Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
The Agri-Food Pilot ended on May 14, 2025.
From January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, officers processed an annual maximum number of 2,750 applications. From January 1, 2025, until May 14, 2025, officers processed a prorated maximum of 1,010 applications (1,000 electronic and 10 alternate format applications).
This section describes how to process applications for permanent residence submitted by applicants in the Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program through the paper-based or online application process.
The AFP Program is an economic pilot program designed to help address the labour needs of the Canadian agri-food sector, particularly in the year-round mushroom and greenhouse crop production, meat processing and livestock raising industries, and attract experienced, non-seasonal workers who can settle in Canada.
Foreign nationals must meet the job offer, minimum language, education, work experience, immigration status and settlement funds requirements, where applicable, to apply for the AFP Program.
Note: The job offer and education requirements have been updated:
- applicants who reside in Canada at the time of application may meet either the job offer requirements or the educational requirements
- applicants who reside outside of Canada at the time of application must meet both the job offer and the educational requirements
Intake
- Application process and who can apply
- Completeness check upon receipt
- Putting an application into processing
Processing
- Assessing the application against the selection criteria
- Ability to become economically established
- Other situations
- Admissibility and making the final decision
- Examination before granting permanent residence
- Bridging open work permits
- International Mobility Program: Public policy, competitiveness and economy