Canada’s agricultural industry produces grains, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat, poultry and other products for domestic consumption and export. Farms across the country employ workers to plant crops, operate machinery, care for animals, harvest produce and maintain agricultural facilities.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents fill many of these jobs. However, when eligible employers cannot find enough workers locally, they may recruit temporary foreign workers through approved immigration and employment programmes.

Depending on the province, employer, working hours and type of farm, a farm worker may earn approximately CAD $31,000 to CAD $40,000 annually. Experienced machinery operators, livestock workers and employees working additional hours may earn more.

A farm job does not automatically provide a Canadian visa or permanent residence. Foreign applicants need a genuine employment offer and the appropriate Canadian work permit.

Why Canada Employs Foreign Farm Workers

Canada has a large agricultural sector, but many farms are located in rural areas where employers may struggle to recruit enough local workers.

Demand can increase during:

• Planting seasons
• Fruit and vegetable harvesting
• Greenhouse production periods
• Livestock breeding seasons
• Dairy production
• Food-processing peaks
• Grain harvesting
• Farm expansion
• Temporary increases in production

Agricultural employment can be seasonal or year-round. Fruit-picking and vegetable-harvesting jobs are often seasonal, while dairy and livestock farms may operate continuously.

Types of Farm Worker Jobs

1. General Farm Worker

General farm workers perform different duties depending on the type and size of the farm.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing fields
• Planting crops
• Applying fertiliser
• Removing weeds
• Harvesting produce
• Cleaning equipment
• Repairing fences
• Loading agricultural products
• Maintaining barns
• Assisting with livestock
• Keeping work areas clean

Some positions do not require a degree, although previous agricultural experience is valuable.

2. Fruit Picker

Fruit pickers harvest products such as:

• Apples
• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Pears
• Cranberries

Workers must identify ripe fruit, handle produce carefully and meet quality or productivity targets.

Fruit-picking work can involve bending, carrying containers and working outdoors in changing weather.

3. Vegetable Farm Worker

Vegetable workers plant, maintain and harvest crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers, carrots and leafy vegetables.

Duties may include:

• Seeding
• Transplanting
• Irrigation
• Weeding
• Grading
• Packing
• Loading produce

4. Greenhouse Worker

Greenhouse workers care for plants in controlled environments.

They may:

• Plant seeds
• Transplant seedlings
• Water crops
• Monitor temperatures
• Prune plants
• Control pests
• Harvest vegetables or flowers
• Grade and package products
• Clean greenhouse equipment

Greenhouse jobs may offer longer employment periods than outdoor seasonal harvesting.

5. Dairy Farm Worker

Dairy workers care for cows and assist with milk production.

Responsibilities can include:

• Feeding animals
• Cleaning stalls
• Operating milking equipment
• Monitoring animal health
• Moving livestock
• Assisting with births
• Maintaining records
• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment

Dairy farms operate throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays.

6. Livestock Farm Worker

Livestock workers care for cattle, pigs, sheep, goats or other farm animals.

Their duties may involve:

• Feeding animals
• Providing water
• Cleaning pens
• Monitoring health
• Moving livestock
• Assisting with vaccinations
• Maintaining fences
• Recording production information
• Supporting breeding activities

General livestock farm workers are commonly classified under NOC 85100.

7. Poultry Farm Worker

Poultry workers care for chickens, turkeys and other birds raised for eggs or meat.

They may:

• Provide feed and water
• Clean poultry houses
• Collect eggs
• Monitor ventilation
• Remove waste
• Identify sick birds
• Prepare facilities for new flocks
• Assist with loading

8. Grain Farm Worker

Grain workers help cultivate and harvest wheat, barley, canola, corn and other field crops.

Experience with tractors, combines, seeders and grain-storage equipment can be particularly useful.

9. Farm Machinery Operator

Machinery operators use equipment such as:

• Tractors
• Harvesters
• Combines
• Loaders
• Sprayers
• Seeders
• Irrigation systems

Employers may require a valid driving licence, several years of equipment experience and basic mechanical skills.

10. Apiary Worker

Apiary workers help maintain beehives and produce honey.

They may inspect colonies, feed bees, move hives, collect honey and prepare equipment.

11. Mushroom Farm Worker

Mushroom workers prepare growing areas, harvest mushrooms, grade products and maintain hygienic conditions.

12. Nursery Worker

Nursery workers grow and maintain trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants for landscaping or commercial sale.

How Much Do Farm Workers Earn?

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank reports that general livestock farm workers commonly earn between approximately CAD $15 and CAD $28 per hour, depending on location and experience. Government of Canada Job Bank wage data

The following table demonstrates possible annual earnings:

Hourly wage	Weekly pay at 40 hours	Approximate annual pay
CAD $15.00	CAD $600	CAD $31,200
CAD $17.00	CAD $680	CAD $35,360
CAD $18.00	CAD $720	CAD $37,440
CAD $19.23	CAD $769	CAD $39,998
CAD $20.00	CAD $800	CAD $41,600
CAD $24.00	CAD $960	CAD $49,920

These are gross calculations before income tax, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan contributions and other authorised deductions.

Can Farm Workers Earn CAD $40,000 Annually?

Yes. A farm worker earning approximately CAD $19.23 per hour for 40 hours weekly could earn around CAD $40,000 in a full year.

Workers may also reach this amount by:

• Working additional hours
• Operating machinery
• Accepting year-round livestock or dairy work
• Working in higher-paying provinces
• Taking supervisory responsibilities
• Gaining specialised farming experience

However, seasonal workers employed for only a few months may not earn CAD $40,000 during one agricultural season.

For example, someone earning CAD $18 per hour and working 40 hours weekly for eight months would make approximately CAD $24,960 before deductions. Applicants should distinguish between an annualised salary and the amount actually earned during a seasonal contract.

Factors That Affect Farm Salaries

Province

Farm wages differ between Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

Type of Agriculture

Machinery, dairy, livestock and specialised greenhouse positions may pay differently from basic crop harvesting.

Experience

Workers who understand animal care, irrigation, equipment operation or crop management may receive higher wages.

Working Hours

Agricultural schedules can vary during planting and harvesting seasons. Longer hours may increase total earnings, subject to provincial employment standards.

Accommodation and Deductions

Some employers provide on-farm accommodation. The contract should explain whether accommodation is free or whether an authorised amount will be deducted.

Seasonal Versus Permanent Work

Permanent farm employment can produce higher annual earnings than an eight-month seasonal contract.

General Requirements

Requirements vary, but applicants may need:

• A valid passport
• Physical fitness
• Willingness to work outdoors
• Basic English or French
• Ability to follow safety instructions
• Farm or animal-care experience
• Machinery-operating experience
• A valid driving licence
• Ability to lift agricultural products
• Willingness to work early mornings and weekends
• Medical examination results where required
• A clean employment or immigration history

Some entry-level jobs state that no formal education is required. A current Job Bank posting for a general farm worker, for example, listed no degree, certificate or diploma and described experience as an asset rather than a strict requirement. Job Bank farm-worker example

Working Conditions

Farm work is physically demanding. Workers may be exposed to:

• Hot weather
• Cold temperatures
• Rain
• Dust
• Mud
• Noise
• Strong odours
• Animals
• Pesticides
• Heavy machinery
• Repetitive movements
• Long periods of standing

Candidates should read the worksite conditions carefully before accepting a position.

Agricultural schedules may include:

• Early mornings
• Evenings
• Weekends
• Public holidays
• Split shifts
• Extended harvest hours
• Irregular hours affected by weather

Canadian Programmes for Foreign Farm Workers

Foreign agricultural workers commonly enter Canada through part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Two important agricultural routes are:

• The Agricultural Stream
• The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

These are different programmes with different eligibility conditions.

Agricultural Stream

The Agricultural Stream allows eligible Canadian employers to recruit temporary foreign workers when Canadians and permanent residents are unavailable.

For a position to qualify:

• The employer’s production must fall within an eligible agricultural commodity sector.
• The work must relate to primary agriculture performed on a farm.
• The employer must meet recruitment, wage, housing and employment requirements.
• The employer generally needs a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.

This stream can recruit workers from any country, unlike the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Agricultural Stream overview

This distinction is particularly important for Nigerian applicants: Nigeria is not a participating SAWP country, but an eligible Nigerian candidate could potentially be recruited through the broader Agricultural Stream if a qualified Canadian employer completes the required process.

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, or SAWP, allows employers to recruit temporary workers for a maximum period of eight months between January 1 and December 15.

Employers must generally offer at least 240 hours of work within six weeks or less.

SAWP is restricted to citizens of:

• Mexico
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• Montserrat
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Workers must also be recruited by their participating national government. SAWP eligibility requirements

Citizens of countries outside this list cannot apply through SAWP merely because they have found a farm advertisement.

Labour Market Impact Assessment

A Labour Market Impact Assessment, commonly called an LMIA, is an assessment that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a temporary foreign worker.

The employer—not the worker—submits the LMIA application.

A positive LMIA generally confirms that:

• The employer has a genuine need for the foreign worker.
• The employment offer meets the programme’s conditions.
• The employer has taken the required steps to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Hiring the foreign worker is expected to have a neutral or positive effect on Canada’s labour market.

An LMIA is not a visa. After the employer receives an appropriate decision, the worker must still apply for a work permit and satisfy Canadian immigration requirements.

Work Permit

Agricultural workers recruited outside SAWP normally apply for an employer-specific work permit.

An employer-specific permit limits the employee to:

• The employer listed on the permit
• The authorised occupation
• The approved location where applicable
• The period stated on the permit

The worker cannot freely change employers without obtaining the appropriate new authorisation. IRCC agricultural worker guidance

Employer’s Responsibilities

Depending on the programme, an employer may be required to:

• Pay the applicable wage
• Provide a signed employment agreement
• Arrange suitable accommodation
• Ensure workplace-safety coverage
• Provide private health insurance until provincial coverage begins
• Follow recruitment requirements
• Provide required protective equipment
• Train workers on pesticides and hazardous chemicals
• Comply with provincial employment laws
• Keep employment and payroll records

Under SAWP, employers must provide adequate, suitable and affordable housing and maintain workplace-safety insurance at no cost to the worker. SAWP employer requirements

Accommodation

Farm accommodation may be located on or away from the farm.

Before accepting a contract, applicants should confirm:

• Accommodation cost
• Number of people sharing a room
• Transportation to the farm
• Access to cooking facilities
• Utility charges
• Distance from shops
• Laundry facilities
• Internet access
• Housing deductions

Accommodation should be clearly addressed in the employment agreement.

Transportation Costs

Travel arrangements and payment responsibilities depend on the programme.

Applicants should review:

• International airfare
• Airport transportation
• Transportation to the farm
• Return travel
• Daily transportation between accommodation and work
• Whether any deductions are permitted

Do not assume that every farm employer provides a completely free flight.

Work-Permit Application Process

The typical process may involve:

1. The Canadian employer identifies a genuine vacancy.
2. The employer advertises the position where required.
3. The employer applies for an LMIA.
4. Service Canada assesses the application.
5. The employer provides the worker with the employment offer and LMIA information.
6. The worker applies for an employer-specific work permit.
7. The worker provides biometrics where required.
8. The worker completes a medical examination where required.
9. Canadian immigration authorities assess the application.
10. The worker travels only after receiving the necessary approval.

A job offer and positive LMIA do not guarantee work-permit approval.

Documents Applicants May Need

A foreign farm worker may need:

• A valid passport
• Employment offer
• Signed employment contract
• LMIA number or supporting documentation
• Work-permit application forms
• Passport photographs
• Biometrics
• Medical-examination results
• Police-clearance information where requested
• Proof of farming experience
• Employment-reference letters
• Driving or machinery licences
• Proof of sufficient funds where applicable

Required documents depend on the applicant’s country and individual circumstances.

Where to Find Farm Jobs

Applicants can search through:

• Government of Canada Job Bank
• Provincial agricultural job portals
• Official farm websites
• Canadian farming associations
• Verified recruitment agencies
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Greenhouse-company career pages
• Dairy and livestock organisations

Useful search terms include:

• “General farm worker Canada”
• “Farm worker LMIA available”
• “NOC 85100 farm jobs”
• “Agricultural Stream employer”
• “Dairy farm worker Canada”
• “Greenhouse worker LMIA”
• “Livestock worker Canada”
• “Fruit picker Canada”
• “Farm machinery operator”

Use the Job Bank filters designed for candidates outside Canada and foreign workers where available.

How to Prepare a Farm-Worker CV

A farm-worker résumé should be simple and relevant.

Include:

• Contact information
• Professional summary
• Farm experience
• Crops handled
• Animals cared for
• Machinery operated
• Driving experience
• Physical abilities
• Safety training
• Language skills
• Employment references

Instead of writing “worked on a farm,” use specific descriptions such as:

Fed and monitored 100 dairy cattle, cleaned stalls, operated milking equipment and maintained daily production records.

How to Improve Your Chances

Applicants can become more competitive by:

• Gaining commercial farm experience
• Learning tractor operation
• Developing basic mechanical skills
• Obtaining a driving licence
• Learning livestock handling
• Completing pesticide-safety training
• Improving English or French
• Preparing verifiable references
• Applying to year-round farms
• Being open to rural locations
• Understanding Canadian weather conditions
• Applying directly to verified employers

Taxes and Deductions

Foreign farm workers may have deductions for:

• Income tax
• Employment Insurance
• Canada Pension Plan
• Authorised accommodation costs
• Other lawful contractual deductions

Workers should receive pay statements showing gross wages, hours, deductions and net pay.

The tax treatment of seasonal agricultural workers depends on their residency status and any applicable tax treaty.

Does Farm Work Lead to Permanent Residence?

A temporary farm-work permit does not automatically provide permanent residence.

Some agricultural workers may eventually qualify through:

• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Regional immigration programmes
• Other eligible economic pathways
• Family-based routes
• Future agricultural immigration initiatives

Eligibility depends on the worker’s occupation, province, education, language score, work experience and the rules in effect at the time.

Applicants should not accept claims that every farm job guarantees permanent residence.

Warning Signs of Farm-Job Scams

Avoid employers or recruiters who:

• Guarantee a Canadian visa
• Sell an LMIA
• Demand payment into a personal account
• Offer unusually high wages for basic harvesting
• Refuse to provide a written contract
• Claim no work permit is required
• Ask the applicant to travel as a tourist and work
• Use a free email address while claiming to represent a large farm
• Refuse to provide a farm address
• Promise immediate permanent residence
• Claim applicants from every country qualify for SAWP
• Request sensitive banking information before a formal offer

An applicant should never purchase an LMIA. The employer is responsible for its application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can farm workers earn CAD $40,000 per year?

Yes. A full-time worker earning approximately CAD $19.23 per hour throughout the year could earn around CAD $40,000 before deductions. Seasonal workers employed for only a few months may earn less.

Do I need a university degree?

Most general farm-worker jobs do not require a university degree. Experience, physical fitness and the ability to perform agricultural duties are usually more important.

Can Nigerians apply for farm jobs in Canada?

Yes, Nigerians may be considered under the Agricultural Stream or another suitable pathway if an eligible employer completes the necessary process. Nigeria does not currently participate in SAWP.

Is accommodation free?

Not always. Employers may provide affordable accommodation and may be allowed to make certain deductions. The contract should state the exact arrangement.

Can I apply without an employer?

A person can search and apply for vacancies, but an employer-specific work permit generally requires a genuine job offer and the employer’s required supporting documents.

Are flights always free?

No. Travel obligations differ between programmes. Applicants should review the official programme rules and written contract.

Is farm work available throughout the year?

Some greenhouse, dairy, livestock and poultry jobs operate year-round. Fruit and vegetable harvesting is commonly seasonal.

Conclusion

Farm-worker jobs in Canada can provide foreign workers with valuable agricultural experience and gross earnings of approximately CAD $31,000 to CAD $40,000 annually for full-time, year-round work. Experienced machinery and livestock workers may earn more.

Foreign applicants may be recruited through the Agricultural Stream when an eligible employer cannot fill the position locally. SAWP is a separate seasonal programme restricted to Mexico and participating Caribbean countries.

Applicants should search through verified sources, understand whether the job is seasonal or year-round, confirm the hourly wage and working hours, and avoid anyone selling an LMIA or guaranteeing a Canadian visa.