Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program: Putting an application into processing
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).
Following a positive completeness check, the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney (CIO-S) does the following:
- creates a file in the Global Case Management System (GCMS)
- in the “Category” field in the GCMS, enters “AFP” for an Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program application
- records in the GCMS notes the Job Bank’s prevailing wage in effect at the time of receipt of the application
- records the North American Industry Classification System code for both the job offer and work experience
- cost recovers the applicable processing fees and enters confirmation in the GCMS
- records the GCMS file number on the paper file
- sends an acknowledgment of receipt to the applicant informing them that their file has been placed into processing
- transfers the paper file to the processing office in accordance with existing file transfer policies.
- transfers the electronic file to the processing office in the GCMS by making that office the primary office for processing
Once an application for the AFP Program has been assessed as complete under section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), the application is put into processing.
Note: If the biometric fee has not been paid and the CIO-S has sent the biometric fee payment letter, the application is put into processing, and the processing office sends the biometric instruction letter (BIL) once the applicant has submitted the biometric fee.
Processing family members
The CIO-S receives and triages all applications submitted under the AFP Program. The application is transferred to the relevant processing office, where both the principal applicant and all family members are processed.
Processing open work permits (OWP) for family members
Family members of AFP applicants at all job skill levels are eligible to apply for an OWP.
For AFP principal applicants in TEER 2 or 3 occupations, family members are eligible for an OWP if
- the principal applicant has submitted a permanent residence application under the AFP
- the principal applicant’s work permit has at least 6 months’ validity remaining at the time the family member’s OWP application is received
- the family member meets the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
For AFP principal applicants in TEER 4 or 5 occupations, their family member is eligible for an OWP if
- the AFP application has passed the R10 completeness check
- At this stage, the applicant will receive the acknowledgement of receipt letter informing them of their family members eligibility.
- the principal applicant’s work permit has at least 6 months’ validity remaining at the time the family member’s OWP application is received
- the family member meets the generalS eligibility requirements for a work permit
If issuing an OWP, the officer should align the validity of the family member’s work permit to that of the principal applicant’s work permit.
Note: There is no minimum age for open work permits. Minor children still need to apply to obtain an open work permit. Work permit holders, legal guardians and employers are still responsible for following provincial and territorial labour laws, including those of working age.