Agri-Food Pilot For Farmers and Meat Processing Industries (Closed) — What Was It and How It Worked

Mar 11, 2025

Canada’s agricultural and meat-processing sectors required a stable workforce to maintain domestic and export outputs. Though the Agri-Food Pilot is now closed, it provided a direct path to permanent residency for workers with valid experience in these sectors. This blog covers who was eligible, how the program worked, why was it closed, and some alternative pathways for agricultural workers.

What was the Agri-Food Pilot?

This pilot was created to recruit essential workers in farming, meat processing, mushroom production, and other agri-food roles. It offered permanent residency for non-seasonal positions in designated NOC codes, aiming to stabilize Canada’s food production and prevent labor shortages.

Designated Roles — Occupations included industrial butchers, meat cutters, harvesting labourers, and related roles (NOC categories vary; consult IRCC updates for current lists).
Targeted Industries — Meat product manufacturing, greenhouse crop production, animal production, and related sub-sectors were included.
Permanent Residency Pathway — Applicants and their families could become permanent residents once they met the program’s criteria.

Why was the Agri-Food Pilot introduced?

The Agri-Food Pilot program was originally introduced to address specific challenges in Canada's agricultural sector:

Labor Shortages — The program aimed to address ongoing labor shortages in critical areas of Canada's agri-food sector.

Economic Growth — The program was designed to stimulate economic growth by investing in the agri-food sector, creating job opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

Food Security — By promoting a strong and resilient agri-food sector, the program aimed to enhance Canada's food security and reduce dependence on imported foods.

Agricultural Innovation — The pilot encouraged innovation in agricultural practices, technologies, and products, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness for Canadian farmers.

What was the Eligibility Criteria?

Work Experience
- Minimum one year of full-time, non-seasonal experience (1,560 hours) in an eligible agri-food role within the past three years.
- The job must correspond to a recognized NOC code for this pilot, such as NOC 85101 (Harvesting Laborers), NOC 63201 (Butchers), or similar, subject to IRCC’s official list.
- Should be gained through:
  - an open work permit for vulnerable workers or
  - a work permit issued on the basis of a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) with a minimum 12-month duration, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Valid Job Offer
- Full-time, non-seasonal employment in Canada with wages meeting or exceeding prevailing rates.
Language Proficiency
- At least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French.
Education
- Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent (with ECA).
Settlement Funds
- You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members, even if they are not accompanying you. However, if you are already employed in Canada with a valid work permit at the time of your application, proof of settlement funds is not required.
Admissibility
- Pass medical exams, security screenings, and police checks.

Step-by-Step Overview

Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your previous work experience aligns with the pilot’s designated NOC codes and that you meet language and education requirements.
Obtain a Valid Job Offer
Secure an offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible agri-food role. The position must be non-seasonal and meet wage standards.
Gather Supporting Documents
- Work references, pay stubs, or letters proving your duties and NOC alignment.
- Language test results at CLB 4 or higher.
- Educational credentials.
Submit Application to IRCC
Include all forms, fees, medical exam results, and police clearances. Incomplete submissions delay processing.
Await IRCC Decision
IRCC evaluates work experience authenticity, the employer’s compliance, and your admissibility.

Why was the Agri-Food Pilot Closed?

The Agri-Food Pilot program was closed due to high demand. Designed to run for a maximum of five years under federal regulations, the pilot was launched in 2020 and was set to officially conclude on May 14, 2025. However, as of February 2025, IRCC had already received enough applications to fill all available spots. The program saw overwhelming interest, exceeding the available spaces outlined in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

Alternative PR Pathways for Agri-Food Workers

Since the Agri-Food Pilot program is no longer accepting new applications, agri-food workers have several alternative pathways to pursue permanent residency in Canada:

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) These region-specific programs are tailored to address local labor needs and may offer opportunities for agri-food workers.
Atlantic Immigration Program This program focuses on recruiting workers for jobs in Atlantic Canada, which may include positions in the agri-food sector.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot This program encourages settlement in rural and northern areas of Canada, potentially offering opportunities for agri-food workers.
Rural and Francophone Community Pilots These new programs aim to encourage settlement in rural and Francophone areas, which may be relevant for some agri-food workers.

These alternative pathways provide continued opportunities for agri-food workers to achieve permanent residency while supporting Canada's economic growth and addressing labor shortages in various regions. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore these options and choose the one that best fits their qualifications and career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Agri-Food Pilot

Q1: Is the Agri-Food Pilot still accepting applications?

No. The Agri-Food Pilot program has ended. Prospective applicants can consider provincial nominee programs, other regional initiatives, or Express Entry programs.

Q2: Can family members accompany me?

Yes. Eligible spouses or partners and dependent children can be included.

Q3: What if I change employers after applying?

Inform IRCC if there is a shift in job or employer status. Failing to disclose can jeopardize your application.

Q4: Do I need proof of funds if I already work in Canada?

Certain applicants employed in Canada may be exempt from providing settlement funds. Confirm your specific situation with IRCC.

Final Thoughts on the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

Canada’s agri-food sector relies on foreign workers to maintain steady output in farming, meat processing, and other related industries. The Agri-Food Pilot was a response to labor demands, granting permanent residency to those who met skill and experience benchmarks. The program is no longer open to new applications, but with a valid non-seasonal job offer, documented work history, and the right language and educational credentials, workers had an opportunity to secure a future in Canada’s essential agricultural supply chain.