Agri-Food Pilot Program

Program Overview

The Agri-Food Pilot was a pilot program that ran from May 15, 2020 to May 14, 2025. It was designed to address labour needs in the Canadian agri-food sector and provided a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. The pilot is now closed, and the sections below are kept as a historical reference.

                 Key Program Facts
                Final intake cap: 1,010 applications for 2025
Program duration: May 15, 2020 to May 14, 2025
Status: closed to all new applications since May 14, 2025

            

Eligible Industries

The pilot targeted workers in the following industries (NAICS codes):

NAICS Code	Industry
1114	Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production
1112	Vegetable and melon farming
1113	Fruit and tree nut farming
1121	Cattle ranching and farming
1122	Hog and pig farming
1123	Poultry and egg production
3116	Meat product manufacturing

Eligible Occupations (NOC 2021) (verify current version with IRCC)

Workers must have been employed in one of the following occupations:

NOC Code	Occupation	Industry Restriction
82030	Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors	Any eligible industry
84120	Specialized livestock workers	Any eligible industry
85100	Livestock labourers	Any eligible industry
85101	Harvesting labourers	Any eligible industry
85103	Nursery and greenhouse labourers	Any eligible industry
94141	Industrial butchers and meat cutters	Meat processing (3116) only
94140	Process control and machine operators (food)	Meat processing (3116) only
95106	Labourers in food and beverage processing	Meat processing (3116) only

Eligibility Requirements (historical)

These were the requirements while the pilot was open. They are listed for reference and do not allow a new application today.

Work Experience

12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in an eligible industry and occupation within the 36 months before applying.

Job Offer

Full-time, non-seasonal, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible industry and occupation.

Language

CLB/NCLC 4 in English or French (all 4 abilities: reading, writing, listening, speaking).

Education

Canadian high school diploma OR equivalent foreign credential assessed by a designated organization (ECA).

Settlement Funds

Proof of sufficient funds to settle in Canada (unless already working in Canada with a valid work permit).

Intent to Reside

Must intend to live outside the province of Quebec.

What's Next?

IRCC has not announced a permanent replacement for the pilot. Its 2026-27 Departmental Plan refers to creating a new foreign labour stream for agriculture and fish processing. As of November 6, 2026, no launch date or eligibility rules have been published, and it is not confirmed that the stream will lead to permanent residence.

For people who had already applied under the pilot, two IRCC measures are relevant:

The In-Canada Workers Initiative (announced May 4, 2026) prioritises permanent residence applications already filed under the Agri-Food Pilot, among other programs, from work permit holders who have lived in smaller communities for at least 2 years. No action is needed from applicants.
IRCC's November 5, 2026 release says provinces and territories can identify workers who already applied under the Agri-Food Pilot for the 2027 workers cohort of the time-limited measure.

Alternative Pathways

If you're an agri-food worker looking to immigrate, consider these alternatives:

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) - Many provinces have agriculture streams
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) - For rural community job offers
Express Entry - If you qualify under CEC, FSW, or FSTP

Agri-Food Pilot

Program Status: Closed to New Applications