What You Should Know About Canada's New Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream

Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors are crucial to the country’s economy and food supply. However, these industries face persistent labor shortages, especially in rural areas. To address this challenge, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is developing a new foreign worker stream specifically targeting these sectors, as outlined in the 2025-2026 Departmental Plan.

Overview of the New Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream

This upcoming program aims to create a dedicated immigration pathway for foreign workers in agriculture and fish processing. Unlike previous general work permits, this stream will introduce a sector-specific work permit tailored to the unique needs of these industries.

IRCC plans to collaborate closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and engage in public consultations throughout 2025 and 2026 to finalize the policy framework. The stream may also expand partnerships with select countries to streamline hiring from trusted sources, improving labor supply reliability.

Why Is This New Stream Needed?

Labor shortages in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors have been a long-standing issue. These industries require workers for physically demanding, seasonal, and specialized roles that are difficult to fill locally. The closure of the Agri-Food Pilot earlier in 2025 left a significant gap in immigration pathways for these workers.

The Agri-Food Pilot, launched in 2020, allowed foreign workers in specific occupations like meat product manufacturing, floriculture, and animal production to apply for permanent residence. However, it reached its application cap in early 2025 and is no longer accepting new applications.

The new Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream is designed to provide a more permanent, streamlined solution to fill these critical labor needs and support Canada’s economic objectives.

Key Features of the New Stream

The newly introduced stream aims to address sector-specific labor shortages and enhance Canada’s agri-food workforce by implementing the following features:

  • Sector-Specific Work Permit: A new type of work permit focused solely on agriculture and fish processing occupations, offering workers flexibility and employers reliable access to labor.
  • Partner Country Agreements: Potential expansion of agreements with select countries to facilitate smoother recruitment and hiring processes.
  • Priority Processing: Temporary foreign worker applications in agriculture and food processing will be prioritized to reduce delays.
  • Supports Economic Goals: Aligns immigration with labor market needs, helping maintain food supply chains and rural economic growth.

Who Will Be Eligible?

While specific eligibility criteria are still being finalized, the stream will likely target:

  • Foreign workers with experience or job offers in agriculture and fish processing roles such as farm workers, livestock handlers, greenhouse workers, and fish processing plant workers.
  • Individuals meeting language proficiency requirements in English or French.
  • Applicants with relevant education or training, possibly equivalent to Canadian secondary school or higher.
  • Workers willing to commit to working in these essential sectors, often in rural or remote communities.

How Will This Affect Employers and Workers?

Employers in agriculture and fish processing will benefit from improved access to a stable and qualified workforce, helping them maintain production and meet demand. The sector-specific work permit will simplify hiring processes and reduce administrative burdens.

Foreign workers will gain a clearer pathway to legally work in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing industries, with potentially faster processing times and better job security. This stream may also pave the way for future permanent residence options, similar to the previous Agri-Food Pilot.

What Can Applicants Do Now to Prepare?

To make the most of upcoming opportunities in Canada's agriculture and fish processing sectors, prospective applicants can take several proactive steps to strengthen their future applications:

  • Stay informed about updates from IRCC and ESDC regarding the stream’s launch and application procedures.
  • Gather and update documentation of your work experience in agriculture or fish processing.
  • Prepare for language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TEF to meet expected requirements.
  • Research potential employers and job opportunities in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors.
  • Consider consulting with immigration professionals for personalized guidance.

Looking Ahead: Canada’s Commitment to Essential Sectors

The development of this new foreign worker stream underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting essential industries and rural economies. By aligning immigration policy with labor market realities, Canada aims to ensure food security, economic resilience, and opportunities for skilled foreign workers.

What You Need to Know About the New Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream

This upcoming immigration stream represents a significant opportunity for foreign workers seeking employment in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors. With a sector-specific work permit and streamlined hiring processes, it promises to address labor shortages while supporting workers and employers alike.

FAQs

When will the new Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream be available?

IRCC plans to develop and consult on this stream throughout 2025 and 2026. Exact launch dates have not been announced yet.

Will this stream offer a pathway to permanent residence?

While the primary focus is on temporary foreign workers, it is expected that pathways to permanent residence may be developed, similar to the previous Agri-Food Pilot.

Do I need a job offer to apply under this stream?

Yes, applicants will likely need a valid job offer in an eligible agriculture or fish processing occupation to qualify.