Subject: How IRCC’s proposed immigration pathway targets critical labor shortages in agriculture and fish processing
If you are planning to seek a job in the seafood or farming sector in Canada, there is good news awaiting you. The Canadian government is developing a new immigration stream that would provide a direct entry route to key industries for foreign workers.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just recently mentioned this plan in its 2025/2026 Department Plan. Although the program is currently being developed, its aim is straightforward: to address the ongoing labor shortages in the fields of agriculture and fish processing, through the recruitment of foreign workers.
So, what’s the plan?
The IRCC believes that the stream will be specifically designed to be open to foreign workers seeking employment in farming, seafood, and related food processing roles. A special sector-specific work permit will be included in the program, providing workers with clearer and more direct guidance on working in Canada within these sectors legally.
The other major aspect of the stream is the possibility of increasing agreements with selected partner countries. This would enable employers to have a smoother transition when hiring in certain areas, as well as provide foreign workers with a simpler application process. It has also been announced that the government will partner with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in 2025 and 2026 to develop policies and gather public input.
