Canada’s agricultural sector is a vital part of the country’s economy, and there is a constant demand for hardworking individuals to fill farm worker jobs across the country. For many foreign workers, farm jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer a unique opportunity to work, earn, and even start a new life in Canada.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding farm worker jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship, including job types, requirements, the application process, and tips for success.
Why Choose Farm Worker Jobs in Canada?
Canada’s farming industry is vast and diverse, spanning dairy, poultry, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Many Canadian farms rely on international workers, especially during peak seasons. Working as a farm worker in Canada offers several benefits:
- Visa Sponsorship Opportunities: Many employers are ready to sponsor foreign workers through Canada’s work visa programs.
- Stable Employment: Seasonal and full-time jobs are available across different provinces.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Some agricultural work programs can lead to permanent residence in Canada.
- Competitive Wages: Farm workers in Canada earn a fair wage, often with overtime pay during busy seasons.
Types of Farm Worker Jobs in Canada
There are various types of farming jobs available depending on the season, farm type, and location:
- Fruit and Vegetable Pickers
Harvest fruits like apples, strawberries, blueberries, and vegetables during peak seasons. Jobs typically involve picking, packing, and sorting produce. - Greenhouse Workers
Work in greenhouses to plant, grow, and harvest crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and flowers. - Dairy Farm Workers
Assist with milking cows, feeding livestock, and maintaining barn cleanliness on dairy farms. - General Farm Labourers
Perform a wide range of tasks including planting seeds, operating machinery, irrigating crops, and caring for livestock. - Farm Supervisors and Managers
Experienced workers can move into supervisory roles, managing farm operations and leading teams of workers.
How to Get a Farm Worker Job in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet the basic requirements:
- Physical Fitness: Farm work can be physically demanding.
- Willingness to Work Long Hours: Especially during harvest seasons.
- Work Experience: While many jobs require no prior experience, having farm work experience can be an advantage.
- Language Skills: Basic English or French skills can help in communication, though many farms accept workers with limited language abilities.
Step 2: Find Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
Farm worker jobs are often filled through Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). These programs allow Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill labor shortages.
Look for jobs on:
- Job Bank Canada Info
- AgriRecruiting.com
Use keywords like “Farm jobs Canada with visa sponsorship” or “agriculture jobs Canada LMIA” to find employers ready to sponsor.
Step 3: Apply for Jobs
Prepare a simple but professional resume highlighting any physical work experience, farming skills, and your willingness to work in agriculture.
Step 4: Employer Applies for LMIA
Your Canadian employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving that they need a foreign worker because no Canadian worker is available for the job.
Once approved, the LMIA will support your work permit application.
Step 5: Apply for a Canadian Work Permit
After securing a job offer and an LMIA, you can apply for a Canadian work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 6: Travel to Canada and Start Working
Once your work permit is approved, you can travel to Canada and begin your new job as a farm worker!
Provinces with High Demand for Farm Workers
Certain provinces have a higher demand for farm workers, including:
- Ontario (especially Southern Ontario)
- British Columbia (Okanagan Valley, Fraser Valley)
- Quebec
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
These regions are major hubs for fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and livestock farming.
Salary Expectations for Farm Workers in Canada
The average hourly wage for farm workers in Canada typically ranges from CAD 15 to CAD 20 per hour, depending on the province, employer, and job type. During busy seasons, overtime is often available, allowing workers to earn even more.
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Farm Workers
- After gaining Canadian work experience, farm workers may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs like:
- Agri-Food Pilot Program: For experienced workers in agricultural industries.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Provinces nominate workers for permanent residency based on local labor market needs.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): For workers who want to live and work in smaller Canadian communities.
These pathways provide excellent opportunities to make Canada your permanent home after working in the agriculture sector.
Tips for Success
- Be Honest About Your Skills: Even if you don’t have direct farm experience, show your willingness to learn.
- Prepare for Hard Work: Farm jobs can involve early mornings, long hours, and outdoor work in various weather conditions.
- Follow Canadian Workplace Standards: Workers in Canada are protected by labor laws, so know your rights and work safely.
- Learn Basic English or French: It will help you communicate better with your employer and coworkers.
