Agri-Food Pilot & Permanent Residency

UFCW Canada is proud to be the union defending Canada's migrant workers. For decades, we have been leading the fight to ensure that migrant workers have the same opportunities and rights as every worker in Canada. The industries we represent involve a growing number of migrant workers as Canada's labour force changes, and UFCW Canada is here to advocate for every one of our migrant members.

Helping Members Achieve Permanent Residency

The Agri-Food Pilot Program is the direct result of UFCW Canada's political action and legislative efforts. Launched in May 2020, the pilot helps provides opportunities for experienced workers in agricultural and food industries to achieve Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.

In May 2023, in response to reforms demanded by UFCW Canada, the federal government expanded the pilot to include new provisions that allow unions to vouch for Canadian work experience of migrant food workers. In addition, open work permit access has been expanded to family members of all participants in the pathway program to help with family reunification efforts

The pilot has been extended to run until May 14, 2025.

The Agri-Food Pilot includes workers in industries such as meat product manufacturing, greenhouse production, and other food manufacturing and food processing. UFCW Canada is committed to helping our members in these industries achieve permanent residency if they qualify for the pilot.

Requirements to apply for PR under the Agri-Food pilot include a year of eligible Canadian work experience, a full-time job offer, and meeting Canadian language requirements.

UFCW Canada will provide eligible members in relevant industries aid in navigating the application process, including attestation of Canadian work experience and assistance with meeting the language requirements.

If you are a UFCW member and think you qualify for permanent residency under the Agri-Food Pilot, look for posters in your workplace breakroom to learn how your union can help.