Agri-food Pilot Program to Become Permanent Resident

December 1, 2023 Author: MDSVISA

Introduction: Understanding the Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Agri-Food Pilot Program has been a vital pathway for agricultural workers aiming for permanent residency in Canada. Launched to combat labor shortages in agriculture, this initiative offered skilled, non-seasonal workers a chance to settle permanently in Canada. However, as of February 13, 2025, the program has closed to new applications, prompting many to seek alternative immigration to Canada options. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the Agri-Food Pilot Program, its eligibility requirements, application process, current status, and alternative pathways for agricultural workers in Canada.

What is the Agri-Food Pilot Program?

The Agri-Food Pilot Program was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address chronic labor shortages in agriculture and food sectors. It provided a route to permanent residency for workers in industries like meat processing, livestock raising, and greenhouse crop production. Starting on May 15, 2020, and originally set to end on May 14, 2023, the program was extended to 2025, with the annual application cap lifted in 2023 to meet demand. However, it officially closed to new applications on February 13, 2025, after reaching its limit.

This program was unique because it targeted year-round, non-seasonal roles, ensuring stability for both workers and employers in Canada’s agri-food industry.

Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency via the Agri-Food Pilot Program

To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot Program, applicants had to meet specific criteria tailored to Canada’s agricultural needs. Here’s a breakdown:

Canadian Work Experience: At least 12 months (1,560 hours) of full-time, non-seasonal work in Canada within the past three years, gained through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in eligible occupations.
Language Proficiency for Immigration: A minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadienne (NCLC) Level 4 in English or French across reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Educational Credentials: A Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign education, issued within five years.
Job Offer in Canada: A legitimate, full-time job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible agri-food industry, meeting wage standards (unionized or non-unionized).
Settlement Funds for Immigrants: Proof of sufficient funds to support settlement in Canada, unless already working in Canada with a valid work permit.

These requirements ensured applicants could contribute to Canada’s economy while integrating into society.

Eligible Industries and Occupations for the Agri-Food Pilot Program

The program focused on specific sectors and roles critical to Canada’s food supply chain. Below is a detailed table of eligible industries and occupations:

Industry (NAICS Code)	Eligible Occupations (NOC Code – Occupation)
Meat product manufacturing (3116)	63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors 84120 – Specialized livestock workers 85100 – Livestock labourers 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production (1114)	82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors 84120 – Specialized livestock workers 85100 – Livestock labourers 85101 – Harvesting labourers
Animal production, excluding aquaculture (1121-1129)	82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors 84120 – Specialized livestock workers 85100 – Livestock labourers 85101 – Harvesting labourers

This structure ensured the program supported agricultural workers in Canada in high-demand, non-seasonal roles.

How to Apply: The Agri-Food Pilot Program Application Process

The application process for the Agri-Food Pilot Program was straightforward but required thorough preparation. Here’s how it worked:

Document Collection: Gather proof of Canadian work experience, language test results, educational credentials, a job offer in Canada, and settlement funds.
Application Submission: Submit the application via the IRCC online portal.
Processing Time: The IRCC aimed to process 80% of applications within six months, though delays could occur.

Historically, the program’s extension to 2025 and removal of the annual cap in 2023 reflected its success. However, its closure in 2025 has shifted focus to other options.

Current Status: Is the Agri-Food Pilot Program Still Open?

As of March 7, 2025, the Agri-Food Pilot Program is no longer accepting new applications. The closure, effective February 13, 2025, came after the program reached its application limit. Applications submitted before this date are still being processed, but new applicants must now explore alternative immigration to Canada pathways.

Alternative Immigration Pathways for Agricultural Workers

With the Agri-Food Pilot Program closed, here are viable alternatives for agricultural workers in Canada seeking permanent residency:

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): Targets smaller communities, often with opportunities in agriculture.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Provinces like Ontario offer streams for in-demand skills, including agriculture-related roles.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): While not a direct path to residency, it provides Canadian work experience that can qualify applicants for other programs.

Each option has unique eligibility criteria, making research essential for prospective immigrants.

Conclusion: Navigating Immigration Options Post-Agri-Food Pilot

The Agri-Food Pilot Program was a cornerstone for addressing labor shortages in agriculture while offering permanent residency in Canada. Its closure on February 13, 2025, marks the end of an era, but opportunities remain through alternative pathways. Whether you’re an agricultural worker or employer, understanding these options is key to success. For more details, visit the IRCC website.

FAQs: Agri-Food Pilot Program and Permanent Residency in Canada

1. What is the Agri-Food Pilot Program?

The Agri-Food Pilot Program was a Canadian immigration initiative to address labor shortages in agriculture by granting permanent residency to skilled, non-seasonal workers in industries like meat processing and greenhouse production.

2. Is the Agri-Food Pilot Program still accepting applications?

No, the program closed to new applications on February 13, 2025, after hitting its application limit. Pre-submitted applications are still being processed.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for the Agri-Food Pilot Program?

Applicants needed 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience in eligible roles, CLB/NCLC Level 4 language proficiency, a high school diploma or equivalent, a job offer in Canada, and settlement funds (if applicable).

4. What occupations were eligible under the Agri-Food Pilot Program?

Eligible roles included butchers, livestock laborers, agricultural service contractors, and harvesting laborers in industries like meat processing and animal production.

5. What are alternative immigration pathways for agricultural workers?

Options include the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), each offering paths to permanent residency in Canada.