IRCC Plans New Immigration Stream for Foreign Workers in Agriculture and Fish Processing

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is developing a new immigration stream aimed at addressing labour shortages in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors.

What Is This New Stream?

The new stream is part of IRCC’s 2025-2026 Department Plan and is being designed to bring in foreign workers specifically for roles in agriculture and fish processing. This initiative includes the creation of a sector-specific work permit tailored to the unique needs of these industries.

The program may also involve new or expanded agreements with partner countries to make it easier for Canadian employers to hire workers from those regions.

IRCC will be working closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to develop the policies and consult the public throughout 2025 and 2026. The goal is to improve how Canada manages temporary foreign worker levels and ensure the economy has the labour it needs in critical sectors.

Why This Matters

The agriculture and food processing industries are considered essential to Canada’s economy. Despite their importance, both sectors face ongoing labour shortages. The government has highlighted that it will prioritize temporary foreign worker applications in these essential sectors under the new plan.

Background: Agri-Food Pilot Closure

This new stream is expected to help fill the gap left by the recent closure of the Agri-Food Pilot. That program, launched in 2020, allowed foreign workers in specific industries—such as meat processing, animal production, and floriculture—to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The Agri-Food Pilot reached its application cap for 2025 by February 13 and stopped accepting new applications. As a pilot program, it had a five-year run and was set to expire unless made permanent.

The upcoming stream could serve as a long-term solution to the ongoing need for workers in Canada’s agriculture and fish processing sectors.

Looking Ahead

As more details become available, employers and foreign workers interested in these industries should watch for updates on eligibility and application procedures. This planned stream shows Canada's continued effort to align immigration policy with economic needs.