The Canada Agri-Food Pilot (AFP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing labor shortages in the agriculture and food processing sectors, is set to accept 1,010 new applications in 2025. Launched in May 2020, this pilot program has been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy, targeting essential industries that are vital to the country’s economic and food security.
Overview of the Agri-Food Pilot Program
The Agri-Food Pilot was designed to attract experienced, non-seasonal workers who can contribute to the long-term growth and stability of Canada’s agri-food industry. It provides a pathway to permanent residency (PR) for eligible workers employed in specific industries and occupations.
With a total annual cap of 2,750 principal applicants, the program is highly competitive and tailored to meet the unique needs of the agri-food sector.
Key features of the pilot include:
- – Targeted eligibility criteria focusing on specific occupations like farm supervisors, livestock workers, butchers, and food processing laborers.
– Industry-specific support to address chronic labor shortages in meat processing, mushroom production, greenhouse operations, and livestock farming.
Permanent residency pathways for workers committed to settling in Canada and contributing to its agri-food economy.
Updates for 2025
For 2025, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to the program’s application intake. This program will accept a reduced cap of 1,010 applications, a significant decrease from the 2,750 applications accepted in 2024. This adjustment is due to high demand and aligns with the targets established in Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. Applications will be accepted until May 14th, 2025, or until the cap is reached, whichever comes first.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Work Experience: A minimum of one year (full-time, non-seasonal) in an eligible occupation within the past three years.
Job Offer: A full-time, non-seasonal job offer in Canada outside of Quebec.
Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4 in English or French.
Education: At least a high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.
Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and their families unless already employed in Canada.
Application Categories
The Canada Agri-Food Pilot allows applications under specific job categories that align with the needs of the agri-food sector. For 2025, applications will be accepted in the following categories:
- Meat Processing
- – Industrial butchers
- – Meat cutters
- – Supervisors in meat processing plants
- Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production
- – General farm workers
- – Harvesting laborers
- Animal Production
- – General farm workers
- – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
