How to apply

There are some steps you must take when you apply for a work permit as an agricultural worker in Canada.

On this page

• Step 1: Check if you’re eligible for priority processing
• Step 2: Create an account or sign in
• Step 3: Fill out the forms
• Step 4: Pay the fees
• Step 5: Submit your application
• After you apply

Step 1: Check if you’re eligible for priority processing

We’re prioritizing applications for people who perform or support essential services.

If you’re eligible for priority processing, there are some extra steps you must take when you apply.

Eligible occupations that perform or support essential services related to agriculture and agri-food

NOC 2021 codes

• Butchers – retail and wholesale (NOC 63201)
• Meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale (NOC 65202)
• Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
• Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
• Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)
• Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators (NOC 84120)
• Livestock labourers (NOC 85100)
• Harvesting labourers (NOC 85101)
• Nursery and greenhouse labourers (NOC 85103)
• Harvesting labourers (NOC 85101)
• Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142)
• Labourers in food and beverage processing (NOC 95106)
• Fish and seafood plant workers (NOC 94142)
• Labourers in fish and seafood processing (NOC 95107)
• Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers (NOC 94141)

Step 2: Create an account or sign in

You must apply online for a work permit. Sign in or create an IRCC secure account to start your application.

Create an account or sign in

Before you apply online, make sure you have

• the instruction guide to fill out the forms
• a scanner or camera
• a valid credit or debit card

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• Visa^®
• MasterCard^®
• American Express^®
• JCB^®
• UnionPay^® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

It must:

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC^® Online, and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard^® and Visa^® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC^® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Step 3: Fill out the forms

Answer some questions to get the forms and documents you need to apply for a work permit.

If you’re eligible for priority processing

To get priority processing, follow these steps:

1. Get the National Occupational Classification number your employer entered on the offer of employment or labour market impact assessment.
2. Enter that number in the Job title box.
   • This is box 4 in the Details of intended work in Canada section.
   • You must enter only the number.

Step 4: Paying your fees

Your fees and payment options depend on where you are applying from.

Find out how to pay your fees.