Program delivery update: Launch of the new Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
May 15, 2020
A new 3-year pilot program has been put in place through the Ministerial Instructions Respecting the Agri-Food Immigration Class published in the Canada Gazette on August 31, 2019. The Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program is 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 to attract experienced, non-seasonal workers who can settle in Canada. The pilot will run until May 14, 2023.
The pilot introduces 2 new criteria:
- an industry-specific approach based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
- a new level of education
In addition, there is a maximum number of complete applications processed for each eligible occupation (National Occupational Classification).