Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot Ends as Applications Reach Full Capacity

Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot is no longer accepting applications for permanent residency. The program reached its full capacity on February 13, 2025. Those who applied before this date will still have their applications processed, but new applicants must explore other immigration options.

The Agri-Food Pilot began in 2020 as a way to help workers in agriculture and food processing become permanent residents. It was originally planned to last three years but was extended in 2023. However, there is no confirmation of another extension or a new program to replace it.

In January 2025, Canada’s immigration department reduced the number of applications it would accept under the pilot. Instead of 2,750 spots per year, only 1,010 applications were allowed. The fact that the program reached this limit in just two months shows how popular it was among workers and employers.

Other Ways to Get Permanent Residency

Workers in the agri-food sector can still apply for permanent residency through other programs. Some of the best options include Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Express Entry, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Every province in Canada has its own immigration program to meet local labor needs. Some of these programs include pathways specifically for agricultural and food processing workers.

For example, Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has an "Employer Job Offer: In-Demand" stream, which includes agriculture as a high-demand occupation. Many other provinces also have similar programs, making PNPs a strong option for those looking to immigrate.

Rural Community Immigration Pilot

This is a new immigration program that focuses on small communities in Canada. To qualify, a worker must get a job offer from an employer in one of the 14 designated communities. Each community has its own requirements and timeline for accepting applications.

To be eligible, applicants need to meet work experience, education, language, and financial requirements. The participating communities will share more details in the coming months.

Express Entry System

Express Entry is one of Canada’s most popular immigration pathways. Candidates create an online profile and receive a score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. The government then invites top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.

Express Entry includes three federal programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (for those with work experience in Canada)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (for skilled workers with foreign experience)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (for workers in trade occupations)

Express Entry also has category-based selection draws for certain in-demand occupations. In 2025, agriculture and agri-food remain a priority category, but only butchers (NOC code 63201) qualify under this category. Other agri-food workers must either increase their CRS scores or improve their French language skills to receive an invitation.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Workers in the agriculture and food sector may also apply through the Atlantic Immigration Program. This program is designed for people who want to settle in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

To be eligible, applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer and get an endorsement from the province. Some provinces have recently made changes to their AIP programs, so checking provincial websites for updates is important.