The Canada PR Pivot: How to Move from a Post-Grad Work Permit to the ‘Agri-Food’ Stream

The Agri-Food Pilot of Canada, which does not accept new applications as of May 14, 2025 but continues to process them under permanent residency (PR), is available to temporary workers in the field of food processing, meat production, greenhouse, and livestock. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) generally do not qualify as such since the program necessitates 12 months of non-seasonal Canadian work experience through either an LMIA-based permit or a vulnerable worker open permit, in conjunction with language (CLB 4), high-school education, and a full-time employment offer. In Canada, the applicants have an option of education instead of employment. It has a maximum of 1,010 in 2025, making it a niche PR career with Express Entry backlog, study-to-agri-job PR.

Agri-Food Stream Eligibility

Full-time work of 1,560-hours in qualified NOC codes (e.g., 94141 butchers, 85100 food laborers) within the past 3 years. Experience in PGWP only includes jobs that fulfill the requirements; majority of the grads in PGWP transfer through LMIA jobs. ECA of foreign education, language CLB4 all skills.​

PGWP to PR Transition Steps

Get eligible agri-food employment LMIA; acquire 12 months of experience. ECA, language test, get a job offer. Use the IRCC portal to apply, and bridge open work permit whilst processing. Family is eligible to open permits.​

Official Social Update

Today, 2 Agri-Food Pilot changes come into effect that help address Canadian labour needs:

1⃣ We’re expanding open work permit access to family members of all participants in the Agri-Food Pilot.
2⃣ We’re accepting union reference letters to attest to a candidate’s work… pic.twitter.com/pG3LjuXzHq

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) August 18, 2023

​

FAQs

Does PGWP qualify for Agri-Food Pilot?
No, PGWP work doesn’t count toward required experience. Need LMIA-based or vulnerable open permit work in eligible agri-food roles for 12 months.​
What jobs are eligible?
NOCs like 94141 (industrial butchers), 85100 (labourers), farm supervisors; in meat, greenhouse, nursery, livestock industries.​
Language requirement?
CLB/NCLC 4 in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, listening) via approved tests like IELTS/CELPIP.​
Can I apply from inside Canada?
Yes, meet either job offer or education; proof of funds if applicable, valid status.​
Program status 2026?
Closed new apps 2025; check IRCC for extensions or replacements like Rural Agri streams.​