Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced a cap on admissions in the Agri-Food Pilot program with immediate effect. For 2025, only 1,010 applications will be accepted.
Since its launch in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot has been vital in addressing labor shortages in this critical industry by providing experienced workers with a pathway to permanent residence.
So far, over 4,500 agri-food workers and their family members have settled in Canada through this program. In 2024 alone (as of November), nearly 1,775 workers and family members were welcomed.
Applications submitted before May 14, 2025, and within the cap will continue to be processed in alignment with targets set in the Immigration Levels Plan. According to the official statement on the IRCC website:
“This ensures that Canada remains committed to meeting the labor needs of its agri-food sector while maintaining a fair and structured immigration process”.
New Application Limits for 2025
Due to high demand and limited spaces in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a cap on applications for permanent residence under this pilot. For 2025, only 1,010 applications will be accepted.
Key details:
- Applications will be accepted until the program reaches its cap of 1,010 or its expiration date on May 14, 2025, whichever comes first.
- The pilot, established under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, cannot be extended beyond its maximum duration of five years.
What is the Agri-Pilot Food Program?
The Agri-Food Pilot offers a pathway to permanent residence for non-seasonal workers employed in specific agriculture and food-related industries.
Eligible Sectors
If you’re working in one of these industries, you may qualify for this program:
- Meat Product Manufacturing
- Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production, including mushroom farming
- Animal Production (excluding aquaculture)
This program is designed to address labor shortages in critical sectors while providing skilled workers with the opportunity to build a future in Canada.
Additional Pathways for Agri-Food Workers
While the Agri-Food Pilot is set to conclude, there are other immigration programs available for agri-food workers, including:
- Federal High-Skilled Programs managed through Express Entry,
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP),
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and
- New regional programs such as the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots.