Farmer Worker Jobs In Canada With Visa Sponsorship

In this article, we shall be looking at the farming industry in Canada and also explore how you can relocate to Canada without spending your own money. Thanks to Canada’s employer-sponsored visa programs, willing and competent workers can now find employment and have their new employers cover the cost of the visa application process. 

But first, let’s explore the farming industry in Canada to understand what you’re going to be signing up for if you eventually choose to move to Canada for farm work.

Canada’s Farming Industry 

Canada’s farming industry is a major contributor to the Canadian economy and the global food supply. It is composed of various sectors, such as grains and oilseeds, red meats, dairy, horticulture, and poultry and eggs. Canada is one of the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the world, and it is known for its high-quality and diverse products. Some of the main crops grown in Canada are wheat, canola, soybeans, corn, potatoes, and fruits and vegetables. While the main livestock raised in Canada are cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and dairy cows.

In 2021, agriculture in Canada contributed 1.6% of the country’s GDP, while the revenue for farmers from selling their agricultural products was $76.9 billion

Technology also plays a vital role in Canadian agriculture, as it helps farmers and producers to increase productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Technology can also help to address some of the challenges faced by the sector, such as climate change, labor shortages, food waste, and traceability. 

Some examples of technology used in Canadian agriculture are:

1- Digital technologies and artificial intelligence: These technologies currently help farmers and producers monitor and manage their resources, such as soil, water, crops, and livestock, using sensors, data analytics, and automation. They can also help to optimize production, reduce costs, and improve quality and safety.

2- Robotics and autonomous vehicles: Using these technologies farmers and producers can perform labor-intensive tasks, such as planting, harvesting, milking, and spraying, with more precision and speed. They can also reduce the need for human intervention and exposure to hazardous environments.

3- Blockchain and Internet of Things: Although still new and evolving, these technologies are already helping farmers and producers to track and trace their products along the supply chain, from farm to fork, using digital identifiers and smart contracts. They can also provide real-time information, transparency, and trust to consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

4- Controlled Environment Agriculture: This is a technology-based production system where crops are grown indoors, under controlled and modified conditions, such as temperature, humidity, light, and nutrients. This can help farmers and producers to grow food anywhere, anytime, using less land, water, and energy, while protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weather.

Technology is constantly evolving and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth in Canadian agriculture. The Government of Canada supports the development and adoption of technology in the sector through various programs, services, and investments.

Farm Worker Role in Canada

As a farm worker in Canada, your responsibility will generally involve performing various tasks related to the production of crops and livestock. You may work on different types of farms, such as grain, fruit, vegetable, dairy, or poultry farms, depending on the specific business of your employer.

Farm workers may work full-time, part-time, or seasonally, depending on the type and size of the farm. They may also work long hours, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, they may work outdoors in various weather conditions, or indoors in barns, greenhouses, or processing plants. Their work usually exposes them to dust, noise, chemicals, and animals. Some workers may also need to lift heavy objects and perform physically demanding tasks.

Farm workers in Canada usually do not need any formal education, but they may need some experience or training in farming. They may also need a driver’s license or a special license to operate certain farm vehicles or equipment. Following safety and hygiene regulations and standards is a must. Some farm workers may have specific skills or qualifications, such as organic farming, animal care, or pest control.

Farm workers in Canada may earn different wages depending on the type of farm, the region, the hours, and the skills. According to Statistics Canada, the average hourly wage for farm workers in 2020 was $16.61. However, this may vary widely across provinces and territories. For example, farm workers in Alberta earned an average of $21.48 per hour, while farm workers in Prince Edward Island earned an average of $13.00 per hour.

Farm Worker Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Canada

Farm work with visa sponsorship in Canada is possible, but it may not be easy to find. Canadian employers can help you obtain a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program if there are no candidates available in Canada. Such an employer will have to pay for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving there are no Canadians available for the same position.

Some companies currently hiring farm workers in Canada include:

1- Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA) Inc.: This is a national, non-profit organization that provides professional development and networking opportunities for farm advisors. They are looking for an executive director who can lead and manage the organization, develop and implement strategic plans, and oversee the financial and operational aspects of the organization.

2- Farmer’s Business Network, Inc.: This is a global, data-driven network that connects farmers and provides them with insights, analytics, and services to improve their profitability and sustainability. They are looking for regional directors and territory managers who can build and maintain relationships with farmers, promote and sell their products and services, and achieve sales targets.

3- Golden Eagle Farms: This is a family-owned and operated farm that produces blueberries, cranberries, and hazelnuts. They are looking for general farm workers who can perform various tasks, such as planting, pruning, harvesting, sorting, and packing farm products, operating and maintaining farm machinery and equipment, and following safety and hygiene standards.

Canadian Farm Worker Visa Pathways 2024

Generally, there are three main visa routes for farm workers who want to work in Canada temporarily or permanently. 

1- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a Canadian government program that allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers from certain participating countries for seasonal agricultural jobs. The program was introduced in 1966 and operates according to bilateral agreements between Canada and the participating countries.

SAWP aims to address the labor shortages in the Canadian agriculture sector and to provide economic opportunities for the workers and their home countries. The program is overseen by the federal Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the foreign governments of the participating countries.

Some of the main features of the SAWP are:

• The workers must be citizens of Mexico or one of the Caribbean countries that take part in the program.
• The workers must have experience in farming and be at least 18 years old.
• The workers can work for any SAWP employer in Canada for a maximum period of 8 months, between January 1 and December 15, provided they can offer the workers a minimum of 240 hours of work within 6 weeks or less.
• The employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that no Canadian worker is available for the job.
• The employer must also provide the workers with transportation, housing, health insurance, and other benefits.
• The workers can apply for a work permit, which is valid for the duration of their employment contract.
• The workers can return to Canada in subsequent years if they meet the program requirements and have a confirmed job offer.

2- Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a Canadian government program that allows employers to hire foreign workers for non-seasonal agricultural jobs. The workers can come from any country and work for up to 24 months. However,  employers must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before offering jobs to the workers who can then apply for work permits, which are employer-specific.

The Agricultural Stream aims to address the labor shortages in the Canadian agriculture sector and to provide economic opportunities for the workers and their home countries. The program is overseen by the federal Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Some of the main features of the Agricultural Stream are:

• The workers must have experience in farming and be at least 18 years old.
• The workers can work for any TFWP employer in Canada for a maximum period of 24 months, provided they can offer the workers a minimum of 240 hours of work within 6 weeks or less.
• The employer must apply for an LMIA to prove that no Canadian worker is available for the job.
• The employer must also provide the workers with transportation, housing, health insurance, and other benefits.
• The workers can apply for a work permit, which is valid for the duration of their employment contract.
• The workers can return to Canada in subsequent years if they meet the program requirements and have a confirmed job offer.

3- Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot is a Canadian government program that provides a pathway to permanent residence for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations in the agri-food sector. It aims to attract and retain foreign workers who have experience in the agri-food sector and who want to become permanent residents of Canada. 

The workers must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer in the meat processing, mushroom production, greenhouse crop production, or livestock raising industries. The workers must also meet certain language, education, and work experience requirements while employers do not need an LMIA for this program. Launched in 2020, the pilot is expected to run until 2023 as it tries to address the labor needs and challenges of the Canadian agri-food sector and to attract and retain skilled foreign workers.

Some of the main features of the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot are:

• The workers must have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an eligible employer in one of the following industries: meat processing, mushroom production, greenhouse crop production, or livestock raising.
• The workers must also meet certain language, education, and work experience requirements, depending on the occupation they are applying for.
• The employer does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for this program but must meet certain criteria and obligations.
• The workers can apply for permanent residence online using the permanent residence portal and must pay the processing fees and the right of permanent residence fee.
• The pilot has a cap of 2,750 principal applicants per year, plus their family members.

These are some of the main visa routes for farm workers in Canada, but there may be other options depending on the specific situation of the worker and the employer. For example, some farm workers may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program, which are two of the most popular immigration pathways in Canada. 

If you are interested in working as a farm worker in Canada, you should do some research on the Canadian agriculture sector, the types of farms and crops, the regions and seasons, and the wages and benefits. You should also consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant who can help you find the best visa route for your goals and qualifications.