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Paused
Current status
CLB 4
Language min
1,560 hrs
Experience req
No ECA
Education req
VMC identifies your best current pathway while monitoring for any Agri-Food Pilot reopening.
Book assessment →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.
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.
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.
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."
| 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 |
Based on the pilot's requirements when it was accepting applications. These will apply if/when the program reopens.
The typical LMIA → work permit → PR application process for agri-food workers.
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.
Work in the eligible NOC occupation for at least 1,560 hours non-seasonally. Keep pay stubs, T4s, and employment records.
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.
When the pilot is accepting applications, submit the full IRCC application including all supporting documents, police certificates, and medical exam results.
IRCC reviews application. If additional documents are needed, a procedural fairness letter is issued. VMC responds professionally to any IRCC requests.
Upon approval, receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Land as a permanent resident and receive PR card.
12+ months (while on valid work permit)
1-4 weeks for results
4-8 weeks with VMC
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.
While the Agri-Food Pilot is paused, these programs are currently accepting applications and may be available to agri-food sector workers.
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.
Still have questions? Our licensed RCICs answer within 24 hours.
Book your Expert ConsultationGTA or anywhere in Canada: temporary status, PR strategy, employer files, or refusal review. We outline the plan before forms multiply.