Canada: Extension of Agri-Food Pilot Program Announced

Update - January 15, 2025: IRCC has established a cap of 1,010 spaces for permanent residence applications under this program. Applications will be accepted until the pilot program expires on May 14, 2025, or until the cap of 1,010 applications is reached, whichever occurs first. 

May 11, 2023: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has extended the Agri-Food Pilot program until May 14, 2025. The program was originally set to end in May 2023. The pilot provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and with specific occupations, including those in meat production manufacturing; greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production; and animal production. A total of 2,750 principal applicants are accepted under the program annually. Additionally, the government announced the removal of the annual occupational caps for the amount of candidates who can apply for a specific occupation under the pilot. The government also intends to introduce changes to the pilot to be implemented in stages by the end of 2023, including extending work permit access to family members of participants in the pilot; allowing unions to attest to a candidate’s work experience as an alternative to employer reference letters; more flexibility to meet the job offer and educational requirements; and reduced work experience requirements.