Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot closed to new applications as of May 2025. Candidates who submitted applications before that date will still be considered. New candidates should consider other Canada immigration options, or a Canada Work Permit.

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Canada’s Agri-Food Immigration Pilot continues to offer a pathway to permanent residence for workers in the agricultural and food processing sectors. Originally launched in 2020, the pilot has since been extended and remains a key part of Canada’s strategy to address chronic labour shortages in the agri-food sector. It targets specific industries with year-round labour demands and offers permanent immigration opportunities to experienced foreign workers with job offers in eligible roles.

On This Page, You Will Find:

• Updated list of eligible industries and NOC codes
• Requirements for work experience, education, and job offers
• Application cap and processing overview
• Language and settlement fund requirements
• Frequently asked questions about the Agri-Food Pilot

Eligible Industries

Industries under this pilot are classified using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The following sectors qualify:

• Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
• Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
• Animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1129)

Eligible Occupations

To apply, candidates must have qualifying Canadian work experience in one of the following National Occupation Classification (NOC 2021) roles:

1. Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)

• 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

2. Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114)

• 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

3. Animal Production (NAICS 1121–1129)

• 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

Candidate Requirements

To be eligible for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

• Work experience: At least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal work (minimum 1,560 hours) in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in an eligible occupation.
• Language: Minimum score of CLB 4 in English or French across all skills – speaking, reading, writing and listening.
• Education: At least a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.
• Job offer: A full-time, non-seasonal, indeterminate job offer outside Quebec in an eligible industry, at or above the prevailing wage.
• Settlement funds: Proof of funds is required unless the candidate is already working in Canada.

Application Limits

The program accepts up to 2,750 principal applicants per year. Additional spots may be taken up by accompanying family members. Early application is encouraged, as quotas fill quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions