Work in Canada
Canada Plans New Immigration Stream for Agriculture and Fish Processing Workers
Canada is once again stepping up to support its essential industries. In a move that could open the doors to thousands of foreign workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the development of a new immigration stream for agriculture and fish processing sectors. This decision comes at a time when labour shortages in these industries are becoming more serious, threatening both food supply chains and rural economic growth.
Let’s explore what this new stream means, who it will help, and why it matters now more than ever.
A Sector-Specific Path for Foreign Workers
In its recently published 2025–2026 Department Plan, IRCC laid out a clear goal: build a sector-focused foreign worker stream designed to support agriculture and fish processing employers.
What’s Different This Time?
- The stream will be specifically designed for agriculture and fish processing roles.
- It will offer sector-based work permits, giving employers access to reliable labour and workers the flexibility to contribute where it’s most needed.
- The plan may also expand partnerships with selected countries, making it easier for employers to bring in qualified workers from trusted sources.
This new stream is expected to work closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to gather input from both public and private stakeholders throughout 2025 and 2026. The collaboration aims to ensure the stream meets real labour needs and protects worker rights.
Why the New Immigration Stream for Agriculture Is Needed Now?
Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors are vital to the national economy but they’re facing a major challenge: not enough workers.
Even before 2025, employers across the country were struggling to find people to fill year-round and seasonal roles. With the Agri-Food Pilot closing earlier this year, many employers have been left without a long-term solution.
Let’s break down the situation:
| Challenge | Impact |
| Ageing domestic workforce | Reduced availability of local workers |
| Remote job locations | Harder to attract Canadian workers |
| Seasonal demand fluctuations | Need for flexible, short-term labour |
| Closure of Agri-Food Pilot | No existing replacement pathway |
The Agri-Food Pilot, which launched in 2020, allowed foreign workers in meat processing, greenhouse operations, and animal production to apply for permanent residence. It filled an important gap, but it reached its cap by February 2025 and stopped accepting new applications. With that program gone, the sector is facing a renewed labour shortage.
How This Helps Both Employers and Workers
The new immigration stream for agriculture and fish processing could be a win-win solution. For employers, it provides predictable access to talent. For foreign workers, it opens a clear path to working legally in Canada, with the potential for longer-term settlement if future programs evolve.
Some of the likely benefits include:
- Targeted work permits for jobs in farming, seafood packaging, meat processing, and more
- Streamlined recruitment from countries with labour agreements
- Job stability for workers who want to contribute to key sectors
- Potential immigration pathways if the program later expands into a permanent option
This approach also supports Canada’s economic recovery, food production system, and rural communities that rely heavily on agriculture and fisheries.
What Comes Next?
IRCC and ESDC will spend 2025 and 2026 developing this program through consultations and policy work. That means there’s still time for updates and new features to be introduced before the stream officially opens.
For Now, Here’s What Interested Workers and Employers Can Do
- Employers: Stay in touch with ESDC and industry groups for updates on the stream’s rollout
- Workers: Start preparing required documents (such as work history, references, and police checks) so you’re ready to apply when the time comes
- Both: Watch for updates on Canada’s immigration website and official news sources
The creation of a new immigration stream for agriculture and fish processing workers shows that Canada is serious about strengthening its workforce and supporting sectors that feed the nation. With thousands of job openings and a shrinking local labour pool, this move could offer timely help and a future full of possibility. Whether you’re an employer looking to fill critical roles, or a foreign worker dreaming of building a better life in Canada, this upcoming stream could be your opportunity to get started.
