Program delivery update: Launch of the new Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program

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).

New instructions

• Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) Program
  • Application process and who can apply
  • Putting an application into processing
  • Assessing the application against the selection criteria
  • Ability to become economically established
  • Other situations
  • Admissibility and making a final decision
  • Examination before granting permanent residence

Updated instructions

• Completeness check upon receipt
• Dependent children
• Bridging open work permits
• International Mobility Program: Public policy, competitiveness and economy