Agri‑Food Immigration Pilot 2026: What Workers Need to Know This Year
The Agri‑Food Immigration Pilot continues to play a key role in supporting Canada’s agriculture and food processing industries. As labour shortages persist across farming, meat processing, mushroom production, and greenhouse operations, the program remains an important pathway for experienced workers seeking permanent residence.
Although the pilot officially ended in 2025, the federal government continues to process applications submitted before the closure date. Many workers and employers are now looking ahead to how the program’s structure and requirements influence immigration opportunities in 2026.
This guide breaks down everything applicants need to know this year.
What Is the Agri‑Food Immigration Pilot?
The Agri‑Food Immigration Pilot was designed to help Canada attract and retain experienced, non‑seasonal workers in key agricultural and food‑processing sectors.
It offered a direct pathway to permanent residence for workers who had already gained Canadian experience in eligible industries and occupations.
The program focused on long‑term labour needs in:
• Meat processing
• Mushroom production
• Greenhouse crop production
• Livestock raising
• Food processing operations
Even though new applications are no longer being accepted, the program continues to shape immigration pathways for agriculture workers in 2026.
Agri‑Food Pilot Status in 2026
1. No New Applications Accepted
The pilot stopped accepting new applications in May 2025.
However, IRCC continues to process applications submitted before the deadline.
2. Continued Processing for Existing Applicants
Workers who applied before the closure date can still expect:
• Ongoing processing
• Requests for additional documents
• Final decisions issued throughout 2026
This ensures that eligible workers who met the criteria are still able to transition to permanent residence.
3. Influence on Future Agriculture Pathways
The pilot’s structure is expected to influence future programs, especially those targeting:
• Food processing labour shortages
• Meat‑cutting and industrial butchery
• Mushroom and greenhouse crop production
• Livestock and farm operations
Workers in these sectors should watch for new or updated pathways in 2026 and beyond.
Eligibility Requirements (Based on the Final Pilot Rules)
Even though the pilot is closed, understanding the eligibility criteria helps workers prepare for future agriculture‑focused programs.
1. Work Experience
Applicants needed:
• At least 1 year of Canadian work experience (1,560 hours)
• Experience must be non‑seasonal
• Work must be in an eligible industry and occupation
• Experience must be gained through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (LMIA‑based) or an open permit for vulnerable workers
2. Job Offer Requirements
Job offers needed to be:
• Full‑time
• Non‑seasonal
• In an eligible industry
• Supported by an LMIA with a minimum 12‑month duration
3. Language Requirements
• Minimum CLB 4 in English or French
4. Education Requirements
• Minimum high school diploma
• ECA required for foreign education
5. Settlement Funds
Applicants needed to show proof of funds unless already working in Canada.
Eligible Industries and Occupations (Final List)
Based on the pilot’s structure, eligible sectors included:
Industries
• Meat product manufacturing
• Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production
• Mushroom production
• Livestock raising
Occupations
• Industrial butchers
• Meat cutters
• Food processing labourers
• Harvesting labourers
• General farm workers
These categories are expected to remain priorities in future agriculture‑focused immigration pathways.
What Agriculture Workers Should Expect in 2026
Even though the Agri‑Food Pilot is closed, 2026 is shaping up to be an important year for agriculture workers:
1. Continued PR Processing
Applicants who submitted before the deadline will continue receiving decisions throughout 2026.
2. Potential New Pathways
Given ongoing labour shortages, the federal government may introduce:
• A renewed agriculture pilot
• A permanent agriculture PR stream
• Expanded pathways under economic immigration programs
3. Strong Demand for Experienced Workers
Meat processing, mushroom production, and greenhouse operations remain among the most labour‑short sectors in Canada.
Need Help With Your Agriculture PR Options?
Even with the Agri‑Food Pilot closed, many agriculture workers still have strong pathways to permanent residence through:
• Provincial nominee programs
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
• Employer‑driven streams
• Future agriculture‑focused programs
Contact One Canada Visa at info@jmimmigration.ca
We help workers and employers navigate the best PR options available in 2026.
