Temporary foreign workers in primary agriculture in Canada: Transition from temporary residency to permanent residency and industry retention after transition

This study examines the transition to permanent residency (PR) of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in primary agriculture and the retention in the sector among those who obtained PR. The study focuses on TFWs whose first employment was in primary agriculture and who entered the sector between 2005 and 2020. Depending on the entry year, the transition rate is observed up to a maximum of 10 years after entry and the retention rate to a maximum of 5 years after PR transition. Overall, rates of transition from temporary to permanent residency were low among TFWs who first entered primary agriculture during the study period. Five years after entry, slightly more than 10% had obtained PR. After 10 years since workers were first employed in the sector, the cumulative transition rate reached 16.8%. Transition rates were considerably lower for TFWs with a designated occupation at a lower skill level than for those with one at a higher skill level. Rates were lower for TFWs with permits issued through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program than for those with permits issued through other work permit programs, and rates were lower for those entering crop production than for those entering other primary agriculture subsectors. Most TFWs who entered primary agriculture left the sector after receiving PR. One year after PR admission, half of former TFWs or less stayed in the sector; five years after PR admission, around one-fifth were still employed in the sector and more than 60% moved to another industry. Additionally, a significant portion of former TFWs did not have a T4 Statement of Remuneration Paid after their transition to PR.