The Agri-Food Pilot is a permanent residency (PR) pathway for farm workers and food processing workers who want to live and work in Canada. This program helps address labor shortages in the agriculture and agri-food industries by offering a direct route to PR for eligible workers.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Agri-Food Pilot, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Work Experience
✔ At least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time work experience in the last three years
✔ The job must be in an eligible agri-food occupation
✔ Work experience must be in Canada, under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
2. Eligible Occupations
The program is open to specific agriculture and food processing jobs under three categories:
1. Meat Processing
- Retail and industrial butchers
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- Food processing laborers
2. Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production
- General farm workers
- Harvesting laborers
3. Animal Production (excluding aquaculture)
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- General farm workers
3. Job Offer Requirements
- A full-time, permanent job offer in one of the eligible occupations
- The employer must be outside Quebec
- The salary must meet or exceed Canada’s prevailing wage for that job
4. Language Requirements
- CLB 4 in English or French (basic level)
5. Education Requirements
- Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential
6. Proof of Settlement Funds
- Applicants must show they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their families (unless already working in Canada).
✔ Single applicant: $13,757
✔ Family of four: $25,564
How to Apply for the Agri-Food Pilot
✔ Step 1: Get a job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible occupation
✔ Step 2: Work at least one year in Canada under the TFWP
✔ Step 3: Apply for permanent residence through the Agri-Food Pilot
Why Choose the Agri-Food Pilot?
✅ Easier pathway to PR for farm and food workers
✅ No points-based system like Express Entry
✅ Supports Canada’s agriculture and food supply chain
✅ Lower language and education requirements
The Agri-Food Pilot is an excellent opportunity for farm workers and food production employees to gain permanent residence in Canada and build a stable future.