Work in Canada
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot to Close in 2025 with Strict Application Cap
Canada’s Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has been a vital initiative for addressing labor shortages in the agri-food sector since its launch in 2020. Over its five-year tenure, the program has enabled more than 4,500 agri-food workers and their families to secure permanent residency. However, the pilot is now set to conclude on May 14, 2025, marking the end of its federal mandate.
To manage the program’s high demand, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a strict cap of 1,010 permanent residence applications for 2025. Applications will be accepted either until this cap is reached or until the program’s official closure date—whichever comes first. This decision aligns with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027, which aims to welcome 10,920 new immigrants through various pilot programs, including the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.
Why Introduce a Cap?
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has seen an overwhelming response, exceeding the allocated spaces under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. The new cap ensures the IRCC can process applications efficiently while adhering to established immigration targets. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications before the deadline will still have their cases reviewed, even after the pilot concludes.
Eligibility and Requirements
The pilot targets skilled workers in industries like meat processing, greenhouse crop production, and livestock farming. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
- Work Experience – At least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in a qualifying agri-food occupation within the past three years.
- Language Proficiency – A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 4 in English or French.
- Education – A high school diploma or higher, or its equivalent in Canadian education standards.
- Job Offer – An indeterminate, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer outside Quebec.
- Settlement Funds – Proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant and their dependents, unless they are already working in Canada.
Focus on Eligible Industries
The program is tailored to three key sectors under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
- Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116): Includes roles like industrial butchers, meat cutters, and poultry preparers.
- Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114): Includes agricultural supervisors and harvesting laborers in mushroom production.
- Animal Production, Excluding Aquaculture (NAICS 1121–1129): Focuses on livestock raising and roles like specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators.
Eligible Occupations
Below are the job categories and corresponding National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot:
Meat Product Manufacturing
| NOC 63201 | Butchers (retail and wholesale) |
| NOC 65202 | Meat cutters and fishmongers |
| NOC 94141 | Industrial butchers and meat cutters |
| NOC 82030 | Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors |
| NOC 84120 | Specialized livestock workers |
| NOC 85100 | Livestock labourers |
| NOC 95106 | Labourers in food and beverage processing |
Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production
| NOC 82030 | Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors |
| NOC 84120 | Specialized livestock workers |
| NOC 85100 | Livestock labourers |
| NOC 85101 | Harvesting labourers |
Animal Production
| NOC 82030 | Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors |
| NOC 84120 | Specialized livestock workers |
| NOC 85100 | Livestock labourers |
| NOC 85101 | Harvesting labourers |
Advice for Applicants
If you qualify for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, it is advisable to submit your application as soon as possible. Ensure your application is complete and meets all the pilot’s eligibility criteria. For those who miss the deadline or do not qualify, exploring the alternative pathways mentioned above could be a viable solution to achieving permanent residency in Canada.
FAQs Agri-Food Immigration Pilot 2025
Q1. What is the application limit for 2025 under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot?
For 2025, Canada has imposed a cap of 1,010 permanent residence applications for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. Applications will be accepted until either the cap is reached or May 14, 2025.
Q2. What happens to the program after May 14, 2025?
The pilot will officially conclude on May 14, 2025, marking the end of its five-year term. Applications submitted before this date and within the cap will still be processed. Once the program ends, workers in the agri-food sector can consider alternative immigration pathways like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Q3. What industries and roles are included in the program?
The pilot focuses on three major industries: Meat product manufacturing, Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production, and Animal production.
Final Thoughts
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has been instrumental in strengthening Canada’s agri-food sector, but its conclusion opens doors to other promising immigration programs. As the program nears its end, potential applicants should act quickly to secure their spot among the 1,010 applications allowed for 2025. While the pilot may be closing, other immigration pathways remain available to support skilled workers aiming to contribute to Canada’s economy
