The Agri-Food Pilot is a special immigration pathway that helps foreign workers in the agriculture and food processing industries get permanent residency (PR) in Canada. This program addresses labor shortages in Canada’s agri-food sector and is open until May 2025.
1. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PR through the Agri-Food Pilot, you must meet the following criteria:
a) Eligible Work Experience
- At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in an eligible agri-food occupation in Canada.
- Work experience must be within the last 3 years.
- Experience must be in one of the approved occupations.
b) Eligible Occupations & Industries
Meat Processing Industry
- NOC 82030 – Retail and wholesale butchers
- NOC 82021 – Industrial butchers
- NOC 84120 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC 85101 – Food processing laborers
Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Industry
- NOC 84120 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC 85103 – General farm workers
- NOC 85101 – Harvesting laborers
Animal Production Industry (excluding aquaculture)
- NOC 84120 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC 85103 – General farm workers
2. Job Offer Requirement
You must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible occupations. The job must be outside of Quebec. The wage must meet or exceed the median wage for your occupation in the province where you will work.
3. Language Requirement
You must score at least CLB 4 in an approved English or French test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
4. Education Requirement
At least a high school diploma or equivalent. If your education was outside Canada, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
5. Proof of Funds
You must prove you have enough money to settle in Canada unless you already work in Canada. The amount depends on your family size:
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,806 |
| 2 People | $3,492 |
| 3 People | $4,291 |
| 4 People | $5,207 |
| 5 People | $5,906 |
| 6 People | $6,831 |
| 7 People | $7,756 |
6. Application Process
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
Find a valid, full-time job offer from a Canadian employer in an eligible industry.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Work for at least 1 year (1,560 hours) in Canada in an eligible occupation.
Step 3: Take a Language Test
Take an approved English or French test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) and score at least CLB 4.
Step 4: Get an ECA (if needed)
If your education was outside Canada, apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Step 5: Gather Documents
Prepare required documents, including:
- Job offer letter
- Work experience proof (pay stubs, reference letters, etc.)
- Language test results
- Educational credentials
- Proof of funds (if applicable)
Step 6: Submit PR Application
Apply for permanent residency online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 7: Wait for Processing & Get PR
Processing time is typically 12 – 18 months.
Why Choose the Agri-Food Pilot?
- No Express Entry CRS score required
- Job offer required but no LMIA needed
- Low language and education requirements
- Opportunity to work in an in-demand sector
The Agri-Food Pilot is a great pathway to permanent residency in Canada for agricultural and food processing workers.