Agri-Food Pilot Program
The Agri-Food Pilot is a targeted immigration program created to address labor shortages in Canada’s agri-food sector by offering a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. Launched in 2020, the program supported Canada’s economic priorities by helping employers retain essential workers in roles such as meat processing, greenhouse production, animal raising, and food manufacturing.
As of February 13, 2025, the program reached its annual intake cap of 1,010 applications, and IRCC officially closed the Agri-Food Pilot to new applications on May 14, 2025. Applications received before the cap was reached will continue to be processed, but no further submissions are currently accepted. The program had originally been scheduled to accept applications until May 14, 2025, making this closure final unless the federal government announces future updates or extensions.
To qualify, applicants were required to have at least one year of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in an eligible agri-food occupation within the past three years, meet language requirements of CLB 4 in English or French, possess a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent, and hold a valid job offer from an eligible employer outside Quebec.
Although the Agri-Food Pilot has now concluded, workers in the agri-food sector still have alternative pathways to permanent residency in Canada. These include various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)—many of which target agriculture and food processing roles—along with the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the Atlantic Immigration Program, and streams under the Express Entry system such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class.
If you are currently employed in Canada’s agricultural or food production industries and wish to pursue permanent residency, we encourage you to explore these viable options. For a complete overview of additional immigration pathways, visit our Other Immigration Programs page.
At RightWay Canada, our experienced immigration consultants are here to help you transition smoothly to permanent residence through programs that match your background and goals. Book a consultation today to assess your eligibility for current immigration opportunities and begin your application process with confidence.
