Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: How Food Industry Workers

What Is the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot?

Canada's Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP) was launched in May 2020 to address chronic labour shortages in Canada's agriculture and food processing sectors. The pilot provides a pathway to permanent residency for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific agri-food industries and occupations. Originally set to run until May 2023, the pilot has been extended and continues to accept applications in 2026.

The agri-food sector is critical to Canada's economy, employing hundreds of thousands of workers in meat processing plants, mushroom and greenhouse operations, and livestock farms across the country. Many of these positions have been difficult to fill with Canadian workers, making immigrant labour essential to the industry's survival and growth.

Eligible Industries and Occupations

The AFIP is limited to specific industry-occupation combinations:

Eligible Industries (NAICS codes)

• Meat product manufacturing (NAICS 3116): Slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, rendering plants
• Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production (NAICS 1114): Greenhouse vegetable and flower operations
• Mushroom production (part of NAICS 11114): Mushroom farms and growing operations
• Animal production excluding aquaculture (NAICS 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1129): Cattle, hog, poultry, sheep, and other livestock operations

Eligible Occupations (NOC codes)

• NOC 82030: Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 84120: Specialized livestock workers
• NOC 85100: Livestock labourers
• NOC 85101: Harvesting labourers
• NOC 94141: Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers
• NOC 95106: Food and beverage processing labourers

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the AFIP, you must meet all of the following:

Canadian Work Experience

You need at least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian work experience (at least 1,560 hours) in a qualifying industry-occupation combination within the 36 months before you apply. The work experience must have been authorized (you held a valid work permit).

Job Offer

You must have a genuine, full-time, non-seasonal job offer from a Canadian employer in a qualifying industry and occupation. The position must be permanent (not temporary or seasonal).

Language

The minimum language requirement depends on your occupation:

• NOC 82030 and 84120: CLB 5 in all four abilities
• NOC 85100, 85101, 94141, 95106: CLB 4 in all four abilities

CLB 4 is very achievable — for IELTS General Training, it means Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0.

Education

You need the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma. If your education was completed outside Canada, you need an ECA. Unlike many programs, you do not need post-secondary education — a high school diploma is sufficient.

Settlement Funds

If you are already working in Canada, you may be exempt from showing settlement funds. If applying from outside Canada, you need to show sufficient funds (same amounts as other economic programs).

Application Process

1. Accumulate 12 months of qualifying work experience in Canada under a valid work permit.
2. Secure a qualifying permanent job offer from your employer (or another qualifying employer).
3. Take a language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) and achieve the minimum CLB score.
4. Obtain an ECA if your education was completed outside Canada.
5. Submit your PR application directly to IRCC (this program does not use Express Entry — applications are submitted on paper or online through the IRCC portal).
6. Provide supporting documents: Work reference letters, job offer letter, language test results, ECA, police certificates, medical exam, and proof of funds if applicable.

How to Get the Required Work Experience

Most AFIP applicants arrive in Canada initially through one of these pathways:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Your employer obtains an LMIA and sponsors your work permit. This is the most common route for agri-food workers.
• Working Holiday visa (IEC): If you are from an eligible country and aged 18-35, you can get an open work permit and find employment in the agri-food sector.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit: If you studied in Canada and work in the agri-food sector after graduation.

Many workers start through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), but note that SAWP work experience does not count toward the AFIP because it is seasonal. You need non-seasonal, year-round employment.

Where AFIP Jobs Are Located

Agri-food work is concentrated in specific regions across Canada:

• Southern Ontario: Major meat processing operations (Cargill in Guelph, Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon/Hamilton), greenhouse operations in Leamington and Kingsville, mushroom farms in the Niagara region.
• Alberta: Large meat processing plants in Brooks, High River, and Edmonton. Cattle and hog operations throughout rural Alberta.
• British Columbia: Greenhouse operations in the Fraser Valley (Delta, Surrey, Abbotsford), mushroom farms, and poultry operations.
• Manitoba: Hog operations and meat processing (Maple Leaf Foods in Brandon).
• Saskatchewan: Cattle operations and meat processing facilities.
• Quebec: Dairy, poultry, and hog operations throughout rural Quebec.

Annual Caps and Processing

The AFIP has annual caps on the number of applications accepted per occupation. Recent caps have been approximately:

• Meat processing (NOC 94141, 95106): 1,470 applications per year
• Mushroom production: 300 per year
• Greenhouse/nursery: 200 per year
• Livestock: 730 per year

Because caps fill quickly, it is important to submit your application as soon as you are eligible. Processing times have been 12-18 months.

Tips for Success

• Keep detailed work records: Save all pay stubs, T4 slips, and employment contracts. You need to prove exactly 1,560 hours of qualifying work.
• Build a good relationship with your employer: You need their cooperation for the job offer letter and work reference letters.
• Start language preparation early: Even though CLB 4 is modest, take the test well before applying so you have results ready.
• Get your ECA early: Processing takes 3-6 months.
• Monitor cap availability: Check IRCC's website regularly for cap updates.
• Know your workplace rights: Agri-food workers are protected by provincial employment standards. You have rights to minimum wage, overtime, breaks, and a safe workplace regardless of your immigration status.

Challenges and Realities

Working in the agri-food sector comes with unique challenges:

• Physical demands: Meat processing, livestock, and greenhouse work are physically demanding jobs with repetitive tasks.
• Rural locations: Many jobs are in small towns with limited services and social opportunities. Transportation can be challenging without a vehicle.
• Health and safety: Meat processing in particular has higher rates of workplace injuries. Know your right to refuse unsafe work and report hazards to your provincial health and safety authority.
• Isolation: Living in rural areas as a newcomer can be isolating. Seek out community connections, settlement services, and online support networks.

Despite these challenges, the AFIP provides a viable path to permanent residency for workers who might not qualify under other programs. For many immigrants, the 12 months of required work experience is a manageable stepping stone to a permanent future in Canada.

Preparing for Your Move: Essential Steps for Agri-Food Workers

Once you've been approved for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, the real planning begins! Moving to a new country involves several crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition. Start by gathering all necessary travel documents, including your passport, visa, and any letters of introduction from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It's also wise to begin researching the specific region or province where you'll be working. Understanding the local climate, housing market, and transportation options will be invaluable.

To help you organize everything, WelcomeAide offers a comprehensive Settlement Checklist, guiding you through pre-arrival tasks, what to do upon arrival, and post-settlement steps. Consider using our Cost of Living Calculator to estimate your initial expenses and plan your finances effectively. If you have educational or professional qualifications obtained outside Canada, you might need to get them assessed. Our Credential Assessment Tool can help you understand the process for having your foreign credentials recognized in Canada, which can be important for certain roles or future career progression.

For official information on immigration processes, always refer to the Government of Canada's dedicated immigration portal at Canada.ca/IRCC. This site provides up-to-date information on visa requirements, travel restrictions, and settlement services available to newcomers.

Navigating the Canadian Agri-Food Job Market

While the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot helps you secure a pathway to permanent residency, effectively navigating the Canadian job market, even within the agri-food sector, is key to long-term success. Canadian employers often look for resumes tailored to local standards and specific skills relevant to the role. Ensure your resume highlights your experience with modern agricultural practices, food processing technologies, or specific livestock management techniques.

WelcomeAide's Resume Builder is an excellent resource to help you craft a professional Canadian-style resume that stands out. Once you start getting interviews, our Interview Preparation Coach can provide valuable tips on common interview questions and Canadian workplace etiquette. If English or French is not your first language, demonstrating proficiency is crucial. Our Language Test Prep tool can assist you in preparing for official language tests, which are often a requirement for immigration and employment.

For job searching, the official Job Bank website by the Government of Canada is a primary resource. You can filter by industry, location, and even jobs that support immigration. Additionally, explore provincial agricultural associations and specific company websites within the food processing and farming sectors for direct application opportunities.