The Canada Agri Food Pilot Program is an important immigration initiative designed to address labour shortages in the agriculture and food-processing sectors. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has helped over 4,500 workers and their families secure permanent residency.
As we move into 2025, significant updates such as an application cap and the programme’s end date make it essential for applicants to understand all requirements clearly.
What Is the Canada Agri Food Pilot Program?
The Agri-Food Pilot Programme allows skilled workers in specific industries to apply for permanent residency. It supports essential sectors such as:
Animal production
Meat processing
Greenhouse crop production
Mushroom farming
This programme was created to fill long-standing job vacancies in Canada’s agri-food industry, which plays a major role in the national economy.
Major Changes in 2025
1. Application Cap
For 2025, the Canadian government has limited applications to 1,010. This cap is part of the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027.
Applications will be accepted until May 14, 2025, or until the cap is reached.
2. Programme Ending
The Agri-Food Pilot will officially end on May 14, 2025, after five years. This makes it crucial for interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several requirements:
Work Experience:
At least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation.
Job Offer:
A genuine, permanent, full-time job offer in an approved agri-food occupation.
Language Ability:
Minimum CLB 4 in English or French.
Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent.
Settlement Funds:
Proof of financial support unless already working in Canada.
How to Apply for the Agri-Food Pilot Program (2025)
As the programme enters its final year, applicants need to follow the correct steps to apply successfully.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Applicants must first obtain a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible occupation.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Key documents include:
Proof of work experience (letters of employment)
Valid job offer letter
Language test results (CLB 4 or higher)
Educational Credential Assessment (if needed)
Proof of settlement funds
Step 3: Complete the Application Forms
Fill out all required IRCC forms accurately, including details about personal history and dependents.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
Pay the necessary IRCC processing fees when submitting your application.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the cap is filled.
Step 7: Receive a Decision
If approved, the applicant and eligible family members can become permanent residents of Canada.
Key Considerations
Ensure all documents are accurate and consistent.
Track application status through the IRCC portal.
If you miss the Agri-Food Pilot deadline or cap, consider other immigration pathways.
Alternative Immigration Options for Agri-Food Workers
With the Agri-Food Pilot ending in 2025, workers still have several options to immigrate to Canada.
1. Express Entry (Including Agriculture-Specific Draws)
Express Entry manages applications for:
Federal Skilled Worker Programme
Federal Skilled Trades Programme
Canadian Experience Class
Canada introduced category-based draws to target candidates with experience in agriculture and agri-food.
For example, recent draws for agriculture occupations required a CRS score of around 437.
2. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs)
Every province has its own immigration streams based on local labour needs.
Many provinces have agriculture-focused PNP streams, such as:
Ontario
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
A provincial nomination gives 600 additional CRS points, almost guaranteeing permanent residency.
3. Atlantic Immigration Programme (AIP)
This programme helps employers in the Atlantic provinces hire skilled workers.
To qualify, applicants need:
A valid job offer
CLB 4 or higher
High school education
4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
This programme helps smaller communities attract skilled workers.
Applicants need:
A job offer from a participating community
Relevant work experience
Minimum language and education requirements
Why the Agri-Food Sector Matters in Canada
The agri-food sector is vital to Canada’s economy, contributing significantly to jobs, GDP, and exports.
Economic Impact
The sector provides employment to 2.3 million people, representing 1 in 9 jobs in Canada.
Its GDP contribution includes:
$31.7 billion from primary agriculture
$35.2 billion from food and beverage processing
$36.9 billion from food retail and wholesale
$30.5 billion from food services
Overall, the sector generates $150 billion, or 7% of Canada’s GDP.
Global Trade Strength
Canada ranks 5th globally in agricultural exports.
More than 70% of crops like wheat, soybeans, and canola are exported.
Sustainability and Innovation
Canadian agriculture is known for:
Sustainable farming practices
Technological innovation
Strong environmental protections
These factors make Canada a trusted global food supplier.
The Agri-Food Pilot’s Legacy
Since 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot has:
Reduced labour shortages
Increased productivity in the agri-food industry
Supported rural communities
Helped thousands of families gain permanent residency
The programme strengthened Canada’s food production chain and improved worker retention.
Challenges Ahead
The main challenges include:
The strict 1,010 application cap
The programme’s end on May 14, 2025
Due to these limitations, applicants must act quickly.
The Road Ahead
Even after the Agri-Food Pilot ends, multiple pathways remain open for agri-food workers. Canada continues to value skilled workers in this sector, and demand for agricultural labour is likely to grow.
Conclusion
The changes to the Agri-Food Pilot Programme and other immigration streams reflect Canada’s evolving immigration priorities. While the Agri-Food Pilot is ending, several strong alternatives remain for workers in this industry.
Applicants should stay informed through official IRCC updates and consider all available immigration pathways to build a secure future in Canada.
