IRCC plans a new worker stream for agriculture & fish processing, i.e., the immigration department has announced plans to develop a new foreign worker stream which will be aimed at addressing ongoing labour shortages in Canada’s agriculture as well as fish processing sectors.
What Is The New Foreign Worker Stream About?
The new stream was outlined in IRCC’s recently released 2025-2026 Departmental Plan. According to the plan, the stream will be designed to help Canadian employers in agriculture and fish processing find and hire foreign workers more efficiently.
The new labour stream will come with a dedicated, sector-specific work permit tailored for jobs in these industries. The department has indicated that it may expand agreements with certain partner countries, thus making it easier for employers to recruit from specific regions where partnerships exist.
To move this plan forward, IRCC has committed to working closely with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) throughout 2025-2026. They will focus on developing new policies and conducting public consultations to ensure the program meets the needs of employers and aligns with Canada’s economic priorities.
In addition, IRCC’s broader strategy, as highlighted in the Departmental Plan, includes improving management of temporary resident levels and ensuring that applications for temporary foreign workers in essential industries—like agriculture and food processing—are prioritized to support Canada’s economic resilience.
Labour Shortages In Agriculture And Fish Processing
As IRCC plans a new worker stream for agriculture & fish processing, it is vital to note that the agriculture sector has faced ongoing labour shortages for years. Moreover, workers are needed across various roles, from crop production to food processing. In fact, agriculture and agri-food occupations continue to be priority categories in Express Entry’s category-based selection draws, reflecting the critical need for workers in this field.
The announcement of a new dedicated stream comes shortly after the closure of the Agri-Food Pilot, which officially stopped accepting new applications in February 2025 after reaching its intake cap for the year.
Launched in 2020, the Agri-Food Pilot was intended to help address chronic labour shortages in meat product manufacturing, animal production, and floriculture production by providing a pathway to permanent residence for foreign workers.
Although pilot programs typically run for up to five years, successful pilots can pave the way for more permanent pathways. With the Agri-Food Pilot now closed, this new stream shows IRCC’s continued commitment to filling critical labour gaps in agriculture and fish processing and supporting Canada’s vital food supply chain.
CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.