Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (officially called the Agri-Food Pilot) is closed. IRCC is not accepting new applications. The program ended on May 14, 2025, and IRCC is only processing applications it accepted before that date.
This matters because many websites still describe it as if it is open, which can lead people to waste time and money preparing documents for a program that no longer takes new files.
Is the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot open in 2026?
No. The Agri-Food Pilot is closed. IRCC says it ended on May 14, 2025 and is no longer accepting new applications.
IRCC also introduced a 2025 intake cap of 1,010 applications, meaning the intake could stop before May 14, 2025 if the cap was reached.
What the Agri-Food Pilot was designed for
The Agri-Food Pilot was an economic pilot to help address labour shortages in specific agri-food industries by offering a PR pathway for experienced, non-seasonal workers in Canada.
It was aimed at workers who already had Canadian work experience in eligible jobs and had a qualifying job offer (or, in some cases, could meet an alternative requirement if applying from inside Canada).
Eligible industries and occupations (what IRCC listed)
IRCC limited the pilot to certain industries and occupations. The eligible occupation list included roles such as:
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Butchers and meat cutters (retail/wholesale and industrial)
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Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
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Livestock labourers
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Food and beverage processing labourers
Important detail: the job offer and work experience had to be in an eligible industry and occupation, and the job had to be full-time and non-seasonal.
Who could apply (main eligibility areas)
IRCC’s eligibility requirements included these main areas:
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Eligible work experience in Canada (in the required industry/occupation)
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Eligible job offer (full-time, non-seasonal, eligible industry/occupation; outside Quebec)
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Language requirement (minimum level depended on the rules at the time)
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Education requirement (rules allowed some flexibility if applying from inside Canada)
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Admissibility (medical, criminality, etc.) like other PR applications
If you applied before the deadline: what happens now?
If your application was submitted and accepted before the program ended, IRCC says it will continue processing those files.
What you should do (practical and low-risk steps):
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Keep checking your IRCC secure account for document requests or updates.
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Be ready for common PR steps like biometrics (if required for your age group).
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Make sure your temporary status in Canada stays valid while you wait.
Internal guidance (Canadianow): If your work permit is expiring while your PR is still in process, review IRCC’s “work permits for PR applicants” page and confirm what applies to your situation.
If you missed the Agri-Food Pilot: realistic PR options in 2026
There is no direct replacement that works the same way for everyone. Your next best option depends on your province, your occupation level, and whether your employer can support your application.
Common alternatives to research:
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Many provinces have employer-driven streams. Start with IRCC’s PNP overview, then check your province’s official site for the stream rules.
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Express Entry (limited for many agri-food roles): Express Entry mainly fits TEER 0–3 occupations and specific criteria. Some agri-food jobs may not qualify, so confirm eligibility carefully.
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Staying in status while you plan: If you are working in agriculture temporarily, your work permit type may depend on the program you are under (for example, SAWP vs other employer-specific permits).
Internal guidance (Canadianow): Before choosing a pathway, identify your NOC code, your TEER level, and whether your job is non-seasonal. These 3 details decide which options are realistic.
FAQ
Is the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot open now?
No. It is closed. IRCC says the program ended on May 14, 2025.
Can IRCC reopen the Agri-Food Pilot in 2026?
IRCC has not listed it as open. Treat any “reopening” claims as unverified unless shown on the official IRCC page.
I applied before the program ended. Will IRCC still process my file?
Yes. IRCC states it will continue processing applications accepted before the end date.
Why did some people say it closed earlier than May 14, 2025?
IRCC introduced a 2025 application cap of 1,010. Intake could stop once that cap was reached, even before May 14, 2025.
Reality check (read before making decisions)
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If you did not apply before the program ended, you cannot submit a new Agri-Food Pilot application now.
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Many workers in agri-food jobs may have fewer PR options than higher-skilled occupations, depending on TEER level and province.
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Your safest next step is to confirm your NOC/TEER, then review PNP pathways first, because they often have employer-driven options.
Government outlinks
IRCC Agri-Food Pilot (closed): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot.html
Who can apply (archived requirements): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot/pr-eligibility.html
Eligible industries & occupations: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot/eligible-industries.html
2025 application cap notice (1,010): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/2025-agri-food-pilot-application-cap.html
After you apply (general PR steps): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot/after-you-apply.html
PNP overview (alternatives): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html
Work permits for agricultural workers (temporary): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/special-instructions/agricultural.html
Work permits for PR applicants (while waiting): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/pr-work-permits.html
