IRCC to accept 1,010 new applications for Agri-Food Pilot in 2025

Surya Rathee
[Published 07 Jan, 2025 | 05:22 AM]
About Author - 4 min read
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Launched back in May 2020, the Canada Agri-Food Pilot Program has been a crucial pathway for experienced agri-food workers to get permanent residency in Canada. However, for 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced big changes to the program.

The number of applications to be accepted under the Agri-Food Pilot will be reduced to 1,010. This marks a sharp drop from the 2,750 applications targeted in 2024. Effective immediately, the IRCC has set a cap of 1,010 applications for the Agri-Food Pilot in 2025. Applications must be submitted by May 14, 2025, or until the limit is reached, whichever comes first.

The Agri-Food Pilot, created under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, is a temporary program with a maximum duration of five years. With the program ending on May 14, 2025, this will be the final year to submit applications.

Where to apply?

For the 2025 cycle, IRCC will accept applications through two categories:

• Online applications: Maximum 1,000 applications to be processed electronically.
• Alternate formats: An additional 10 applications will be accepted alternatively for those unable to apply online.

Check Your Eligibility for Canada PR

Agri-Food Pilot eligibility

The Agri-food is designed for skilled and experienced workers in eligible industries. To be able to apply for Canada PR under this program, you must:

• Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience (non-seasonal) within the last three years.
• Obtain this work experience on an LMIA-based Canadian work permit in one or more eligible agri-food occupations.
• Have a valid full-time job offer (non-seasonal) in an eligible occupation.
• Hold a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential verified through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Have a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 or higher in either English or French.
• Show enough funds to support yourself and your family members in Canada.

Eligible industries and occupations

To apply to the Agri-Food Pilot, you need to show eligible work experience in an eligible industry and eligible occupation.

Meat product manufacturing

• NOC 63201 - Butchers - retail and wholesale
• NOC 65202 - Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale
• NOC 94141 - Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
• NOC 82030 - Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120 - Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100 - Livestock labourers
• NOC 95106 - Labourers in food and beverage processing

Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production

• NOC 82030 - Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120 - Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100 - Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101 - Harvesting labourers

Animal production, excluding aquaculture

• NOC 82030 - Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120 - Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
• NOC 85100 - Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101 - Harvesting labourers

How to apply?

To apply for Canada PR through the Agri-Food Pilot, first, ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Start by reviewing the detailed application guide available on the official IRCC website, which provides clear instructions and necessary forms.

Next, gather all required documents, including proof of work experience, educational credentials, language test results, and settlement funds if applicable. Once your documents are in order, submit your application online if you're eligible for electronic submission. If applying through alternate formats, make sure to follow IRCC guidelines carefully.

After submission, use the IRCC portal to track your application status and respond promptly to any additional information requests.

Moving to Canada in 2025

Unlike most Canadian immigration programs that require an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the Agri-Food Pilot operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible foreign nationals can apply for Canada directly to IRCC for permanent residency under this program.

Since its inception in 2020, the pilot has played a key role in addressing labour shortages in agriculture and food processing. Over 4,500 agri-food workers and their families have gained permanent residency through this program. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,775 workers and their families were welcomed.

Due to its high demand, IRCC anticipates a greater number of eligible applicants in 2025 than allocated in the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027.

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Read More: Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027

Source: canada.ca