Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot Program Closes to New Applicants: What You Need to Know
As of February 13, 2025, Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot program has reached its application cap and is no longer accepting new applicants. This marks the end of the opportunity for foreign nationals in specific agri-food occupations to apply for permanent residency under this program.
Closure of the Agri-Food Pilot
Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot, which was designed to offer a pathway to permanent residency (PR) for foreign workers in the agri-food sector, has closed after reaching its target for 2025. The program, initially launched in 2020, was extended in 2023 until May 14, 2025, but the 2025 application cap was reached in early February, with a total of 1,010 applications received. This was a significant decrease from previous years when the program accepted up to 2,750 applications annually.
Despite the program’s closure, foreign nationals who applied before the deadline will see their applications continue through the normal processing channels. Unfortunately, workers who were hoping to apply under this pilot will need to explore other immigration options to pursue permanent residency in Canada.
What Was the Agri-Food Pilot?
Launched to address labor shortages in Canada’s agriculture and food processing sectors, the Agri-Food Pilot allowed workers in specific industries such as meat product manufacturing, greenhouse and nursery production (including mushroom cultivation), and animal production to apply for permanent residency. This initiative helped fill vital roles within the country’s agri-food sector.
As of January 2025, the Canadian government made the decision to cap the number of applications under this pilot for the year, indicating a high demand for foreign labor in these fields. The cap was set to 1,010 applicants in 2025, and the success of the pilot shows strong employer interest in recruiting foreign workers for these essential industries.
Alternative Pathways to Permanent Residency
While the Agri-Food Pilot is now closed, there are several alternative routes that foreign nationals working in Canada’s agri-food sector can explore in their pursuit of permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency based on their specific labor market needs. There are more than 80 immigration streams across the country, some of which target agricultural workers. For example, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has an “Employer Job Offer: In-Demand” stream that includes agriculture as a priority occupation.
Foreign nationals interested in the PNP should explore the available streams and assess their eligibility for programs specific to agriculture and food processing.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot
For foreign nationals interested in settling in smaller communities, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot offers another pathway. This program is designed to help employers in select Canadian communities hire and retain skilled workers by providing a pathway to permanent residency for those with job offers from designated employers in these areas.
IRCC has identified 14 participating communities, and candidates must meet additional requirements, including work experience, language proficiency, and proof of funds. The program is still in its early stages, and more information will be made available by the participating communities.
Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system remains a prominent pathway for skilled foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. Candidates must first create an online profile, which is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors like age, work experience, education, and language proficiency.
For those with experience in agriculture or agri-food occupations, Express Entry offers a route, though the process can be more competitive. The system regularly issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on CRS scores, and agri-food workers can still create profiles and be considered for PR through the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
In 2025, Canada introduced category-based selection for Express Entry, including a category for agriculture and agri-food workers. However, the only occupation under this category now is butchers (NOC code 63201). If you do not work as a butcher, you can still pursue Express Entry, but you may need a higher CRS score or proficiency in French to receive an ITA.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Another option for agri-food workers is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This employer-driven program is designed for workers who wish to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island.
To qualify for the AIP, candidates must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces. The job offer must also be endorsed by the province. Candidates may be eligible based on skilled work experience or as an international graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada.
Several provinces, including New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, have made changes to their AIP in 2025, so applicants should stay updated on any new requirements.
Conclusion
The Agri-Food Pilot has played a vital role in addressing labor shortages in Canada’s agricultural and food processing industries, but with the program now closed to new applicants, workers in these fields must explore other immigration routes.
Foreign nationals can still pursue permanent residency through programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs, Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Express Entry, and the Atlantic Immigration Program. It’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria for these alternatives to identify the best option for your circumstances.
For those who missed the opportunity to apply for the Agri-Food Pilot, there are still various immigration pathways available to pursue your Canadian dream.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
