Who is eligible to apply under the Agri-Food Pilot?

To qualify, you need a valid job offer in an eligible agri-food industry, 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience, meet the required language and education standards, and be able to show sufficient settlement funds if required.

Which occupations are covered by the Agri-Food Pilot?

Eligible occupations include industrial and retail butchers, food processing labourers, harvesting labourers, general farm workers, and farm supervisors or specialized livestock workers.

Does experience gained on a seasonal work permit count toward eligibility?

No, only non-seasonal, full-time work experience in Canada is counted toward the required 12 months under the pilot program.

Are family members included in the application?

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application. Eligible family members may also qualify for open work permits.

Can I apply if I’m currently working in Quebec?

No, jobs located in Quebec are not eligible under the Agri-Food Pilot. Your job offer must be outside Quebec.

What happens if the cap for my occupation is reached?

If the cap is reached, IRCC will not process additional applications for that occupation until the next intake period opens. It is best to apply as quickly as possible once you are eligible.

How long does it take to process an Agri-Food Pilot application?

Processing times can vary depending on your individual circumstances, document completeness, and IRCC’s volume. On average, it may take several months from application to a final decision.

Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

Learn about the Agri-Food Pilot supporting workers in Canada’s agricultural and food industries.

Agri-Food Pilot Program

Canada’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our food supply, and it relies heavily on the hard work of dedicated employees. Recognizing the critical need for stability in this workforce, the Government of Canada introduced the Agri-Food Pilot. This specific immigration pathway provides a direct route to permanent residence for experienced workers in specific agri-food industries, particularly in meat processing and mushroom/greenhouse production.

For many workers who have spent years on temporary seasonal permits, this program represents a life-changing opportunity to put down permanent roots. It transitions you from a temporary worker to a permanent resident, allowing you to build a secure future for yourself and your family.

At Career Plus Immigration, we understand the value of your hard work. We provide the legal clarity and structured guidance you need to navigate this specific pilot program, ensuring your application is strong, compliant, and submitted on time.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Agri-Food Pilot

To qualify for permanent residence under this pilot, you must meet specific requirements related to your work experience, job offer, and ability to settle in Canada.

1. Valid Job Offer

You must have a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer that meets the following criteria:

Eligible Industry: The job must be in meat product manufacturing, greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, or animal production (excluding aquaculture).
Eligible Occupation: The job must fall under specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, such as:
- Retail butchers or industrial butchers.
- Food processing labourers.
- Harvesting labourers.
- General farm workers.
- Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers.

Full-time and Non-seasonal: The offer must be for full-time work (at least 30 hours per week) and non-seasonal (consistent work year-round).
Permanent: The job offer must be for an indeterminate period (no end date).
Outside Quebec: The job must be located in Canada, outside the province of Quebec.

2. Work Experience

You need 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in one of the eligible occupations listed above.

This experience must have been gained through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Your employer must have had a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a minimum 12-month duration.

3. Language Proficiency

You must prove your ability in English or French. The requirement is CLB Level 4 in all four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

4. Education

You must have at least a Canadian high school diploma or an educational credential assessment (ECA) report showing that your foreign education is equal to a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or higher.

5. Settlement Funds

Unless you are already working in Canada with a valid work permit, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself and your family members after you arrive.

Program Status and Updates

The Agri-Food Pilot was originally launched as a three-year pilot but has been extended.

Current Status: The program is Open and accepting applications.
Extension: The pilot has been extended until May 14, 2025.
Caps: There are annual limits on the number of applications processed for each occupation. It is crucial to apply as soon as you are eligible to avoid missing the annual cap.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Navigating the transition from a work permit to permanent residence requires careful attention to detail.

Step 1: Secure the Qualifying Job Offer

Ensure your employer provides a formal job offer letter that explicitly states the position is full-time, non-seasonal, and indeterminate. The employer typically needs to sign a specific form for the pilot.

Step 2: Validate Your Work Experience

Collect your pay stubs, T4 slips, and employment records to prove you have completed the required 12 months of work. Seasonal work does not count toward this total.

Step 3: Complete Language and Education Assessments

Take your approved language test (CELPIP or IELTS for English; TEF or TCF for French) and obtain your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was outside Canada.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete the application package for permanent residence, pay the processing fees (including the biometrics fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee), and submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 5: Decision and Confirmation

IRCC will review your application. If approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Key Considerations for Applicants

Unionized Environments: If you are working in a unionized position, your wage must be determined by the applicable collective agreement. If not unionized, your wage must meet or exceed the Job Bank’s median wage for your occupation in your province.
Open Work Permits for Family: Applicants under the Agri-Food Pilot may be eligible to apply for an open work permit for themselves and their spouses while their permanent residence application is being processed, bridging the gap between temporary and permanent status.
Strict Documentation: IRCC strictly verifies past work experience. Any discrepancy between your LMIA, your work permit, and your actual duties can lead to a refusal.

Your Partner in Growth

Transitioning from a seasonal or temporary worker to a permanent resident is a complex legal process. A simple error on a form or a misunderstanding of the wage requirements can jeopardize your future in Canada. You need guidance you can rely on.

At Career Plus Immigration, we specialize in helping hardworking individuals secure their status. We review your job offer, calculate your eligible hours, and ensure your application package is flawless. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your work.

Book Your Consultation for the Agri-Food Pilot

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