Canada continues to offer agricultural job opportunities for workers interested in farming, harvesting, livestock care, packing, greenhouse work, and other farm-related duties. Canadian employers may hire foreign workers when they cannot find enough local workers for eligible agricultural positions.
What Do Farm Workers Do in Canada?
Farm workers may help with:
- Planting and harvesting crops
- Sorting and packing fruits and vegetables
- Irrigation and crop maintenance
- Greenhouse or nursery work
- Feeding and caring for livestock
- Operating basic farm equipment
Canada’s Job Bank says harvesting laborers usually receive on-the-job training and generally do not require formal education.
Canada Farm Worker Salary in 2026
Salary depends on the province, employer, and type of agricultural work.
For general farm laborers, Canada’s Job Bank currently lists a national wage range of approximately C$16 to C$25 per hour, with a median of C$18 per hour.
For livestock farm workers, the national median is around C$20 per hour.
Temporary foreign agricultural workers must generally receive wages that meet applicable program requirements, and employers must follow Canadian wage and working-condition rules.
Basic Requirements for Farm Worker Jobs
Requirements vary by employer, but many entry-level agricultural jobs may ask for:
- Ability to perform physical farm work
- Willingness to work outdoors
- Ability to lift, harvest, sort, or pack products
- Basic communication skills
- Previous farm experience may be an advantage.
- Valid passport for international applicants
Many harvesting positions do not require a university degree.
Can Foreigners Apply for Farm Jobs in Canada?
Yes. Canada’s Agricultural Stream allows eligible employers to hire temporary foreign workers from any country when program conditions are met.
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, or SAWP, is different because it is limited to workers from Mexico and participating Caribbean countries.
Workers hired outside SAWP will often need an employer-specific work permit, meaning they can work only for the employer named on their permit.
LMIA for Canada Farm Jobs
Many Canadian employers hiring foreign farm workers need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The employer applies for the LMIA and must normally demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadians or permanent residents before hiring a temporary foreign worker.
After receiving the required employer documents, the worker can apply for the appropriate Canadian work permit.
Canada Farm Worker Visa Process
The basic process is:
- Find a genuine Canadian farm job.
- Receive a formal job offer.
- Employer obtains an LMIA if required.
- Receive the LMIA and employment documents.
- Apply online for an employer-specific work permit.
- Upload passport and supporting documents.
- Pay government fees.
- Complete biometrics or medical requirements if requested.
- Wait for the immigration decision.
IRCC currently charges C$155 for a standard work permit application, and C$85 per individual for biometrics when required.
Where to Find Canada Farm Worker Jobs
A safer place to start is Canada’s official Job Bank, especially listings that indicate employers are recruiting temporary foreign workers.
Avoid anyone promising a guaranteed visa, guaranteed LMIA, or guaranteed job in exchange for large payments. A job offer does not automatically guarantee work-permit approval.
FAQ
Do Canada farm jobs require a degree?
Many entry-level harvesting jobs usually require no formal education and provide on-the-job training.
What is the average farm worker salary in Canada?
The national median for general farm laborers is currently around C$18 per hour, although wages vary by province and occupation.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
Yes, foreign workers can apply for eligible agricultural jobs and then apply for the required work permit after obtaining the necessary employer documents.
Is an LMIA required for farm jobs?
Many positions require an LMIA, although the exact requirement depends on the hiring program and work-permit category.
Final Thoughts
Canada farm worker jobs in 2026 can provide opportunities for foreign workers who are comfortable with physical agricultural work and meet Canadian immigration requirements.
The safest approach is to find a genuine employer, confirm the salary and job conditions, understand whether an LMIA is required, and complete the work-permit process through official Canadian government channels.
