IRCC to Accept 1,010 Applications for Agri-Food Pilot in 2025

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that 1,010 new applications for the Agri-Food Pilot Program will be accepted in 2025. The Agri-Food Pilot Program is designed for the workers in agriculture and food sectors. It is a pathway to obtain Canada PR.

The deadline for the submission of applications is 14 May 2025. No further applications will be accepted after this date. In this, we will look at an overview of the Agri-Food Pilot, its changes, application categories, and the eligibility criteria one has to fulfill for this program.

An Overview of Agri-Food Pilot and its Changes

The Agri-Food Pilot was established in 2020 and has helped to fulfill the labour gaps by offering experienced workers a pathway to PR. The Agri-Food Pilot is a targeted economic initiative established under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

By law, it can operate for a maximum of five years, which concludes on May 14, 2025, with no option for extension beyond this date. The applications in the Agri-Food Pilot program are processed on first-come, first served basis.

Agri-food workers also have access to alternative immigration pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the recently announced Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots.

Application Categories for 2025

IRCC will accept submissions in the following categories for the 2025 application cycle:

• Online Applications - Up to 1,000 applications will be processed through the online system, offering a streamlined process for quicker submission and review.
• Alternate Formats - A maximum of 10 applications will be accepted in alternate formats for individuals who cannot apply online. Applicants must follow the prescribed guidelines for submitting in these formats.

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Eligibility Criteria for Agri-Food Pilot Program

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for Canada Permanent Residency:

• Work Experience: At least one year of cumulative, non-seasonal, full-time work experience (minimum of 1,560 hours) within the last three years. This experience must have been gained under a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit in one or more eligible agri-food occupations.

• Job Offer: Applicants must have a full-time, permanent, and non-seasonal job offer in a qualifying occupation within an eligible agri-food industry.

• Educational Qualifications: A Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required.

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 4 or its equivalent in English or French.

• Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members is necessary, unless the applicant is already working in Canada under a valid work permit

With the program concluding on May 14, 2025, and 1,010 applications for its final year, interested candidates should act promptly to meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications.

This final opportunity underscores Canada's commitment to addressing labor shortages in the agri-food sector while offering a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Canada Agri-Food Pilot Program Agri-Food Pilot Program for Canada Agri-Food Pilot Program 2025 Express Entry Program Provincial Nominee Program Eligibility Criteria for Agri-Food Pilot Program pathway to permanent residency Canada Immigration News