submitted, with no grace period for subsequent changes of address.
B1. OINP Skills Required Category (Agricultural Employment Pathway)
• Work experience: At least 9 months (1,200 hours) of full-time work in Ontario within the 3 years prior to application (in an agriculture-related NOC position), part-time work is calculated on a cumulative basis.
• Language proficiency: English or French at CLB 4 (IELTS General Training: Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0).
• Educational background: Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (overseas qualifications must be certified by a designated institution through ECA, and the ECA report must not be older than 5 years).
• Canadian status: Currently holding a valid work permit, study permit, or visitor record in Canada.
• Employer Job Offer: You must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer in Ontario, with at least 30 hours per week and an hourly wage no less than the industry median wage in the region.
B2. OINP Entrepreneur Category (Invest in Farms Stream)
• Minimum net worth and investment benchmark: approximately CAD 2 million or more in net worth + CAD 500,000 or more in investment in an operating farm;
• Age: Usually limited to 21–55 years old;
• Management experience: At least 3 years of full-time business ownership or senior management experience within the past 5 years (agriculture or other industries are acceptable);
• Language: Minimum CLB 4 (IELTS General Training score around 4);
• The type of business must comply with the agricultural asset assessment in the long-term sustainable operating performance agreement.
B3. Ontario RCIP Targeted Agriculture Category
• Currently, priority is given to agricultural NOC 85100 (livestock worker), 85103 (nursery/greenhouse worker) and 84120 (livestock/agricultural machinery operator).
• No need to enter the EE pool; you can be directly recommended by the community based solely on a full-time job offer from a designated employer in the community and your intention to settle there.
• Minimum language requirement: CLB 4;
• A genuine and long-term stable plan for settling and working in a rural community must be submitted, with no grace period for subsequent changes of address.
Application Process & Advice
suggestion
1. Prioritize the "agricultural work immigration" route over investing in farms.
The Skills Required category is currently the most direct pathway for Ontario's agricultural immigration program—1,334 invitations were issued in a single batch on April 15, 2026. For agricultural workers, only 9 months of Ontario work experience + CLB 4 is required, which is far lower than the financial requirement of investing CAD 2 million in net assets in a farm.
2. Advance planning based on Ontario agricultural experience
Work on an Ontario farm through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) or the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFW). Once you have nine months of local work experience, you can apply directly for provincial nomination through the Skills In Need category.
3. Pay attention to the reform window on May 30, 2026.
Ontario will eliminate all existing application categories in one go on May 30, 2026. This policy overhaul aims to attract a large number of agricultural applicants before the reforms. Applicants wishing to pursue the agricultural employment pathway should confirm eligible job offers and create an Expression of Interest (EOI) file as soon as possible. If this window is missed, the new categories are expected to have stricter entry requirements and industry/occupation restrictions.
4. **Investing in a farm requires careful evaluation.**"
The OINP Entrepreneur category is undergoing a complete overhaul, and normal registration for the new Expression of Interest (EOI) is not yet open. If you still wish to pursue this path, prioritize whether a regular invitation lottery with reserved spots will be available later. In most cases, purchasing a remote farm (such as a woodland farm more than 1.5 hours' drive from Toronto) before immigrating does not meet the performance criteria for employer-driven business immigration and carries significant risk. It is not recommended to make such a high initial investment with the idea of "buying a farm to gamble on immigration status."
5. Broaden your horizons – don't limit yourself to Toronto; the agricultural immigration policies in the Prairie provinces are more mature.
Historically, Canada's agricultural immigration programs have primarily focused on the three Prairie provinces: Alberta (AAIP Farm Stream), Saskatchewan (Farm Owner & Operator), and Manitoba (Farm Investor Pathway). Their policies have been consistently stable, allowing applicants to directly apply for provincial nomination as farmers, and their financial requirements and approval systems are more mature than Ontario's. If the primary goal is immigration rather than necessarily residing around Toronto, it is strongly recommended to prioritize the Farm Owner & Operator programs in the Prairie provinces.
6. ⚠️ Special Warning: Ontario plans to legislate to restrict foreign farmland ownership.
On April 21, 2026, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness announced a new law to strictly limit foreign investment in Ontario farmland. This move would align Ontario with Alberta and Quebec. Officials have clearly expressed concern about "land speculation and hoarding" and aim to protect the province's farmland resources. Once the legislation is passed, overseas applicants will face significant restrictions, or even be completely blocked, from purchasing farmland.
Therefore, any plan to "buy a farm first and then apply for residency" must complete the property transfer and immigration application before the legislation officially takes effect (most likely before the summer or fall of 2026), otherwise they may permanently lose the path to obtaining immigration status in Ontario through farm investment.
7. Advantages of French-speaking applicants
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OPP) has extremely high language proficiency requirements. A qualifying language score of CLB 6 in English or CLB 7 in French will significantly improve the Expression of Interest (EOI) score and may even secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Application Process (OINP Skills Required Category – Agriculture Employment Pathway)
We welcome the exclusion of non-agricultural, non-farm-based business pathways. The following process is based entirely on agricultural employment pathways:
Phase 1: Obtaining an Ontario agricultural job and establishing professional status
Looking for qualified employers in Ontario (farms, greenhouses, food processing plants, etc.) who offer full-time permanent jobs in positions listed in the National Occupational Skill Shortage (NOC) and who can legally enter the country through a Canadian work permit (accumulating local working conditions in Ontario).
Phase Two: Gain 9 months of work experience in Ontario and initiate EOI registration.
During the work visa period, you must work in an eligible agricultural position for at least 9 months (totaling 1,200 hours). Once you have the required work experience, you can register for an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for a provincial nomination invitation. Note that the validity period is calculated from the date of your most recent three-year term.
Phase 3: Receiving the ITA and submitting the provincial nomination application
After receiving the In-Demand Skills category ITA, submit your application materials to the OINP within 45 days. Core documents include an employment offer, proof of salary and working hours, language proficiency scores (CLB 4 or above), ECA qualification certificate (overseas qualifications must be valid within 5 years), and a valid work visa.
Phase Four: Provincial nomination approved, apply for federal permanent residency
Once the provincial nomination is approved, the nominator will receive a nomination certificate. Step F is then required to submit the Express Entry (EE) file (if eligible for the Express Entry pool) or a federal permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The federal processing time is approximately 12–18 months.
Phase 5: Landing in Canada (Permanent Residency)
After obtaining federal permanent residency, complete the landing procedures (either in the Toronto area or a designated rural community). You must report that your settlement status meets the OINP nomination requirements and adhere to the employer offer agreement to avoid the consequences of provincial nomination withdrawal.
1. Prioritize the "agricultural work immigration" route over investing in farms.
The Skills Required category is currently the most direct pathway for Ontario's agricultural immigration program—1,334 invitations were issued in a single batch on April 15, 2026. For agricultural workers, only 9 months of Ontario work experience + CLB 4 is required, which is far lower than the financial requirement of investing CAD 2 million in net assets in a farm.
2. Advance planning based on Ontario agricultural experience
Work on an Ontario farm through the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) or the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFW). Once you have nine months of local work experience, you can apply directly for provincial nomination through the Skills In Need category.
3. Pay attention to the reform window on May 30, 2026.
Ontario will eliminate all existing application categories in one go on May 30, 2026. This policy overhaul aims to attract a large number of agricultural applicants before the reforms. Applicants wishing to pursue the agricultural employment pathway should confirm eligible job offers and create an Expression of Interest (EOI) file as soon as possible. If this window is missed, the new categories are expected to have stricter entry requirements and industry/occupation restrictions.
4. **Investing in a farm requires careful evaluation.**"
The OINP Entrepreneur category is undergoing a complete overhaul, and normal registration for the new Expression of Interest (EOI) is not yet open. If you still wish to pursue this path, prioritize whether a regular invitation lottery with reserved spots will be available later. In most cases, purchasing a remote farm (such as a woodland farm more than 1.5 hours' drive from Toronto) before immigrating does not meet the performance criteria for employer-driven business immigration and carries significant risk. It is not recommended to make such a high initial investment with the idea of "buying a farm to gamble on immigration status."
5. Broaden your horizons – don't limit yourself to Toronto; the agricultural immigration policies in the Prairie provinces are more mature.
Historically, Canada's agricultural immigration programs have primarily focused on the three Prairie provinces: Alberta (AAIP Farm Stream), Saskatchewan (Farm Owner & Operator), and Manitoba (Farm Investor Pathway). Their policies have been consistently stable, allowing applicants to directly apply for provincial nomination as farmers, and their financial requirements and approval systems are more mature than Ontario's. If the primary goal is immigration rather than necessarily residing around Toronto, it is strongly recommended to prioritize the Farm Owner & Operator programs in the Prairie provinces.
6. ⚠️ Special Warning: Ontario plans to legislate to restrict foreign farmland ownership.
On April 21, 2026, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness announced a new law to strictly limit foreign investment in Ontario farmland. This move would align Ontario with Alberta and Quebec. Officials have clearly expressed concern about "land speculation and hoarding" and aim to protect the province's farmland resources. Once the legislation is passed, overseas applicants will face significant restrictions, or even be completely blocked, from purchasing farmland.
Therefore, any plan to "buy a farm first and then apply for residency" must complete the property transfer and immigration application before the legislation officially takes effect (most likely before the summer or fall of 2026), otherwise they may permanently lose the path to obtaining immigration status in Ontario through farm investment.
7. Advantages of French-speaking applicants
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OPP) has extremely high language proficiency requirements. A qualifying language score of CLB 6 in English or CLB 7 in French will significantly improve the Expression of Interest (EOI) score and may even secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Application Process (OINP Skills Required Category – Agriculture Employment Pathway)
We welcome the exclusion of non-agricultural, non-farm-based business pathways. The following process is based entirely on agricultural employment pathways:
Phase 1: Obtaining an Ontario agricultural job and establishing professional status
Looking for qualified employers in Ontario (farms, greenhouses, food processing plants, etc.) who offer full-time permanent jobs in positions listed in the National Occupational Skill Shortage (NOC) and who can legally enter the country through a Canadian work permit (accumulating local working conditions in Ontario).
Phase Two: Gain 9 months of work experience in Ontario and initiate EOI registration.
During the work visa period, you must work in an eligible agricultural position for at least 9 months (totaling 1,200 hours). Once you have the required work experience, you can register for an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for a provincial nomination invitation. Note that the validity period is calculated from the date of your most recent three-year term.
Phase 3: Receiving the ITA and submitting the provincial nomination application
After receiving the In-Demand Skills category ITA, submit your application materials to the OINP within 45 days. Core documents include an employment offer, proof of salary and working hours, language proficiency scores (CLB 4 or above), ECA qualification certificate (overseas qualifications must be valid within 5 years), and a valid work visa.
Phase Four: Provincial nomination approved, apply for federal permanent residency
Once the provincial nomination is approved, the nominator will receive a nomination certificate. Step F is then required to submit the Express Entry (EE) file (if eligible for the Express Entry pool) or a federal permanent residency application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The federal processing time is approximately 12–18 months.
Phase 5: Landing in Canada (Permanent Residency)
After obtaining federal permanent residency, complete the landing procedures (either in the Toronto area or a designated rural community). You must report that your settlement status meets the OINP nomination requirements and adhere to the employer offer agreement to avoid the consequences of provincial nomination withdrawal.