Agri-Food Pilot Program
The Agri-Food pilot program is a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. The 3-year pilot will test an industry-specific approach to help employers in the meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock-raising industries fill ongoing labour needs for full-time, year-round employees.
What are the Eligible industries under Agri Food Pilot?
Eligible industries under the pilot are:
- meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116)
- greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114)
- animal production, excluding aquaculture
- cattle ranching and farming (NAICS 1121)
- hog and pig farming (NAICS 1122)
- poultry and egg production (NAICS 1123)
- sheep and goat farming (NAICS 1124)
- other animal production (NAICS 1129)
Eligible Occupations
For meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116), eligible jobs are
- NOC B 6331 – Retail butchers
- NOC C 9462 – Industrial butchers
- NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC D 9617 – Food processing labourers
For greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production (NAICS 1114), eligible jobs are
- NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
- NOC D 8611 – Harvesting labourers
For animal production, excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124 and 1129), eligible jobs are
- NOC B 8252 – Farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- NOC C 8431 – General farm workers
What is the Eligibility for Agri-Food Pilot Program?
One Year Eligible Work Experience
One should have a minimum of 1 year of non-seasonal, full-time work in the past 3 years (at least 1,560 hours) in 1 or more of the eligible occupations listed under 1 of the eligible industries through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (12 Months LMIA)
Have an eligible job offer
- Your job offer must be for a job in Canada outside of Quebec.
- The job must be non-seasonal and full time.
- Your employment is permanent.
- The job must be in an eligible occupation of the eligible industries.
Language Requirements
The minimum language requirements are Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 4 in :
reading
writing
speaking
listening
Educational Requirements
You must have at least a Canadian high school diploma, or an educational credential assessment (ECA) report for completed a foreign credential at the secondary school level or above.
Funds Requirements
You must prove that you have enough money to settle in Canada. You’ll need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and any family members you may have, even if they’re not coming to Canada with you.
If you’re already working in Canada with a valid work permit when you apply, you don’t need to provide proof of settlement funds.
How many application will be accepted under Agri-Food Pilot Program?
There are annual limits on the number of applications that will be processed for each eligible occupation.
Starting on January 1 of each year, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. This pilot will last for 3 years.
| Eligible occupation | NOC | Number of applications accepted per year |
| Farm Supervisor or Specialized Livestock Worker | NOC B 8252 | 50 |
| Industrial Butcher or Retail Butcher | NOC C 9462 NOC B 6331 | 1470 |
| Food Processing Labourer | NOC D 9617 | 730 |
| General Farm Worker | NOC C 8431 | 200 |
| Harvesting Labourer | NOC D 8611 | 300 |
Source: IRCC Website