Canada extends Agri-Food Pilot and enhances Immigration Opportunities for Skilled Workers

Recognizing the vital role of the agri-food sector in Canada's economy, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting its labor market needs and fortifying the nation's food supply system. An essential aspect of success for Canadian farmers and food processors lies in their ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

On May 08, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot until May 14, 2025. Launched in May 2020, this pilot program facilitates the transition of experienced workers in the agricultural and food industries to obtain permanent residence status in Canada.

In a significant development, the Minister also revealed the removal of the annual occupational caps previously in place. This means that there will no longer be limits on the number of candidates who can apply for specific occupations under the Agri-Food Pilot. This change opens up more opportunities for eligible candidates to apply and pursue their immigration aspirations. By the end of this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to introduce additional modifications to the pilot program in phases, including:

1. Expanding open work permit access to family members of all participants in the Agri-Food Pilot, regardless of the participant's job skill level.
2. Allowing unions to validate a candidate's work experience, providing an alternative to employer reference letters.
3. Offering applicants residing in Canada the option to meet either the job offer requirement (including the median wage requirement) or the education requirement (including educational credential assessment verification).
4. Accepting work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers, thereby extending opportunities for qualification.

These comprehensive changes significantly address the long-standing labor market needs of employers in the meat processing, mushroom, greenhouse crop production, and livestock-raising industries by facilitating the hiring of full-time, year-round employees. Moreover, they provide extensive support to applicants and their family members, reduce barriers and vulnerability for candidates, and expand the pathway to permanent residence for experienced workers in these industries.

The Agri-Food Pilot works in harmony with Canada's existing range of economic immigration programs, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the caregivers pilots, the Global Skills Strategy, Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program. By focusing on the skills and labor required in the agriculture and agri-food sector, this pilot program not only promotes industry growth but also offers skilled workers the opportunity to settle in Canada and contribute to its thriving economy.