This pilot has ended
The Agri-Food Pilot tested a permanent-residence route for experienced, non-seasonal workers in selected agriculture and agri-food industries and occupations. IRCC stopped accepting applications when the pilot ended on May 14, 2025. In its final year, IRCC capped 2025 intake at 1,010 applications (notice of January 3, 2025); intake would close at the cap or on May 14, 2025, whichever came first. IRCC processes applications received on or before the end date and within the cap.
This page remains online so that old articles, advertisements and application guides are not mistaken for an active pathway.
What applicants should know
New applications
Not accepted. The federal pilot is closed.
Applications filed before closure
IRCC continues to process applications it accepted before May 14, 2025.
Agricultural work permits
Temporary agricultural and employer-specific work permits are separate. They do not revive this permanent-residence pilot.
Other permanent-residence options
Workers should be assessed for current federal, provincial, Atlantic or community routes based on their actual profile.
Do not rely on old eligibility lists
- The former list of eligible industries and occupations is not an invitation to apply.
- Old forms and guides do not create eligibility after the closure.
- A job in agriculture does not lead to permanent residence automatically.
- Alternative programs must be assessed under their current requirements.
For existing and prospective applicants
- Confirm the filing dateExisting applicants should keep proof that IRCC accepted the application before the pilot closed.
- Keep respondingAnswer IRCC requests and keep your contact and family information up to date. If you received approval in principle, you may qualify for a bridging open work permit: you must be the principal applicant, live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec, and hold (or be able to restore) valid temporary status. The fees are the $155 work permit fee plus the $100 open work permit holder fee.
- Assess alternativesProspective applicants should review current programs instead of preparing an Agri-Food Pilot file.
- Check official updatesUse IRCC's closed-program page for status information.
Important points
- The pilot ended on May 14, 2025.
- No new federal Agri-Food Pilot application can be submitted.
- Processing of an older application does not mean the program has reopened.
- Any future agriculture-related announcement would be a new or revised policy and must be read on its own terms.
Official sources
- IRCC: Agri-Food Pilot (closed)
- IRCC notice: 2025 Agri-Food Pilot application cap
- IRCC: Immigrate to Canada (paused and closed programs)
- IRCC: Bridging open work permit
- IRCC: Express Entry category-based selection
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.