Maple News reports that Canada’s Agri-Food Immigration Pilot has officially closed to new applicants, marking the end of a significant pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers in the agriculture and food processing sectors. As of February 13, 2025, the pilot reached its full quota of applications for the year, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirming no further intake under this program.
Launched in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot was designed to create a dedicated immigration stream for non-seasonal workers in key agri-food industries facing persistent labour shortages. These sectors included meat product manufacturing, greenhouse and mushroom production, animal farming, and related agri-food occupations. It served as a tailored solution to support Canada’s food supply chain by offering these essential workers a pathway to permanent residence.
Although the program was initially set for three years, it was extended in 2023, moving the final expiry date to May 14, 2025. However, the current early closure to new applicants was driven by the cap placed by IRCC for 2025—just 1,010 applications—down notably from the previous annual cap of 2,750.
Applicants who submitted their files before February 13, 2025, will still have their cases processed, but those who did not apply by that date must now consider alternative immigration routes. Options for agri-food workers seeking permanent residency may include the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), depending on individual circumstances and job locations.
The early fulfillment of the 2025 application cap points to high demand within the sector and highlights ongoing labour needs. Despite the strong interest and support the program has received over the years, no announcements have been made by the federal government regarding a replacement or further extension.
Successful pilots like this one sometimes evolve into permanent immigration streams. However, with the Agri-Food Pilot nearing its official end in May 2025 and all intake spots now filled, stakeholders in Canada’s agriculture and processing industries may need to advocate for new, sector-specific immigration solutions to meet future workforce requirements.
Maple News will continue to monitor any policy developments relating to this area and advise newcomers and employers alike on emerging opportunities.