Canada Agri-Food Pilot — PR for Agricultural Workers
The Agri-Food Pilot was a permanent residence pathway for meat processing, greenhouse, and livestock workers. The pilot is currently paused. VMC assesses current alternatives and monitors IRCC for any reopening.
Agri-Food Pilot
Paused
Current status
CLB 4
Language min
1,560 hrs
Experience req
No ECA
Education req
Current alternatives
Agricultural worker seeking PR?
VMC identifies your best current pathway while monitoring for any Agri-Food Pilot reopening.
Book assessment →Canada's PR Pathway for Agricultural Workers
The Agri-Food Pilot was launched by IRCC to address labour shortages in Canada's non-seasonal agricultural food production sector by offering permanent residence to experienced workers.
Program Status: Currently Paused (2025–2026)
As of 2025–2026, IRCC has not opened new intakes for the Agri-Food Pilot. Applications submitted before the pause are being processed. VMC is monitoring IRCC announcements for any program reopening or replacement program. In the meantime, several alternative pathways are available for agricultural workers — see the Alternatives section below.
Who It Was For
Workers in Canada's non-seasonal agri-food sector: meat processing plants, greenhouses, nurseries, and livestock operations. Designed for LMIA-based temporary workers seeking permanent residence.
No Education Requirement
One of the few Canadian PR programs requiring no post-secondary education. Language at CLB 4 (relatively accessible) plus work experience in an eligible occupation.
Annual Caps Applied
The pilot had annual caps on the number of applications accepted per year and per occupation. When caps were reached, new applications were not accepted even if the program was "open."
Eligible Occupations (When Open)
| Occupation | NOC Code | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers | 94141 | Meat processing |
| Harvesting labourers | 85100 | Fruit, vegetable, mushroom |
| General farm workers | 84120 | Livestock, greenhouse, nursery |
| Nursery and greenhouse workers | 84121 | Greenhouse / nursery |
| Livestock workers (including poultry farm workers) | 84120 | Livestock |
Who Qualifies for the Agri-Food Pilot
Based on the pilot's requirements when it was accepting applications. These will apply if/when the program reopens.
Work Experience
Minimum 1,560 hours (about 12 months) of non-seasonal full-time paid work in an eligible occupation in Canada within the 3 years before applying.
Eligible Occupation
Meat processing (NOC 94141), harvesting workers (NOC 84120, 85100), greenhouse/nursery workers (NOC 84121), livestock workers (NOC 84120), certain food production roles.
Language
CLB 4 minimum in English or French (IELTS General Training, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada). No CLB requirement for certain occupations when in the same NOC as current employment.
Education
No specific education requirement — one of the few Canadian PR programs accessible without a post-secondary degree.
Valid Work Permit
Applicants must be employed in Canada under a valid work authorization at the time of applying. LMIA-based work permits are most common for agri-food workers.
Province of Employment
Work must be with an employer in a participating province: MB, SK, AB, BC, PEI, NB, NS, NL. Ontario and Quebec employers did not qualify.
How the Agri-Food Pilot Application Works
The typical LMIA → work permit → PR application process for agri-food workers.
Obtain LMIA-Based Work Permit
Most agri-food workers enter on LMIA work permits through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The employer obtains a Labour Market Impact Assessment first.
Accumulate Required Experience
Work in the eligible NOC occupation for at least 1,560 hours non-seasonally. Keep pay stubs, T4s, and employment records.
Take Language Test
Book IELTS General Training or CELPIP for English (CLB 4 required). French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Test results must be current within 2 years.
Submit PR Application
When the pilot is accepting applications, submit the full IRCC application including all supporting documents, police certificates, and medical exam results.
IRCC Processing
IRCC reviews application. If additional documents are needed, a procedural fairness letter is issued. VMC responds professionally to any IRCC requests.
PR Confirmation
Upon approval, receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Land as a permanent resident and receive PR card.
Typical Agri-Food Pilot Timeline
Gain eligible work experience
12+ months (while on valid work permit)
Language test (IELTS/CELPIP)
1–4 weeks for results
Application preparation
4–8 weeks with VMC
IRCC processing (when open)
12–24 months typically
Important note: Since the Agri-Food Pilot is currently paused, the above timeline applies if/when the program reopens. VMC recommends beginning alternative pathway applications now rather than waiting for a potential reopening.
PR Pathways Available Now for Agricultural Workers
While the Agri-Food Pilot is paused, these programs are currently accepting applications and may be available to agri-food sector workers.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
RCIP (formerly RNIP) is community-based and includes many rural agricultural communities. Workers with a job offer from an RCIP-participating community employer can apply for PR with a community recommendation. Ideal for workers already employed in rural farming or food processing regions.
Learn moreAtlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Employer-driven program covering New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland. The Atlantic provinces have significant agri-food industry demand. An offer from a designated Atlantic employer qualifies a worker for PR with CLB 4 language and high-school-level education.
Learn moreProvincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have PNP streams for workers in occupations related to agriculture and food processing. Some streams have lower language and education requirements for in-demand occupations in these provinces. Job offer typically required.
Learn moreFederal Skilled Trades (FST)
For workers in certain agricultural trades that fall under NOC TEER 2 or 3, the Federal Skilled Trades stream within Express Entry may apply. This route has its own specific work experience and trade certification requirements.
Learn moreAgricultural Worker Seeking Canadian PR?
VMC assesses your current work permit, occupation, and province to identify the best available PR pathway — whether the Agri-Food Pilot reopens or through RCIP, AIP, or PNP streams available today.
Agri-Food Pilot — Frequently Asked Questions
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