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Agri-Food pilot to accept 1,010 new applications in 2025

The Canada Agri-Food Pilot has long served as a vital gateway for skilled agricultural and food processing workers to secure permanent residency in Canada. Since its launch in 2020, the program has provided much-needed solutions to labor shortages in critical sectors, while offering skilled workers and their families a chance to contribute to and thrive in Canada’s economy. With the program entering its final year in 2025, significant adjustments have been announced, including a reduced intake cap.

Key changes for 2025

For 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a sharp reduction in the program’s application cap. From 2,750 applications in 2024, the program will now accept only 1,010 applications. Of these, 1,000 will be processed online, with an additional 10 accepted through alternate formats for applicants unable to apply digitally.

The application intake will close on May 14, 2025, or earlier if the cap is reached. This adjustment underscores the importance of swift preparation and submission for interested individuals. The program’s temporary nature under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act means it cannot extend beyond its five-year term, concluding definitively in 2025.

Since its inception, the Agri-Food Pilot has supported over 4,500 workers and their families in achieving permanent residency, addressing critical labor gaps in sectors such as meat processing, greenhouse production, and animal farming. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,775 individuals transitioned to permanent residency through the program.

Eligible occupations and industries

The program targets specific roles in key agricultural and food processing sectors. Below is a breakdown of eligible industries and their associated occupations, categorized by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system:

● Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)

● Retail and Wholesale Butchers (NOC 63201)

● Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators (NOC 84120)

● Livestock Labourers (NOC 85100)

● Harvesting Labourers (NOC 85101)

● Meat Cutters and Fishmongers (NOC 65202)

● Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters (NOC 94141)

● Farm Supervisors and Agricultural Service Contractors (NOC 82030)

● Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators (NOC 84120)

● Farm Supervisors and Agricultural Service Contractors (NOC 82030)

● Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators (NOC 84120)

● Harvesting Labourers (NOC 85101)

● Animal Production (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1129)

● Farm Supervisors and Agricultural Service Contractors (NOC 82030)

● Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 95106)

● Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114)

Eligibility criteria

The Agri-Food Pilot is tailored for skilled and experienced workers in specific industries, offering a streamlined pathway to permanent residency. Below are the detailed eligibility requirements:

● Applicants must have accumulated at least one year (minimum of 1,560 hours) of full-time, non-seasonal work experience within the last three years. This experience must be in one or more eligible occupations and obtained under a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit.

● A full-time, permanent, and non-seasonal job offer in a qualifying agri-food occupation is mandatory. This ensures that applicants have a stable position aligned with their skills and expertise.

● A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in either English or French is required. This ensures effective communication in the workplace and integration into Canadian society.

● Applicants must possess a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

● Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families upon arrival in Canada. This requirement is waived for individuals already working in Canada under a valid work permit.

Conclusion

With 2025 marking the final year of the Canada Agri-Food Pilot, the reduced application cap amplifies the urgency for prospective applicants to act swiftly. The program has proven to be a transformative opportunity for skilled agri-food workers, helping them transition to permanent residency while contributing to Canada’s economic stability and growth.

The reduction in intake for 2025 highlights the competitive nature of the program. This final opportunity is not only a chance for individuals to secure permanent residency but also a means for Canada to address ongoing labor shortages in essential sectors.

The Canada Agri-Food Pilot has served as a cornerstone for Canada’s efforts to attract and retain skilled workers in the agricultural and food processing industries. Its legacy includes providing thousands of individuals and families with the opportunity to build a life in Canada while addressing critical labor shortages.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at

+1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.