Caribbean Agricultural Support Officers Enter a New IRCC Assessment Framework for 2025–2026

On December 8, 2025, IRCC released new guidelines concerning Caribbean Agricultural Liaison Officers, a highly specialized group that plays a critical role in the seasonal agricultural labour program between Canada and eleven Caribbean nations.

Who are Caribbean Agricultural Liaison Officers?
They are official government representatives from Caribbean states stationed in Canada. Their mandate is to support thousands of seasonal agricultural workers under the CCSAWP program. They manage issues involving living conditions, contracts, welfare, and coordination with Canadian authorities to ensure worker safety and agricultural labour continuity. In simple terms, they are the frontline support system that keeps Canada’s agricultural supply chain functioning smoothly.

1. Which countries send Officers to Canada?
   Eleven Caribbean countries participate:
   Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
   Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have Officers recognized as consular officials, which allows them to work in Canada without a work permit.
2. Why did IRCC issue new updates?
   IRCC had previously used an incorrect LMIA exemption code. From now on, these Officers must be processed under R205(a) Significant Benefit, code C10, given their social, economic and labour stabilizing benefits to Canada’s agricultural sector.
3. Conditions for a C10 Work Permit
   Applicants must:
   • Be officially appointed by one of the eleven Caribbean governments to serve in Canada as a Liaison Officer.
   • Hold an employment letter from the Jamaican Liaison Service or the Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service.
   • Provide documentation proving experience, skills and a clear job description.
4. Required Documentation
   IRCC will assess:
   • Compliance with the “Significant Benefit C10” criteria.
   • Offer of employment, although this group is exempt from submitting it through the Employer Portal.
   • Job description, duration, duties and benefits.
   They must still satisfy all general immigration requirements, including financial capacity, health, security and the ability to leave Canada at the end of their term.
5. Work Permit Approval
   If approved, the permit will specify:
   • Case type: 20
   • LMIA exemption code: C10
   • Occupation: Liaison Officer or Chief Liaison Officer
   • Validity: according to the contract period or passport expiry, whichever comes first
   Fees include:
   • Work permit fee: 155 CAD
   • Employer compliance fee: 230 CAD
   • Biometrics (if applicable): 85 CAD
6. Grounds for Refusal
   IRCC will refuse the application if:
   • The individual cannot prove they are a government-appointed Officer.
   • The file does not demonstrate clear benefits under the C10 standard.
   • The applicant fails security, background or financial requirements.

This is a narrow occupational category, but its impact on Canada’s agricultural labour program is significant. IRCC is tightening procedures to ensure all Officers are assessed under the correct LMIA exemption and Significant Benefit criteria. If you are supporting files on behalf of Caribbean governments or labour management agencies, SICON can help prepare documentation and navigate the points IRCC scrutinizes most closely.