Agri-Food Immigration Pilot 2025 Guide
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot was created to address labour shortages in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector by offering a direct path to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specified industries and occupations. It allowed those with full-time, year-round job offers—or equivalent education and work experience—to apply for permanent residency. Note that the pilot closed to new applications on May 14, 2025, but IRCC continues to process applications submitted before that date. Applicants benefit from streamlined online forms and clear requirements designed for ease of use and transparency
Who Can Apply?
To qualify under the Agri-Food Pilot, you must meet all of the following:
1. Job Offer
A genuine offer for full-time (≥30 hrs/week), non-seasonal, permanent work in an eligible occupation and industry outside Quebec
2. Education
A Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated body showing foreign credentials equal to Canadian secondary or post-secondary level (ECA must be < 5 years old )
3. Language Proficiency
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, demonstrated via approved test results < 2 years old
4. Work Experience
At least 1 year (1,560 hrs) of cumulative, full-time, non-seasonal work in the past 3 years under an open work permit for vulnerable workers or an LMIA-based permit with a minimum 12-month duration
5. Status Maintenance
If applying from within Canada, you must have valid temporary resident status at the time of application
6. Settlement Funds
Proof of enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members, unless you already work in Canada
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process for the Agri-Food Pilot is straight forward
1. Obtain a Job Offer
Secure a full-time (30 + hrs/week), non-seasonal job offer in an eligible agri-food occupation outside Quebec.
2. Employer Compliance
Your employer submits your Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the required compliance fee.
3. Gather Documents
Prepare and scan:
-
Proof of education (Canadian diploma or ECA report)
-
Language test results (CLB 4+ in all four skills)
-
Work experience letters (1,560 hrs non-seasonal)
-
Proof of settlement funds
4. Submit the Application
-
Complete and upload all digital forms (IMM 0008, 0114, 0115, etc.)
-
Pay your application, biometrics and any third-party fees
-
Sign electronically and finalize submission in your IRCC account
5. Wait for a Decision
-
Provide biometrics within 30 days of request
-
Attend medical exams when invited
-
Track your status online via your IRCC secure account or the Client Application Status tool
Application Fee and Processing Time
-
Principal applicant fee: CAD 1,525 (processing fee CAD 950 + right of permanent residence fee CAD 575)
-
Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (if applicable)
-
Third-party fees: Vary for language tests, ECAs and medical exams.
-
Processing time: Varies by caseload and completeness. Check IRCC’s “Check processing times” tool under Permanent residence → Economic immigration (including pilots) for current estimates
Required Documents
-
Valid Passport -
Education Credential Assessment -
Language Test Results -
Proof of Work Experience -
Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province -
Proof of Settlement Funds
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot – IRCC
Instruction Guide (IMM 0117) – Agri-Food Pilot
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot?
A permanent residence pathway for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific agri-food industries; the pilot ran until May 14, 2025
Is the pilot still accepting applications?
No. It closed on May 14, 2025, but applications submitted by that date remain under review
Which occupations are eligible?
Roles in meat product manufacturing, greenhouse and nursery production (including mushroom), and animal production (e.g., butchers, harvesters, livestock workers)
Do I need a job offer?
Yes—unless you apply from inside Canada, where you may instead meet the education requirement. Outside Canada, both job offer and education requirements apply
How do I prove my education?
Submit a Canadian diploma or an ECA report from a designated organization issued within 5 years
How can I check my application status?
Sign in to your IRCC secure account or use the Client Application Status tool on Canada.ca
