Are you a farm worker who wants a good job and a better life in Canada? Canada needs many farm workers right now. There are not enough Canadian workers for all the farms. This is a big chance for you! This simple guide will show you exactly what to do – step by step – to come and work on a Canadian farm. We talk about how to find a job, how to get a work permit, how much money you can make, and even how to stay in Canada forever.
Understanding Canada’s Farm Worker Programs
Canada has two main programs for foreign farm workers. Both are under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The Two Main Ways to Come
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
- Work only up to 8 months a year
- Usually for picking fruits, vegetables, or flowers
- Only workers from Mexico and some Caribbean countries can use this program
- Agricultural Stream
- You can work all year (not only in summer)
- Jobs like taking care of cows, pigs, chickens, working in greenhouses, or nurseries
- Workers from ANY country can apply
For both programs, the Canadian farmer must first get a paper called LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). This paper proves no Canadian wanted the job.
Good news: For farm jobs, the farmer does NOT pay the normal $1,000 LMIA fee!
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Work Permit
Your work permit will have the farmer’s name on it. You can only work for that farmer.
Find a Job and Get the LMIA
Step 1: Look for a real job Go to the official Job Bank of Canada (jobbank.gc.ca) or provincial websites. Best provinces for farm jobs:
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Quebec
- Manitoba
Common job names:
- Farm Labourer
- Fruit Picker / Vegetable Harvester
- Greenhouse Worker
- Dairy Farm Worker
- Livestock Worker
Step 2: Farmer applies for LMIA After you accept the job offer, the farmer sends papers to the government. The farmer must show:
- He tried to hire Canadians first
- He will give you proper house to live in
- He will pay correct salary
Step 3: You get the LMIA letter If the government says YES, the farmer gets a positive LMIA letter (also called Annex A). This usually takes only about 16 working days for farm jobs – much faster than other jobs!
Apply for Your Work Permit
Step 1: Collect your documents You will need:
- Your passport
- Job offer letter (signed by you and the farmer)
- Positive LMIA letter and LMIA number
- 2 passport photos
- Police certificate from your country (proves you have no big crimes)
- Medical exam (only if you will work more than 6 months or if your country needs it)
Step 2: Apply online Go to the IRCC website and make an account. Fill the forms and upload all documents. Pay the work permit fee (around CAN $155) and biometrics fee ($85).
Step 3: Give biometrics Go to a VFS centre or visa centre in your country to give fingerprints and photo.
Step 4: Travel to Canada When your permit is approved, you get a letter. Take that letter and all documents to the airport. At the Canadian border, the officer will give you the real work permit paper.
Wages, Worker Rights, and Money Details
How Much Money You Can Earn (2025)
Farm workers get at least the minimum wage of the province – or higher.
| Province | Money per hour (about) |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $17.98 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 |
| Ontario | $17.60 |
| Quebec | Same as provincial minimum or higher |
Many farmers also give free house and pay for your flight ticket to Canada.
Who Pays What?
Farmer must pay or give back money for:
- Your flight ticket (to Canada and back home)
- Health insurance for the first weeks
- Good and safe house (inspected every year)
You pay:
- Work permit fee
- Visa fee (if your country needs a visitor visa)
- Medical exam and police certificate
You will pay Canadian income tax, but it is taken from your salary automatically.
Your Rights in Canada
Canadian law protects you!
- You must get at least minimum wage
- Maximum 8–12 hours per day (depends on province)
- One day off every week
- Safe place to work
- No one can take your passport
If the farmer treats you badly, call the government hotline – they will help you.
How to Stay in Canada Forever – Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
If you like Canada and want to stay forever, there is a special program for farm and food workers.
Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence?
You need:
- At least 1 full year (1,560 hours) of farm work in Canada in the last 3 years
- The work must be all year (not only summer)
- Job must be in:
- Greenhouse or nursery
- Mushroom or animal farming
- Meat processing factory (some jobs)
- A new full-time permanent job offer from a Canadian employer (outside Quebec)
- English or French level CLB 4 (basic level – you can study!)
- High school diploma (or proof your school is equal)
When you get permanent residence, you, your husband/wife, and children can all live in Canada forever and get free health care and school.
This program is perfect because it counts the same experience you get with the normal farm work permit!
Final Words – Start Today!
Canada really needs farm workers like you. The farms are waiting, the government made the rules easy, and the salary is good. Start looking for a job today on Job Bank Canada. When you find a good farmer who wants to hire you, everything becomes simple.
Want free help? Comment below the province you like most (example: “Ontario” or “British Columbia”) and I will send you the newest 2025 salary list and a free document checklist!
Good luck! Your new life in Canada is closer than you think.
Important Note:
This guide is only to help you understand. Rules can change. Always check the official IRCC and ESDC websites or talk to a registered immigration consultant before you apply.