The Agri-Food Pilot - Fact Sheet - Permanent Residency Eligibility and Application Details

Aug 29, 2026

The Agri-Food Pilot is a 3-year Canadian pilot program offering a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal agricultural workers in specific industries and occupations. The fact sheet outlines who may apply, eligibility criteria covering eligible industry, eligible occupation, required paid full-time work experience, and a valid non-seasonal job offer, plus language, education, settlement funds (if applicable), and temporary residence status requirements. It also explains how to add a family member to an application.

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The Agri-Food Pilot

What is the Agri-Food Pilot?

Who can apply under the program for permanent residence?

Eligibility requirements for PR

1. Eligible industry

2. Eligible occupation

3. Required work experience

4. Job offer requirements

302-119 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1S5 Telephone: 604-669-4482 Toll Free: 1-888-669-4482 [MWCBC.ca](MWCBC.ca) [facebook.com/MWCBC](facebook.com/MWCBC) [twitter.com/MWC_BC](twitter.com/MWC_BC) The Agri-Food Pilot This fact sheet explains the law in general. It is not intended as legal advice foryour particular problem. Because each person’s situation is different, you may need to seek legal advice. The information in this fact sheet was reviewed by a lawyer, and was last updated on 16 February 2021. The Agri-Food Pilot is a pilot program that provides a pathway for permanent residency (PR) for certain agricultural workers. This fact sheet explains who can apply under the program, what the eligibility requirements are, and how to add a family member to your application What is the Agri-Food Pilot? The Agri-Food Pilot is a pathway for PR. Currently, the program is only a 3-year pilot. Applications are accepted as of 15 May 2020 until 14 May 2023. Once an application is submitted and approved, the applicant becomes a permanent resident in Canada. Who can apply under the program for permanent residence? Migrant workers who meet the program’s eligibility requirements may apply. What are the eligibility requirements to apply for PR under the program? The program provides a pathway for PR for experienced and non-seasonal agricultural workers in specific industries and occupations. You must satisfy the following requirements: 1. You work in an eligible industry ; 2. You work in an eligible occupation; 3. You have the required work experience; 4. You have a job offer that meets the requirements; 5. You meet the language requirements; 6. You meet the educational requirements; 7. You have enough settlement funds (if applicable); and 8. You meet the temporary residence status requirement (if applying within Canada) . Each of these requirements is explained in detail below. We recommend that you seek legal advice before submitting an application if you are not sure whether your situation satisfies one or more of the requirements. 1. You work in an eligible industry This means that you must be working for an employer in Canada in one of the following industries: • NAICS-1114 Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production • NAICS-1121 Cattle ranching and farming • NAICS – 1122 Hog and pig farming • NAICS – 1123 Poultry and egg production • NAICS – 1124 Sheep and goat farming • NAICS – 1129 Other animal production • NAICS – 3116 Meat product manufacturing Note: NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. 1 302-119 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1S5 Telephone: 604-669-4482 Toll Free: 1-888-669-4482 [MWCBC.ca](MWCBC.ca) [facebook.com/MWCBC](facebook.com/MWCBC) [twitter.com/MWC_BC](twitter.com/MWC_BC) 2. You work in an eligible occupation This means that you must be working in Canada in one of the following occupations: • NOC-8252 Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers • NOC – 8431 General farm workers • NOC – 8611 Harvesting labourers • NOC – 6331 Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale • NOC – 9462 Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers • NOC – 9617 Labourers in food and beverage processing Note: NOC stands for National Occupation Classification. For more information on descriptions of each occupation, visit: [https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Home/Welcome/7e1084caca6d498899a49011a997fee5?GoCTemplate](https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Home/Welcome/7e1084caca6d498899a49011a997fee5?GoCTemplate)[ ](https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Home/Welcome/7e1084caca6d498899a49011a997fee5?GoCTemplate)[Culture=en-CA](Culture=en-CA. You can find the descriptions of an occupation by searching for its corresponding NOC code.)[. You can find the descriptions of an occupation by searching for its corresponding NOC code.](Culture=en-CA. You can find the descripti

FAQs

What is the Agri-Food Pilot program and how long is it available?

It is a 3-year pilot pathway to permanent residence. Applications are accepted from 15 May 2020 to 14 May 2023.

What key eligibility requirements must applicants meet?

Applicants must work in an eligible industry and occupation, have the required work experience, hold a job offer that meets program conditions, and meet language and education requirements, plus settlement funds (if applicable) and temporary residence status when applying within Canada.

Does seasonal agricultural work qualify for the program?

No. The fact sheet indicates that participants in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) cannot directly apply through the pilot program, and work experience must be non-seasonal.

Aug 29, 2026

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