There has been a lack of workers on farms in Canada. There could be big holes in the economy if there aren’t enough people to grow and gather food. Because farming is so important to the country, Canadian farm owners are looking into the possibility of hiring people from other countries.
You might be able to apply for one of Canada’s farm worker visa programs if you are a foreign worker who has worked on a farm before. This page will go into more detail about the programs that are offered and who can apply.
How to Become a Farm Worker in Canada?
At the moment, there are two programs that try to bring foreign workers to Canadian farms to fill open positions. Canada’s farming business is one of the biggest in the world. There are almost 190,000 farms, and in 2023 they made a record-high $93 billion. These are the two classes that are only for farming and farm work:
We’ll talk about each program in more depth below. Through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you might be able to get a job if you have already talked to an agriculture company and been offered a job. For TFWs who will be working for a specific company, this is a good way to go. As long as the worker has this visa, their company will pay for their housing and transportation while they are in Canada.
Types of Farm Worker Jobs:
Seasonal Farm Jobs Canada Visa Sponsorship:
Canada has a lot of summer farm jobs available. Canada has programs that help foreign workers get visas. These jobs are perfect for people who need casual work during the planting and harvesting seasons. Some of their duties are to plant, pick, package, and do general farm upkeep. Most of the time, employers pay for visas, housing, and training. Pay ranges from CAD 15 to CAD 18 an hour, based on experience and location. Long shifts are paid extra.
Canada Farm Employment Opportunities for Immigrants:
Immigrants from other countries can look into a wide range of farm jobs in Canada. Some of these jobs are on fields that grow fruits and vegetables, take care of animals, run greenhouses, and make milk. For entry-level jobs, you usually don’t need any experience, but for managerial or specialized jobs, you might need to have worked on a farm before. Seasonal jobs usually last between 4 and 8 months, which gives you a chance to get work experience in Canada and maybe move on to longer-term jobs.
Visa Sponsored Farm Labor Jobs in Canada:
Visa-sponsored farm work jobs in Canada make it possible for people from other countries to join the agricultural workforce in Canada. Employers handle the process of getting work visas, which makes it easier for people from other countries to find work. Some jobs involve picking crops, taking care of animals, and running machines. The amount of money you make each month depends on how many hours you work and the size of your farm. Basic amenities and a place to stay are often included.
Canada Farming Jobs for Foreign Workers:
Foreign workers are still needed in Canada’s farming business. There are farming jobs in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta for foreign workers. Tasks range from gathering crops to running a greenhouse and depend on the type of farm and the time of year. Starting pay is around CAD 15 an hour, and there are other perks like overtime pay, housing, and help with visas. These jobs are good for both new foreign workers and farmhands with a lot of experience.
Canada’s Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program:
A lot of farms in Canada only need extra help when the crop they grow is in season. In this case, programs like the SAWP are perfect because they only hire people for up to eight months. But before hiring a foreign worker through the SAWP, the company must be sure they will have work for at least 240 hours, or 6 weeks.
Those who want to apply for the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program must be from one of the following countries:
- America
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Canouan
- Jamaica
- Guyana
- Asheville and Barbuda
- In St. Lucia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- The Grenadines and St. Vincent
- Mounts Serrat
- Guyana and Trinidad
People who have been hired by their country’s government can apply to SAWP. The type of work must be basic agriculture in order to be eligible for this program. In this case, the person will be hired by a farm, greenhouse, or nursery. Also, the production has to happen in certain commodity areas.
Check More: High-Demand Jobs in Canada – Start Your Career Today
Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot:
Skilled people who work in agriculture can apply to Canada’s Agri-Food Pilot program to start the process of becoming permanent residents. People with the right skills who want to work full-time in Canada should do this program. Canada’s government started this test program, which will run until May 14, 2025, to help with the lack of people working in agriculture in the country.
Workers will need to meet a few conditions in order to be able to use this tool. It’s important that they have a real job offer in agriculture. The worker must also have relevant work experience, meet education standards, and be able to speak and write in Canadian English. They will also have to show proof that they have enough money to pay for their stay in Canada.
International workers who are part of the TFWP should really think about this pilot scheme. People who are eligible for this pilot will be able to keep their jobs or find work with another company in the same business. Besides that, they will be able to use Canadian services and perks, like health care.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Who can apply for farmworker jobs in Canada?
Foreign workers with a valid work visa or those eligible for Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) can apply.
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What is the typical duration of a farm work visa in Canada?
Most farm work visas are seasonal, usually lasting 6 to 8 months, depending on the contract.
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Do farm workers in Canada get accommodation and benefits?
Yes, employers typically provide housing, and some may offer meals, transportation, and basic health coverage during the work period.