The Government of Canada is working on a new immigration stream to bring more foreign workers into the agriculture and fish/seafood processing industries. This is meant to help fill jobs that are hard to staff with local workers.
What Is This New Stream?
It’s a special immigration program that will help farms and food-processing companies hire foreign workers.
It will focus on seasonal farming jobs, seafood processing, and fruit/vegetable processing.
The goal is to solve long-term labour shortages in these industries.
When Will It Start?
The program is being developed now and is expected to launch in 2027.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working on it together with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Why Is This Happening?
Canada had a similar program before, called the Agri-Food Pilot, which helped workers in farming and food processing get permanent residency.
That program closed to new applications in February 2025, and there’s no direct replacement yet.
Employers still need workers, especially in rural and seasonal jobs that Canadians don’t often take.
This new stream will help protect workers and make it easier for them to move between jobs in the same sector.
What Can Workers and Employers Expect?
For Workers
For Employers
A chance to work legally in farming or food processing
A new way to hire international workers
Better job security and possibly easier job changes
A solution to hard-to-fill jobs
A possible path to permanent residency in the future
Less red tape and more targeted hiring
What’s Next?
More information will be released before the program launches.
IRCC may open consultations with employers, worker groups, and the public to help shape the final rules.
The government is also working on new protections for temporary foreign workers to reduce abuse and unfair treatment.
Need help with your Canadian immigration process?
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.
On February 27, 2025, IRCC announced significant changes to its Express Entry system, aiming to better align immigration policies with labor market demands and economic priorities.
See below major highlights of the changes made to 2025 Express Entry:
The new category announced in 2025 is Education.
Transport is no longer listed under the category-based draws.
IRCC has added a number of social services occupations to the healthcare category.
IRCC has identified four key priority categories for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2025 which include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare and social service occupations
Trades occupations
Education occupations
Complete Overview of Express Entry Draw Categories for 2025
The 2025 updates involve more than just the addition or removal of categories. IRCC has refined the occupation lists in each category to better match Canada’s workforce demands. See below a detailed breakdown of the changes, showing recently included and removed occupations.
1. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
The healthcare sector continues to be a key focus of Canada’s immigration strategy, driven by an aging population and the increasing need for medical and social support services.
See below 8 Occupations Added:
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
32104
2
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
32123
2
Dental hygienists and dental therapists
32111
2
Other medical technologists and technicians
32129
2
Pharmacists
31120
1
Pharmacy technicians
32124
2
Social and community service workers
42201
2
Social workers
41300
1
6 Occupations Removed:
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Educational counsellors
41320
1
Instructors of persons with disabilities
42203
2
Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
31204
1
Other assisting occupations in support of health services
33109
3
Other practitioners of natural healing
32209
2
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
32200
2
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
STEM has experienced a notable decrease, with no new occupations added and a substantial 19 removed.
See below 19 Occupations removed:
Occupations Removed (19)
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Architects
21200
1
Business systems specialists
21221
1
Computer and information systems managers
20012
0
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21311
1
Computer systems developers and programmers
21230
1
Data scientists
21211
1
Database analysts and data administrators
21223
1
Engineering managers
20010
0
Information systems specialists
21222
1
Land surveyors
21203
1
Landscape Architects
21201
1
Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries
21210
1
Metallurgical and materials engineers
21322
1
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers
41400
1
Software developers and programmers
21232
1
Software engineers and designers
21231
1
Urban and land use planners
21202
1
Web designers
21233
1
Web developers and programmers
21234
1
3. Trades Occupations
Trades have undergone a major expansion, with 19 new occupations added to meet the growing demands of construction and infrastructure.
See below 19 Occupations added:
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
82021
2
Floor covering installers
73113
3
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
73112
3
Roofers and shinglers
73110
3
Concrete finishers
73100
3
Other technical trades and related occupations
72999
2
Water well drillers
72501
2
Electrical mechanics
72422
2
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
72401
2
Bricklayers
72320
2
Cabinetmakers
72311
2
Gas fitters
72302
2
Industrial electricians
72201
2
Sheet metal workers
72102
2
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
72100
2
Home building and renovation managers
70011
0
Construction managers
70010
0
Cooks
63200
3
Construction estimators
22303
2
4 Occupations removed:
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Residential and commercial installers and servicers
73200
3
Elevator constructors and mechanics
72406
2
Machine fitters
72405
2
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers
72014
2
4. Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations
A small expansion, featuring the addition of two new roles and removal of none.
2 Occupations added:
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services
82031
2
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
82030
2
5. Education Occupations (New Category)
The standout update for 2025 is the introduction of the Education category, which focuses on professionals who are shaping the future. This new category opens up opportunities for educators and other education-related professionals to apply for immigration, recognizing their crucial role in Canada’s growth.
This update is beneficial as it highlights the importance of education in Canada’s development, providing a clear path for skilled educators to contribute to the country’s workforce. By prioritizing this sector, Canada ensures that the next generation has access to high-quality education and support.
5 Occupations Added
Job Title
NOC Code
TEER Level
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
43100
3
Instructors of persons with disabilities
42203
2
Early childhood educators and assistants
42202
2
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
41221
1
Secondary school teachers
41220
1
Express Entry categories are determined based on Canada’s labor market needs and immigration priorities. The government evaluates various factors such as the demand for specific occupations, the country’s economic growth, and demographic trends. Categories are updated periodically to align with these needs, ensuring that skilled professionals fill critical roles in Canada’s workforce.
This system helps ensure that the right individuals are selected to contribute to the Canadian economy, while also supporting the country’s social and economic development. Regular adjustments to these categories allow for flexibility in responding to emerging trends and challenges.
Do you require assistance with crafting an Expression of Interest, setting up an express entry or provincial nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an invitation to apply, or simply reviewing your self-prepared application? Schedule a consultation or reach out via email at info@eseumohimmigration.com.
