Situation Guide

Work in Canada’s Agri‑Food Sector

Agri‑Food Pilot, agricultural streams, and employer requirements.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-30Official sources
Key takeaways
  • Agri‑Food Pilot is a PR pathway for eligible occupations.
  • TFWP agricultural streams are temporary work permit routes.
  • Job offers and industry eligibility drive the path.

What decides the right visa for this goal

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PR vs temporary work. Agri‑Food Pilot is a PR pathway; TFWP agricultural streams are temporary work permits.

Occupation and industry eligibility. Only specific occupations and industries qualify.

Job offer requirements. Job offers must meet program rules and be full‑time, non‑seasonal for some pathways.

High-level steps

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1) Choose the pathway. PR via Agri‑Food Pilot or temporary TFWP route.

2) Secure a qualifying job offer. Ensure the offer matches eligible occupations.

3) Submit application. Provide required documents and fees.

4) Complete admissibility checks. Biometrics and medical exams as required.

Documents you’ll likely need

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Job offer and employer documents. Role details, wages, and employer eligibility.

Work experience evidence. Proof of qualifying experience for the pilot.

Identity records. Passport and civil documents.

Examples

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Example: A worker with eligible experience applies under the Agri‑Food Pilot for PR.

Example: A seasonal worker uses SAWP with a participating employer.

Common misconceptions

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  • “Any farm job qualifies for PR.”

    Only specific occupations and industries are eligible.

  • “SAWP leads to PR automatically.”

    SAWP is a temporary program, not a PR pathway.

  • “Job offer is enough.”

    Eligibility and documentation must meet program requirements.

Fees and processing times

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Fees and timelines vary by program. Use IRCC tools for current details.

How to plan around this goal

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Confirm occupation eligibility and gather work experience evidence early.

Work permit checklist

When to talk to a professional

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You may want professional guidance if any of these apply:

  • Unclear occupation eligibility
  • Complex job offer documentation
  • Time-sensitive start dates

Official sources referenced in this guide

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We rely on official IRCC and ESDC guidance. Use the sources below to verify requirements and updates.

What to do next

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VisaMind helps you compare agri‑food pathways and organize documents.

Use Find my visa to build a plan tied to official sources.

FAQs

Is Agri‑Food Pilot the same as SAWP?

No. Agri‑Food Pilot is a PR pathway; SAWP is a temporary program.

Do I need a job offer?

Yes, a qualifying job offer is required for these pathways.

Where should I verify official requirements?

Use IRCC and ESDC guidance for agri‑food programs.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-01-30

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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