Can a temporary foreign worker in agriculture switch from the seasonal program into the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot?

It can be possible, but SAWP experience does not automatically convert into eligibility for the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. A worker in this situation generally needs to separately meet the pilot's own eligibility criteria, including its requirements around eligible occupations and qualifying Canadian work experience, rather than assuming their seasonal work history simply carries over into the new pathway.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings in this area. SAWP was designed as a temporary, non-immigrant program, and it does not lead to permanent residence on its own, so time spent working under SAWP is not treated the same way as time spent working under a permit tied to one of the pilot's eligible occupations. A worker who wants to pursue the pilot typically needs a new, qualifying job offer in an eligible occupation and a work permit that supports that specific pathway, rather than simply continuing under their existing seasonal arrangement and expecting it to convert.

Because eligibility criteria for the pilot, and its current availability, can change, and because every worker's documented history is different, it is worth having someone review your specific work permits, employers, and duties before assuming any past experience will count. Confirm current program terms with IRCC's published guidance, or speak with an immigration lawyer about your particular situation.