
Canada’s vast agricultural industry depends heavily on seasonal and full-time foreign labor, making farm worker jobs with visa sponsorship one of the most accessible ways to work and immigrate to Canada.
With labor shortages expected to rise in 2025, the Canadian government is actively recruiting international workers through immigration-friendly programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
What Is a Farm Worker Job?
Farm workers in Canada assist in the production of:
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Fruits and vegetables
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Dairy and livestock
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Grain and oilseed crops
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Poultry and greenhouse operations
Common job roles include:
Job Title | Duties |
---|---|
Fruit Picker | Harvesting apples, berries, grapes |
General Farm Laborer | Planting, irrigating, fertilizing |
Dairy Farm Worker | Milking cows, feeding, cleaning |
Poultry Farm Attendant | Feeding chickens, egg collection |
Greenhouse Worker | Seeding, trimming, packaging |
What Is Visa Sponsorship for Farm Jobs?
Visa sponsorship means a Canadian employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and legally hires a foreign worker.
With a positive LMIA, you can apply for a Canadian work permit, making this a legal and approved route to enter Canada for employment.
Why Choose Farm Worker Jobs in Canada?
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
No Experience Needed | Many positions require only physical fitness and basic English |
LMIA Sponsorship | Employers help secure your work visa |
High Job Availability | Thousands of positions across provinces |
Permanent Residency Options | Some roles can lead to PR through streams like AIP or Agri-Food Pilot |
Competitive Pay | Wages start at CAD $15–$20/hour, with overtime paid |
Canada’s Agriculture Job Demand in 2025
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada:
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35,000+ seasonal foreign workers will be needed in 2025
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Most demand will be in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec
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Jobs are available year-round, especially in greenhouses and poultry farms
Who Can Apply for Farm Worker Jobs?
You can apply from any country if you meet the following:
Basic Requirements
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Age: 18–55 (ideal range)
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Physically fit and able to work long hours
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Basic English or French (no IELTS required for most jobs)
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Valid passport
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Willingness to work in rural areas
Visa Options for Farm Workers in Canada
There are two main programs through which you can work as a farm worker with visa sponsorship:
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP – Agriculture Stream)
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Employers must apply for an LMIA
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Open to workers worldwide
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Valid for up to 2 years, renewable
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You can switch to PR via other programs later
2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
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For citizens of Mexico and 11 Caribbean countries
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Work up to 8 months per year
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Must return home after contract
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Cannot apply for PR under this route
Not from Mexico or Caribbean? Apply through TFWP!
Top Provinces Hiring Foreign Farm Workers
Province | In-Demand Farm Jobs |
---|---|
Ontario | Greenhouse, mushroom, vegetable farms |
Alberta | Grain, cattle, dairy farms |
British Columbia | Fruit picking, vineyards, nurseries |
Quebec | Poultry, dairy, apple farms |
Saskatchewan | Oilseed, cereal grain farms |
Top Canadian Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
Here are real examples of employers who frequently hire foreign farm workers:
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NatureFresh™ Farms (Ontario)
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BC Tree Fruits Cooperative (British Columbia)
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Sunset Produce (Ontario/Alberta)
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Sunrise Poultry (Alberta)
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Prairie Dairy Farms (Saskatchewan)
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Ferme Benoit Vernier (Quebec)
📌 Always verify if an employer has a valid LMIA through Canada’s official site: Canada LMIA Employers List
How to Apply for Farm Worker Jobs in Canada (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
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Valid Passport
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Resume (Canada-style format)
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Cover Letter (optional but recommended)
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Recent photo
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Police clearance (optional)
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Medical check (may be required for visa)
Step 2: Apply on Trusted Job Boards
Platform | Link |
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Job Bank Canada | jobbank.gc.ca |
Workopolis | workopolis.com |
Indeed Canada | ca.indeed.com |
Job Bank Agri-Food Pilot | jobs.canada.ca |
Use search terms like:
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“Farm worker with visa sponsorship”
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“LMIA farm jobs Canada”
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“Fruit picker jobs for foreigners”
Step 3: Employer Files LMIA
Once you’re selected, the employer must file an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) through the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Step 4: Apply for Work Permit
If the LMIA is approved, you’ll receive:
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Job offer letter
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LMIA approval number
With these, apply for your work permit online or at a visa application center (VAC).
Salary of Farm Workers in Canada (2025)
Province | Average Hourly Pay |
---|---|
Ontario | CAD $16–$20/hr |
Alberta | CAD $18–$22/hr |
BC | CAD $17–$20/hr |
Quebec | CAD $15–$18/hr |
Saskatchewan | CAD $16–$19/hr |
Overtime, free housing, and bonuses may be included, depending on the employer.
Accommodation & Benefits
Many employers provide:
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Free or subsidized housing
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Transportation to worksite
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Protective clothing and tools
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Healthcare coverage during employment
Make sure to read your contract carefully for all benefits and expectations.
How to Move from Farm Work to Permanent Residency (PR)
Although farm jobs start with temporary permits, you may qualify for PR under:
1. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
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For meat processing, mushroom, greenhouse, and livestock jobs
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Requires 1 year of Canadian work experience
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Offers direct PR pathway
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Some provinces offer PR streams for farm workers
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e.g., Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
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For those working in Atlantic provinces like Nova Scotia or Newfoundland
Avoid Job Scams!
Always use official channels and verified employers. Beware of:
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Agencies asking for upfront payment
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Fake LMIA documents
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Employers who offer PR without a real job
Tip: Use Canada’s official websites or embassy for verification before signing contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for farm jobs in Canada without experience?
A: Yes. Most farm jobs require only basic physical labor and don’t need prior experience.
Q: Do I need IELTS for a farm job?
A: No IELTS is required for work permits. But basic English understanding helps.
Q: How long does visa processing take?
A: On average, 4–12 weeks after LMIA is approved.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes, but it depends on the visa type. Some allow open work permits for spouses.
Q: Can I apply for PR later?
A: Yes. Programs like Agri-Food Pilot and PNPs offer pathways to PR.
Conclusion
Farm worker jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer an excellent opportunity for foreign nationals to legally live and work in one of the most stable economies in the world. With Canada actively looking for agricultural labor, especially in rural areas, 2025 is a great year to apply.
Whether you’re looking to earn and support your family, gain international work experience, or eventually move toward permanent residency, this path is one of the most affordable and accessible ways into Canada.
Ready to Apply?
Start your journey today by:
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Updating your CV
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Searching on Job Bank
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Applying only to LMIA-approved employers
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Preparing for interviews and submitting documents
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