2025 Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot Program – Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Canada Agri-Food Pilot Program remains a vital opportunity for skilled agri-food workers to secure permanent residency in Canada. With significant changes introduced for 2025, it’s essential for applicants to act swiftly and understand the updated requirements.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a reduced cap for applications. Only 1,010 applications will be accepted for 2025—a significant decrease from the 2,750 applications in 2024.
Since its launch in 2020, the program has welcomed over 4,500 agri-food workers and their families to Canada, addressing critical labor shortages in agriculture and food processing sectors.
Recent modifications to the program have removed annual occupational caps, allowing a greater number of candidates to apply for specific occupations without limitations. Additionally, work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable foreign workers now counts towards the work experience requirement, broadening the eligibility criteria.
The application process is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and interested candidates must submit their applications online, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation. The program aims to attract skilled workers to support Canada’s agri-food sector, contributing to the country’s economy and food security.
Eligibility Criteria for the Agri-Food Pilot Program
To qualify for permanent residency, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Work Experience
- At least one year of full-time, non-seasonal work experience (1,560 hours) within the last three years.
- Experience must be under a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit in eligible occupations.
Job Offer
- A permanent, full-time, non-seasonal job offer in a qualifying agri-food industry is mandatory.
Education
- A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.
Language Proficiency
- Minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 in English or French.
Settlement Funds
- Proof of settlement funds, unless already employed in Canada with a valid work permit.
Acceptable Proof of Work Experience
Applicants must provide the following documentation to validate their work experience:
- Employer Reference Letters detailing job responsibilities and duration.
- Union Reference Letters (for unionized positions).
- Employment Letters, T4 statements, and paystubs.
Eligible Occupations and Industries
The program targets specific occupations across three main industries.
Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
- Retail and Wholesale Butchers: NOC 63201
- Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters: NOC 94141
- Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing: NOC 95106
Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114)
- Farm Supervisors: NOC 82030
- Harvesting Labourers: NOC 85101
Animal Production (NAICS 1121–1129)
- Livestock Labourers: NOC 85100
- Farm Machinery Operators: NOC 84120
How to Apply for the Agri-Food Pilot
If you meet the eligibility criteria, here are the steps to apply:
- Review the Application Guide
Visit the official IRCC website for detailed guidelines and forms. - Gather Your Documents
Collect proof of work experience, educational credentials, language test results, and settlement funds (if applicable). - Submit Your Application
- Online: Up to 1,000 applications will be processed electronically for faster reviews.
- Alternate Formats: IRCC will accept up to 10 applications in alternate formats for those unable to apply online.
- Track Your Application
Use the IRCC portal to monitor progress and respond to additional information requests.
