Agri-Food Immigration Pilot – Canada
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a federal immigration pathway designed to support Canada’s agricultural and agri-food sectors by addressing long-term labour shortages.
This program creates a structured route to permanent residence for eligible agricultural workers already contributing to Canada’s food supply chain, while helping employers retain experienced, long-term staff.
Purpose of the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industries rely heavily on skilled, hands-on workers. Many of these roles have historically depended on short-term or seasonal labour, creating workforce instability.
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot was introduced to:
- Support workforce stability in key agricultural sectors
- Retain experienced foreign workers
- Reduce reliance on short-term permits
- Provide permanent residence opportunities for essential workers
Eligible workers and their families can build long-term lives in Canada through this program.
Key Program Features
- Direct pathway to permanent residence
- Focus on non-seasonal, full-time agricultural employment
- Employer participation without annual application caps
- Access to 2-year Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA)
Learn more about LMIA requirements in Canada:
Eligible Agricultural Sectors
Qualifying work experience must be in one of the following agri-food sectors:
- Meat product processing
- Livestock production
- Mushroom production
- Greenhouse crop production
Only non-seasonal, full-time roles are eligible under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot.
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Requirements
Applicants must meet all program requirements to qualify.
Work Experience Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate:
- At least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience
- Non-seasonal employment
- Experience gained under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Work in an eligible agri-food occupation
Temporary work permit information:
Language Requirement
- Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
- All four language skills are assessed: reading, writing, listening, and speaking
Education Requirement
- Canadian equivalency of a high school diploma or higher
- Foreign education must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Job Offer Requirement
Applicants must have:
- A permanent (indeterminate) job offer
- Full-time, non-seasonal employment
- Employment located outside Quebec
- Wages meeting or exceeding prevailing wage standards
Benefits for Employers
Employers participating in the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot benefit from:
- Reduced need for frequent work permit renewals
- Access to 2-year LMIAs
- Improved employee retention
- Lower recruitment and training costs
Employer hiring options in Canada:
Pathway to Permanent Residence
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot offers a direct pathway to Permanent Residence in Canada for eligible agricultural workers and their families.