Agri-Food Pilot Program
Canada recognizes the critical role that skilled foreign workers play in addressing labor shortages. To this end, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program in 2020—a strategic initiative designed to provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for experienced, non-seasonal workers in eligible roles within the agriculture and food production sectors. The program was instrumental in mitigating long-standing workforce challenges in these industries. In its final phase, a competitive application cap was implemented, with only 1,010 permanent residence applications accepted for 2025. The final deadline for submitting applications was May 14, 2025, after which the program was officially closed. This initiative not only addressed immediate labor needs but also reinforced Canada’s commitment to sustainable economic growth by strengthening a vital sector within its economy.
It is aimed at:
- Meat Production
- Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production
- Mushroom production
- Animal Production Sectors
Three Steps to Apply Under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program
Step 1: Confirm Your Sector and Occupational Eligibility
Begin by verifying that your current occupation and industry align with those approved under the Agri-Food Pilot. Only candidates whose professional roles appear on the eligible list will be considered for the program.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Eligibility Compliance
Next, review all mandatory eligibility criteria in detail. This entails confirming that you satisfy the requirements such as possessing the relevant work experience, demonstrating language proficiency, and—if applicable—holding a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. All conditions must be met for you to qualify.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application Package
Gather the necessary supporting documents as outlined in the official guidelines and fill out the application forms accurately. Once your documentation is complete, submit your application through the appropriate channels. Note that while the pilot program concluded new intakes as of May 14, 2025, any pending applications are still being processed.