IRCC UNVEILS NEW FOREIGN WORKER STREAM FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISH PROCESSING SECTORS TO ADDRESS LABOUR SHORTAGES

To address ongoing labour shortages in key economic sectors, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to create a new dedicated foreign worker stream for Canada’s agriculture and fish processing industries. Outlined in the federal department’s 2025–2026 immigration strategy, the initiative aims to provide targeted support to employers struggling to fill essential roles in rural and coastal regions.

The upcoming stream will feature sector-specific work permits and may include expanded bilateral agreements with partner countries to improve labour mobility. IRCC will collaborate closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to shape policy design and conduct public consultations throughout 2025 and 2026.

This initiative comes in response to the closure of the Agri-Food Pilot, a previous pathway that allowed eligible workers in agriculture and food processing to transition to permanent residency. The new stream is expected to serve as both a short-term and potentially longer-term solution, ensuring that employers in food production and processing maintain a stable and reliable workforce.

IRCC emphasized that this measure aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to balance temporary resident levels while supporting critical sectors of the economy. The stream is also expected to strengthen Canada's food security by helping fill persistent labour gaps that domestic recruitment has failed to address.

Further details, including eligibility criteria and timelines, will be released following consultations with provincial governments, industry stakeholders, and international partners.

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