Last Updated On 4 January 2025, 8:32 AM EST (Toronto Time)
The Canada Agri-Food Pilot program has been a crucial pathway for experienced agri-food workers to gain permanent residency in Canada.
For 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to the program’s application intake.
The program will accept a reduced cap of 1,010 applications, a marked decrease from the 2,750 applications accepted in 2024.
Here’s everything you need to know about the program, its eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
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Effective immediately, IRCC has set a limit of 1,010 applications for the Agri-Food Pilot for 2025.
These applications must be submitted by May 14, 2025, or until the quota is reached—whichever occurs first.
This adjustment underscores the limited time and opportunity for interested applicants to secure a spot in the program.
The Agri-Food Pilot, established under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, is a temporary economic immigration initiative that cannot extend beyond its maximum five-year duration.
With the pilot set to expire on May 14, 2025, this will be the final year for applications.
Since its inception in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot has significantly contributed to addressing labour shortages in the agricultural and food processing sectors.
Over the years, more than 4,500 agri-food workers and their family members have successfully transitioned to permanent residency.
As of November 2024, nearly 1,775 workers and their families were welcomed through the program last year alone.
For the 2025 cycle, IRCC will accept applications through two distinct categories:
- Online Applications: A maximum of 1,000 applications will be processed electronically. This streamlined process ensures faster submission and review.
- Alternate Formats: An additional 10 applications will be accepted in alternate formats for those unable to apply online. Applicants must ensure their submissions align with the specified guidelines for alternate formats.
The Agri-Food Pilot is designed for skilled and experienced workers in eligible industries.
To qualify for permanent residency under this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Work Experience:
- Applicants must have at least one year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work experience (minimum of 1,560 hours) within the last three years.
- This experience must be obtained on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit in one or more eligible agri-food occupations.
- Job Offer:
- A full-time, permanent, and non-seasonal job offer in a qualifying occupation within an eligible agri-food industry is mandatory.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Language Proficiency:
- Settlement Funds:
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members in Canada unless they are already working in Canada under a valid work permit.
Acceptable Proof of Work Experience
To validate their work experience, applicants must provide acceptable documentation, including:
- Employer Reference Letter: Details of job responsibilities and duration.
- Union Reference Letter: Applicable only for unionized positions.
- Letter of Employment: Proof of employment status.
- T4 Statements: Tax documentation from Canadian employers.
- Paystubs: Evidence of consistent wages and hours worked.
Eligible Occupations and Industries
The Agri-Food Pilot specifically targets occupations within select industries.
Below are the qualifying industries and their associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
1. Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116):
- Retail and Wholesale Butchers: NOC 63201
- 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
- Livestock Labourers: NOC 85100
- Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing: NOC 95106
2. Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114):
- Farm Supervisors and Agricultural Service Contractors: NOC 82030
- Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators: NOC 84120
- Livestock Labourers: NOC 85100
- Harvesting Labourers: NOC 85101
3. Animal Production (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1129):
- Farm Supervisors and Agricultural Service Contractors: NOC 82030
- Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators: NOC 84120
- Livestock Labourers: NOC 85100
- Harvesting Labourers: NOC 8510
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for permanent residency through the Agri-Food Pilot:
- Review the Application Guide: Visit the official IRCC website to download the detailed application guide for the Agri-Food Pilot. The guide provides comprehensive instructions and necessary forms.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents, including proof of work experience, educational credentials, language test results, and settlement funds (if applicable).
- Submit Your Application:
- Submit your application online if you fall under the electronic submission category.
- If applying through alternate formats, ensure compliance with IRCC guidelines.
- Track Your Application: Use the IRCC portal to monitor the status of your application and respond promptly to any additional information requests.
The Canada Agri-Food Pilot has played a pivotal role in addressing labour shortages in critical sectors while offering a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.
With the program entering its final year, interested applicants must act swiftly to meet the reduced cap of 1,010 applications for 2025.
Ensure that you review all eligibility criteria and prepare your application meticulously to increase your chances of success.
Can I apply for agri-food pilot if I’m outside Canada?
Yes, both in-Canada and out-of-Canada applicants are eligible, provided they meet the program’s requirements.
What happens if the application cap is reached for the agri-food pilot before May 14, 2025?
Once the cap of 1,010 applications is met, no further submissions will be accepted.
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