Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is preparing to introduce a new immigration stream designed to address labour shortages in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors. The initiative is part of IRCC’s broader strategy to align immigration programs with national economic priorities.
According to IRCC’s 2025–2026 Departmental Plan, the new stream will be tailored for foreign workers in these essential industries and will feature a dedicated sector-specific work permit. The department aims to make it easier for employers in agriculture and fish processing to recruit qualified temporary foreign workers.
The stream may also involve expanding partnerships with selected countries, potentially simplifying hiring processes through streamlined agreements. This could mean shorter processing times and more predictable pathways for workers from trusted international partners.
IRCC is working closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on policy development, and public consultations are expected throughout the 2025–2026 fiscal year. These efforts aim to ensure that the new program is responsive to the unique needs of industry stakeholders while protecting the rights of foreign workers.
This new foreign worker stream will support Canada’s ongoing commitment to managing temporary resident levels and filling pressing labour gaps in critical sectors. With agriculture and food processing identified as priority areas, the stream could play a pivotal role in stabilizing food supply chains and supporting rural economic development.
In addition to sector-specific hiring, IRCC’s Departmental Plan outlines a focus on streamlining temporary foreign worker applications in economically essential areas. The policy direction reflects the federal government’s intent to strengthen labour market resilience while maintaining fair and orderly immigration practices.
More details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and participating countries are expected to be released as the stream is developed.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates and provide guidance for businesses and foreign nationals interested in pursuing opportunities through this upcoming program.