Canada’s agri-food sector plays a critical role in feeding the nation, driving exports, and supporting rural economies. From greenhouses and farms to meat processing facilities, this sector contributes billions to Canada’s economy each year. However, one challenge remains constant: labour shortages.
Jobs in farming, livestock, and food processing are physically demanding and often seasonal, making them less attractive to Canadian citizens. Employers across the country struggle to find enough workers to keep operations running smoothly.
As of 2025, the Agri-Food Pilot has become one of the most promising immigration pathways for farmworkers, butchers, greenhouse employees, and food processing staff who are already contributing to Canada’s essential industries.
What Is the Agri-Food Pilot Program?
The Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFP) is one of Canada’s most specialized immigration initiatives, created to directly address the country’s growing labour shortages in agriculture and food production. Launched on May 15, 2020, the program was initially introduced as a three-year pilot, but due to its success and the ongoing need for workers, it has been extended until May 2025. This extension demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to supporting its agri-food industry while opening doors for foreign workers who want to settle permanently.
Unlike temporary foreign worker programs, which only allow short-term employment, the Agri-Food Pilot provides a clear pathway to permanent residency (PR). This makes it a game-changer for international workers who want more than just seasonal work—they want stability, security, and the ability to bring their families to Canada.
Why Was the Agri-Food Pilot Created?
Canada’s agricultural and food processing industries are vital, but they face unique challenges:
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Labour Shortages: Many farms, greenhouses, and meat processing plants struggle to attract local workers due to the physically demanding nature of the jobs.
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Seasonal Nature of Work: Farming cycles mean that some jobs are needed only during peak periods, discouraging Canadians from pursuing them long-term.
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Rural Location of Jobs: Many agri-food positions are based in rural or remote areas, making them harder to fill.
Key Benefits of the Program
The Agri-Food Pilot is beneficial for both employers and foreign workers.
For Employers
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Ensures a steady, year-round workforce instead of relying on seasonal hiring.
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Reduces the cost and effort of constant recruitment and training.
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Builds loyalty among employees who are invested in staying in Canada long-term.
For Foreign Workers
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Offers a path to permanent residency—something not available in most temporary programs.
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Provides stability for workers and their families, including access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
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Allows them to gain Canadian work experience, which can open doors to better job opportunities and career growth.
Eligibility Criteria for the Agri-Food Pilot Program
The Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFP) is one of the most structured and transparent immigration pathways for foreign workers in Canada’s farming and food sectors. However, to qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements related to work experience, job offers, education, language skills, and settlement funds.
Understanding these criteria is crucial, because incomplete or inaccurate applications can lead to delays or refusals. Below, we’ll break down all the eligibility factors in detail for 2025.
Work Experience
The foundation of the program is having hands-on work experience in Canada. Applicants must show they have already worked in Canada before applying.
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Applicants must complete a minimum of 12 months of continuous, full-time, non-seasonal employment
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Hours Equivalent: A minimum of 1,560 hours within the last three years before applying.
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Eligible Occupations: The experience must be in one of the targeted occupations under the Agri-Food Pilot, such as butchers, general farm workers, harvesting labourers, or food processing staff.
Important Notes:
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Volunteer work, unpaid internships, or part-time seasonal jobs do not count.
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Experience must be paid employment and match the duties listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) for that role.
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Applicants must provide proof of employment, such as reference letters, pay stubs, or contracts.
Valid Job Offer
To apply for the pilot, workers need a permanent job offer from a Canadian employer in one of the eligible industries. This is a key requirement that separates successful applicants from those who don’t qualify.
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The job offer must be:
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Full-time (at least 30 hours per week).
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Non-seasonal (year-round work, not just harvest-time).
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Permanent (not a temporary or short-term contract).
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From an employer outside Quebec (since Quebec runs its own immigration programs).
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The job offer should clearly include:
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Salary details.
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Job duties and responsibilities.
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Working conditions and location.
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Confirmation that it aligns with one of the eligible NOC occupations.
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Education Requirements
Applicants need at least a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential. If the education was completed outside Canada, the applicant must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove equivalency.
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Accepted Credential Agencies: World Education Services (WES), International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS), and other IRCC-approved organizations.
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The credential must be valid at the time of application and issued within the last five years.
Language Proficiency
Since communication is critical in any workplace, applicants must demonstrate language ability in English or French.
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Minimum Level Required: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
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Skills Tested: Speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
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Accepted Tests:
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IELTS (General Training) for English.
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CELPIP (General) for English.
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TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French.
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CLB 4 is considered a basic proficiency level, meaning applicants don’t need advanced English or French skills, but they must be able to understand instructions, communicate with supervisors, and follow safety protocols.
Settlement Funds
Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and their families upon settling in Canada—unless they are already working in Canada at the time of applying.
The settlement fund requirement varies based on the number of family members and is revised each year by IRCC. For 2025, the approximate amounts are:
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1 family member: CAD $14,700
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2 family members: CAD $18,300
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3 family members: CAD $22,000
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4 family members: CAD $26,100
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5 family members: CAD $29,500
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6 family members: CAD $33,000
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7 family members: CAD $36,400
Acceptable proof of settlement funds may include recent bank records, certificates of fixed deposits, or formal confirmation letters from recognized financial institutions.
Admissibility
Like all Canadian immigration programs, applicants must meet general admissibility requirements, which include:
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Passing a medical exam to show they are fit for work.
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Providing police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for more than six months since age 18.
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Having no record of serious criminal activity.
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Not being a security risk to Canada.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
To summarize, applicants for the Agri-Food Pilot in 2025 must:
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Have at least one year of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience (minimum 1,560 hours).
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Secure a permanent, year-round job offer in an eligible occupation.
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Hold at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (with ECA if foreign).
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Achieve CLB 4 or higher in English or French.
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Provide proof of settlement funds, unless already working in Canada.
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Be medically and criminally admissible to Canada.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Agri-Food Pilot
Applying for the Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFP) can feel overwhelming at first, especially for workers who are new to immigration procedures. However, if you follow a structured process and prepare all required documents in advance, your chances of success increase significantly. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide for applying under the 2025 rules.
Step 1: Secure a Valid Job Offer
The first and most important step is to obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer. This job must meet the following conditions:
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It should be permanent, full-time, and non-seasonal.
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It must be in one of the eligible occupations listed under the pilot (such as butchers, food processing labourers, farm supervisors, general farmworkers, or greenhouse harvesters).
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The offer must be in writing and include:
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Job title and duties.
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Salary and working hours.
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Location of employment.
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Conditions of work.
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Step 2: Collect Proof of Work Experience
Applicants must prove they have at least one year of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience in one of the eligible roles. You’ll need to gather documents such as:
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Reference letters from past or current employers.
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Pay stubs or tax records to confirm salary and working hours.
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Employment contracts detailing duties and responsibilities.
Ensure your documented duties match the National Occupation Classification (NOC) description of your job. If they don’t align, your application may be refused.
Step 3: Meet the Education Requirement
If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This report proves your diploma or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
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Apply through approved organizations such as WES, ICAS, or IQAS.
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Make sure the ECA is valid (issued within the last five years).
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Keep a copy of your original diploma and translated documents if they are not in English or French.
Step 4: Take a Language Test
Applicants must prove language ability in either English or French by taking an approved test.
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Minimum Requirement: CLB 4 (basic communication).
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Accepted Tests:
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IELTS General Training (English).
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CELPIP General (English).
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TEF Canada / TCF Canada (French).
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Tip: Even though CLB 4 is the minimum, scoring higher can improve job prospects and future PR applications (such as Express Entry).
Step 5: Prove Settlement Funds (If Required)
If you are not currently working in Canada, you must show proof of settlement funds to support yourself and your family. For 2025, the approximate funds required are:
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1 applicant: CAD $14,700
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2 family members: CAD $18,300
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3 family members: CAD $22,000
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4 family members: CAD $26,100
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5 family members: CAD $29,500
Proof can include bank statements, fixed deposits, or official financial letters. If you are already working in Canada under a valid permit, you may be exempt from this requirement.
Step 6: Prepare the Application Package
You’ll need to complete the official forms and attach all supporting documents. The main forms include:
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IMM 0008 – Generic Application Form for Canada.
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IMM 5669 – Schedule A (Background/Declaration).
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IMM 5406 – Additional Family Information.
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IMM 5562 – Supplementary Information (Your Travels).
Attach supporting documents such as:
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Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts, pay slips).
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ECA report (if applicable).
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Language test results.
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Valid job offer letter.
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Passport and ID documents.
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Police clearance certificates.
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Medical examination results (if requested).
Step 7: Pay the Required Fees
Applicants must pay fees before submitting their application. As of 2025, the fees include:
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Processing fee (principal applicant): CAD $850.
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Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515.
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Spouse/partner fee: CAD $850 (plus RPRF if applicable).
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Dependent child fee: CAD $230 per child.
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Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family.
Always check the official IRCC website for the latest fee updates.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Permanent residency applications under the Agri-Food Pilot are still processed using a paper-based system. This means:
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Print and complete all forms.
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Attach supporting documents.
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Mail the package to the address listed for AFP applications on the IRCC website.
Meanwhile, applicants who wish to begin or maintain employment while their PR is being processed may apply for a temporary work permit
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Submit a request through the IRCC online portal.
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Include your valid job offer and a support letter from IRCC confirming AFP eligibility.
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Processing times for temporary permits are usually shorter (a few months).
Step 9: Wait for Processing
IRCC aims to process most AFP applications within 12 months, but timelines can vary depending on:
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The number of applications received.
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Completeness of your file.
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Additional background or security checks.
Temporary work permits are typically faster, allowing workers to begin employment while PR is being processed.
Step 10: Receive a Decision
If approved:
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You will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
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You can then apply for your Permanent Resident Card, giving you full rights to live and work in Canada.
If refused:
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IRCC will provide reasons. You may be able to reapply after fixing the issues.
Occupations Covered by the Agri-Food Pilot
The Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFP) is not open to every job in agriculture or food production. Instead, it targets a specific list of occupations that are considered essential to Canada’s food supply chain. These roles were chosen because they consistently face labour shortages, and they are critical to ensuring that Canadians have a reliable supply of fresh meat, produce, and other food products.
If you are a foreign worker looking to apply for permanent residency through this program in 2025, you must fall under one of the approved occupations, each tied to a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code.
Meat Product Manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
The meat processing sector is one of the most labour-intensive industries in Canada. Many Canadians avoid these jobs because they are physically demanding and often located in smaller towns or rural areas. As a result, foreign workers are essential in keeping this sector operational.
Eligible Occupations:
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NOC 63201 – Retail Butchers
Retail butchers prepare and cut meat for customers in grocery stores, supermarkets, and butcher shops. Their duties include trimming, slicing, deboning, and packaging meat. They also provide customer service, answer questions about cuts of meat, and ensure products meet health standards. -
NOC 73401 – Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers
Industrial butchers work in large-scale meat processing plants. They slaughter livestock, cut carcasses into primal cuts, and prepare meat for wholesale distribution. This role requires strong physical stamina, attention to hygiene, and knowledge of safety regulations. -
NOC 94141 – Food Processing Labourers
Food processing labourers work in meat processing facilities where they perform tasks such as packaging, cleaning equipment, moving products, and assisting in production lines. Even as an entry-level position, this job plays a vital role in keeping plant operations running smoothly.
Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production (NAICS 1114)
Canada’s greenhouse industry produces vegetables, flowers, and plants year-round, thanks to advanced indoor farming systems. This sector is growing rapidly, especially with high demand for fresh produce like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and mushrooms.
Eligible Occupations:
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NOC 85100 – General Farm Workers
These workers plant, cultivate, and harvest crops in greenhouses and nurseries. They may also maintain irrigation systems, handle fertilizers, and monitor plant health. General farm workers are often the backbone of greenhouse operations. -
NOC 82030 – Farm Supervisors and Specialized Livestock Workers
Supervisors oversee greenhouse and farm staff. They coordinate planting schedules, monitor crop yields, train workers, and ensure production targets are met. Specialized workers may also handle advanced techniques in plant care and pest management. -
NOC 85101 – Harvesting Labourers
Harvest labourers pick crops such as vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms. Their duties include sorting, packaging, and preparing produce for distribution. Though often entry-level, this role is vital to ensuring crops are handled efficiently and delivered fresh to consumers.
Animal Production (NAICS 1121–1124, 1129, excluding aquaculture)
Animal production includes farms that raise cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, and other livestock. Many of these positions are based in rural areas, where finding local workers is often a challenge.
Eligible Occupations:
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NOC 85100 – General Farm Workers
In animal farming, general farm workers feed and care for livestock, clean barns, operate machinery, and monitor animal health. -
NOC 82030 – Farm Supervisors and Specialized Livestock Workers
These roles involve overseeing farm operations, ensuring animal welfare, managing breeding programs, and supervising teams of workers.
Skills Needed for Success
Although many of these jobs do not require advanced education, successful applicants typically have:
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Physical stamina and ability to work long hours.
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Basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene.
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Ability to follow instructions and safety protocols.
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Experience in farming, livestock care, or food processing.
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Teamwork and communication skills.
Conclusion
The Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFP) is more than just an immigration pathway—it is a lifeline for Canada’s food industry and a life-changing opportunity for foreign workers. By addressing long-standing labour shortages in farming, livestock production, and food processing, the pilot ensures that Canada’s food supply remains secure while giving hardworking individuals a chance to achieve permanent residency.
Of course, challenges exist—finding eligible jobs, meeting documentation requirements, and navigating the paper-based application process can be daunting. But with proper preparation, clear communication between employers and workers, and careful attention to detail, success is entirely possible.
As of 2025, the Agri-Food Pilot continues to stand out as one of the most accessible and rewarding Canadian immigration programs, especially for individuals with hands-on experience in agriculture and food production. Whether you are a butcher, a greenhouse worker, or a farm supervisor, this pathway offers not only a job but also a future filled with security, opportunity, and growth.