According to the latest announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Agri-Food Pilot Immigration Program has reached its full capacity as of February 13, 2025, and no new applications will be accepted. Candidates who have already submitted their applications will proceed to the processing stage. Launched in 2020, the program was designed to provide a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for workers in specific industries, including meat processing, greenhouse operations, nurseries, floriculture production (including mushroom farming), and animal production.

For 2025, the program’s application cap was set at 1,010, significantly lower than the 2,750 annual applications it previously accepted on average. The fact that the program reached its quota within just two months at the beginning of the year highlights the strong demand for labor in Canada’s agriculture and food processing sectors.

Initially planned as a three-year pilot program, it was extended in 2023 and is currently set to remain valid until May 14, 2025. While successful pilot programs are often extended or transformed into permanent immigration programs, there has been no official announcement regarding a replacement for the Agri-Food Pilot at this time.

For those who were unable to apply before the program’s closure, the Canadian government recommends exploring alternative immigration pathways, such as:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province and territory in Canada can nominate foreign workers based on local labor market needs. For example, Ontario’s Employer Job Offer Program lists agriculture as an in-demand occupation, providing an alternative pathway for applicants looking to work in the province.
• Rural Community Immigration Pilot: This newly introduced program is tailored for foreign workers who receive a job offer from an employer in a designated rural or northern community. In addition to the job offer, applicants must meet requirements related to work experience, language proficiency, education, and financial proof.
• Express Entry: Foreign nationals can create an online profile and apply through the Express Entry system, which ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. It is important to note that under the agriculture and food processing category, only butchers (NOC 63201) currently have a dedicated pathway under Express Entry. Other applicants must rely on higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores or French language proficiency to receive an invitation.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Designed for applicants intending to settle in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), AIP requires candidates to obtain a job offer from a designated employer and receive provincial endorsement. Eligible candidates must also have relevant work experience or qualify as an international graduate.

With the early closure of the Agri-Food Pilot Immigration Program, the Canadian government continues to expand multiple immigration pathways to address the diverse labor needs across various sectors and regions. Experts suggest that provincial and regional immigration policies may continue to evolve based on market demands. Prospective immigrants are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements and select the most suitable pathway for their applications.