FRUIT PICKING JOBS IN CANADA WITH FREE VISA SPONSORSHIP IN 2023 [APPLY NOW]

Lumpkin Emmanuel Last Updated: December 1, 2023

0 6 minutes read

Canada’s agriculture industry relies heavily on temporary foreign workers to plant, maintain, harvest and process many labor-intensive crops each year. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) facilitates the entry of foreign workers to fill these crucial seasonal jobs on Canadian farms and greenhouses.

The SAWP offers opportunities for people from select countries to obtain temporary work permits to carry out on-farm labor like fruit and vegetable picking. Employers sponsor approved foreign workers by providing return airfare, accommodation and meals in addition to wages and benefits.

If you are up for hard work outdoors, want to travel and earn money abroad, read on to find out if the SAWP is right for you!

Overview of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

The SAWP began in 1966 as an agreement between Canada and participating countries. Mexico joined in 1974. Today these countries send over 60,000 workers each year.

Key features of the SAWP:

It facilitates entry of low-skilled foreign workers for seasonal farm jobs up to 8 months

Employers arrange temporary work permits and cover travel, housing and medical costs
Minimum wage laws and worker protections apply equally to foreign workers

The SAWP helps Canadian farmers secure labor for planting and harvesting periods when domestic help is unavailable. Workers get opportunities to obtain temporary jobs in the highly regulated Canadian environment.

Types of Farm Work Available

Over 200 Canadian agricultural products – from apples and grapes to cucumbers and mushrooms – are planted, maintained and harvested by foreign seasonal farm workers.

You could be picking fruits, vegetables, flowers or working with nursery plants and trees. Tasks typically involve:

Planting, weeding, irrigating and fertilizing crops

Pruning and thinning trees and plants
Harvesting produce by hand
Grading, sorting and packing produce

Operate and maintain farm vehicles and equipment

Workdays may be 8-12 hours depending on the season. It can be tiring manual labor requiring extended periods of standing, bending and working outdoors.

What are the Key Requirements to Apply?

To qualify for farm work in Canada through the SAWP, you must:

Be from one of the participating countries – Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico, Jamaica, Oman, Barbados, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, etc.
Have experience in vegetable production or farming – at least 6 months to 2 years
Be male between ages 18 to 50 or female between ages 18 to 45

Have completed at least a high school education
Clear medical exam and obtain temporary resident visa
Be able to perform physically demanding tasks

You’ll also need authorization and nominations from authorities in your home country before applying to the SAWP.

How are Workers Selected for Open Positions?

Canadian farmers estimate labor needs and submit applications specifying number of workers needed, job duties, accommodation facilities etc.
Requests go to authorities in participating countries, who select suitable candidates based on qualifications, work experience, health, good conduct, references etc.

After thorough interview processes, authorities nominate workers best matched to employer needs to the Canadian government.
Once approved for participation in the SAWP, workers submit visa applications to enter Canada.

The program aims to pair workers and employers for mutually beneficial relationships. For workers, a good employer match means fair working conditions and earnings.

What Are Some Key Perks of Participating?

Along with wages meeting provincial minimum pay rates, SAWP offers additional benefits:

Free airfare & medical insurance – Employers arrange round-trip flights and cover medical treatments
No placement fees – Unlike some guest worker programs, workers don’t pay anything to recruiters

Accommodation provided nearby workplaces – with adequate furnishings, bathroom access and laundry facilities
Access to labor laws ??? right to workplace safety, days off, overtime pay etc.
Taxes and EI benefits ??? mandatory payroll deductions strengthen social security eligibility

Savings of seasonal workers often support families and communities back home. Workers also gain technical skills and Canadian work experience helpful for future.

How Much Can Workers Earn?

Most agricultural workers earn around CAD $13 to $16 per hour, depending on province, specific duties, experience level and other factors.

Payments are mainly based on hours worked as most seasonal farm labor is not output-based. Employers deduct EI premiums, taxes etc. and pay the balance wages.

Average earnings range from $1,000 – $1,500 per month for newcomers, while experienced returnees make $2,000 or more. High performers willing to work overtime can maximize incomes.

Wage rates are such that motivated workers perform well and employers retain them year after year. Still, earning potentials are much higher than similar farm work in most workers’ home countries.

What are Typical Work and Living Conditions?

As farm labor requires working outdoors extensively, be prepared for all weather conditions – heat, rain, dust etc. Work has to continue through the planting and harvesting cycles.

Work days may start very early, even before dawn. Employers normally arrange transportation between living quarters and work sites.

Typical accommodations provided are bunk houses, trailers or small apartments housing 2 to 5 workers sharing common kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Some freedom and privacy issues may thus arise.

Most farms are located away from cities and towns so workers have few entertainment options during little spare time other than resting for the next day’s work.

How Long Can Workers Participate in SAWP?

Initial work permits for most newcomers are up to 8 months depending on employers’ needs
This can be renewed for a few additional months if employers request an extension
After one season, workers can return under the same employer or switch employers

Hard working and skilled laborers often come back for many years or decades!
A few workers transition to permanent residence over time

So while entry permits facilitate seasonal work, the SAWP allows repeated participation if workers continue meeting program criteria.

How Can You Start Your Application?

Eager to try earning real money working in Canada’s orchards, vineyards or greenhouses? Well, here are key pointers on beginning your application:

Contact the agency in your country that administers the SAWP program.
Check requirements & openings, eligibility criteria, medical standards, application fees etc.

Get required paperwork ready ??? ID proofs, residence proof, education certificates, experience letters, conduct certificates, health check-ups etc.
Prepare for selection interviews to best highlight your strengths as a candidate
Apply for police verification to avoid delays later

Stay informed of latest updates from authorities by joining information sessions and reading circulars. Have alternative income plans for off-seasons.

With approval to participate in the SAWP, you can look forward to fruitful months ahead working in Canada’s rich farmlands. So take those first steps today towards seizing wonderful seasonal opportunities.

Other Job Opportunities For You In Canada

In addition to seasonal agricultural work, Canada offers various pathways for international workers to obtain temporary jobs in other sectors based on eligibility and labour market needs.

Some options to consider: