Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the Agri-Food Pilot program until 2025.

Canada understands the importance of Canadian farmers and food processors as they strengthen the food supply system. To support agri-food market needs, IRCC has recently announced that it is extending the Agri-Food Pilot. The program was expected to end in May this year but is now being extended until May 14, 2025. Additionally, IRCC also announced the removal of annual occupational caps, which means that there will be no limits for the number of candidates who can apply for a specific occupation under the pilot.

Launched in 2020, the Agri-Food Immigration pilot is a program that helps address the labour needs in the agri-food sector by providing a pathway to permanent residence for experienced workers in agriculture and food industries.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says “Our farmers and food processors depend on the steady arrival of foreign workers so that planting, harvesting and food processing activities can take place throughout the year, and they need our continued support to attract and retain these talented workers. Extending the Agri-Food Pilot helps these sectors find the employees they need, so we can be confident that our food security, economy and living standards for Canadians across the country will continue to improve and grow.”

Source: Canada.ca