As of February 13, 2025, Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot has ceased accepting new applications, having reached its annual cap of 1,010 submissions.
This development necessitates that agri-food workers seeking permanent residence explore alternative immigration pathways. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of viable options, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program enables individual provinces and territories to nominate candidates for permanent residence based on specific labor market needs. Several provinces have streams tailored to the agri-food sector:
- Ontario: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream includes agriculture and farm supervisors as in-demand occupations.
- Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) offers the Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot, targeting intermediate and low-skilled workers in sectors like agriculture.
- Alberta: The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) has a stream for agri-food workers, focusing on occupations such as meat processing and greenhouse production.
Applicants must secure a valid job offer from an employer in the respective province and meet specific eligibility criteria, including work experience, education, and language proficiency.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespersons.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience.
Candidates create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. While agri-food occupations may not always align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes required for FSWP or FSTP, candidates with relevant experience should evaluate their eligibility. Notably, butchers (NOC 63201) remain eligible under the agriculture and agri-food category-based draws in 2025.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The AIP is designed for skilled workers and international graduates wishing to settle in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Eligibility requirements include a job offer from a designated employer in an Atlantic province, relevant work experience, educational credentials, language proficiency, and proof of funds. Each province maintains a list of designated employers, and candidates must obtain an endorsement from the province before applying for permanent residence.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The RNIP is a community-driven program aimed at attracting skilled workers to smaller communities across Canada. As of 2025, 14 communities are participating in the pilot. Eligibility criteria include:
- Job Offer: A full-time, permanent job offer from an employer in a participating community.
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous work experience in the past three years.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential.
- Language Proficiency: Meeting minimum language requirements in English or French.
- Settlement Funds: Demonstrating sufficient funds to support themselves and their family.
Candidates must also intend to reside in the community and contribute to its economic development.
Conclusion
The closure of the Agri-Food Pilot underscores the importance of exploring alternative immigration pathways for agri-food workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. By understanding and navigating programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program, Express Entry, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, candidates can identify the most suitable options aligned with their qualifications and career aspirations.
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