PL Immigration is pleased to inform you about an important update regarding Canada’s Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. The Canadian government has decided to limit the number of permanent residence applications for the year 2025 to 1,010. This reflects the high demand for this program, which has become an essential pathway for those seeking to immigrate to Canada.
Launched in 2020, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has significantly contributed to addressing labor shortages in Canada’s vital agri-food sector. Throughout its operation, the pilot program has successfully facilitated permanent residency for over 4,500 agri-food workers and their families, bolstering one of the country’s key industries.
Please note that the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot will come to an official close on May 14, 2025. This marks the end of its five-year duration as allowed under federal regulations.
Important Information about the 2025 Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Cap
Application Limit: In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept a total of 1,010 permanent residence applications under this Agri-Food Immigration Pilot.
Application Deadline: Candidates can submit their applications until May 14, 2025. However, the process may close earlier if the application cap is met.
Program Conclusion: The Agri-Food Pilot is set to permanently conclude on May 14, 2025, as it is unable to be extended beyond its designated five-year duration.
Introduction of the Immigration Cap
The Agri-Food Pilot has experienced high demand, surpassing the available spots outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027. This cap helps PL Immigration ensure that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can process applications effectively while achieving its immigration goals. Applications submitted before the specified deadline will be processed according to the designated quotas, even beyond the pilot program’s conclusion.
Opportunities for Agri-Food Workers Beyond May 2025
As the Agri-Food Pilot comes to a close, PL Immigration highlights alternative immigration pathways for agri-food workers to consider in their pursuit of living permanently in Canada:
Federal Express Entry Programs:
These programs are designed for high-skilled workers seeking a streamlined path to permanent residency in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
Tailored to address regional labor shortages, these programs allow provinces to nominate candidates who fulfill specific local demands.
Atlantic Immigration Program:
Aimed at drawing workers to fill jobs in the Atlantic provinces, this program supports the economic needs of communities in this region.
Rural and Francophone Community Pilots:
Focused on encouraging settlement in rural areas and Francophone communities, these new initiatives provide unique opportunities for agri-food workers.
Guidelines for Prospective Applicants
If you are eligible for the Agri-Food Pilot, it is crucial to send in your application promptly to claim one of the 1,010 spots available. Ensure your submission is thorough and meets all the pilot’s qualification criteria. For those who do not meet the requirements of the pilot, consider looking into other immigration pathways to enhance your opportunities in Canada.
Requirements for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is designed for skilled workers in Canada’s meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse crop production, and livestock sectors. This initiative provides a route to permanent residency for individuals who fulfill specific work experience, job offer, and industry standards.
Industries Eligible for the Pilot
The pilot emphasizes three primary sectors as classified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
- Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
This includes positions such as industrial butchers, meat cutters, and poultry processors. - Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114)
This encompasses mushroom production and roles like agricultural supervisors and harvesting laborers. - Animal Production, Excluding Aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, or 1129)
This targets livestock raising with roles such as specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators.
Eligible Occupations for Immigration to Canada
Explore the opportunities available for immigration to Canada with PL Immigration. Below are the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for jobs that qualify under the pilot program:
Meat Product Manufacturing
- NOC 63201 – Butchers for both retail and wholesale
- NOC 65202 – Meat cutters and fishmongers
- NOC 94141 – Industrial butchers and meat cutters
- NOC 82030 – Contractors for agricultural services and farm supervisors
- NOC 84120 – Workers specializing in livestock handling
- NOC 85100 – Laborers in livestock management
- NOC 95106 – Laborers 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 laborers
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers
Animal Production
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
- NOC 84120 – Experts in livestock care
- NOC 85100 – Livestock laborers
- NOC 85101 – Laborers specializing in harvesting
Eligibility Criteria for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
To be eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot through PL Immigration, candidates must fulfill the following conditions:
Work Experience: Applicants need a minimum of 12 months (1,560 hours) of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in Canada in a qualifying role under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, completed within the past three years.
Language Skills: Candidates must achieve at least a level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in English or French, covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Educational Background: Applicants should possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent recognized in Canada.
Job Offer: A full-time, non-seasonal job offer that is permanent (indeterminate) must be secured from a Canadian employer outside of Quebec. The offer should align with or exceed the prevailing wage standards.
Financial Resources: Applicants must demonstrate adequate settlement funds for themselves and their dependents unless they are already employed in Canada.
