Fruit picking jobs in Canada are in high demand, especially during harvest seasons, due to a shortage of local workers. These roles offer visa sponsorship for foreigners, making it easier to secure temporary work permits.
This presents a great opportunity for international workers to earn a living while experiencing life in Canada, with potential pathways for permanent residency.
This guide outlines the eligibility criteria for fruit-picking jobs in Canada, features top farms and agricultural businesses offering visa sponsorship, and provides links to help you apply today.
Eligibility and Requirements for Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
Candidates should meet the following criteria to be eligible for fruit-picking jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship:
- Age Requirement: Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for temporary work permits for fruit-picking roles.
- Work Permit: Foreign workers will need a Temporary Work Permit to be employed in Canada. Employers must apply for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) or offer a job that qualifies for the International Mobility Program (IMP).
- Physical Fitness: Fruit-picking is physically demanding, so candidates should be in good physical health and able to work long hours, often outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Language Proficiency: While not always mandatory, basic knowledge of English or French may be required to communicate effectively with employers and co-workers.
- Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian farm or agricultural business willing to sponsor your visa. Some programs may also allow direct application to specific employers, such as seasonal or contract work.
- Temporary Visa Sponsorship: For most workers, visa sponsorship is limited to seasonal work or the specific harvest period. The duration of work visas varies but generally ranges from 6 months to a year.
How to Find and Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner
Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding and applying for fruit-picking jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship as a foreigner:
Step 1: Research Available Job Opportunities
Start by exploring job opportunities in Canada through online job boards, agriculture-focused websites, and government portals like Job Bank. Many Canadian farms and fruit processing companies regularly post openings for seasonal workers during harvest periods.
Check with specific provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, where fruit-picking jobs are most in demand.
Step 2: Verify Employer Visa Sponsorship
Ensure the farm or company offering the fruit-picking role is willing to sponsor your visa. Many employers apply for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA), while others may use the International Mobility Program (IMP) for temporary work permits.
Confirm that the employer is registered to hire foreign workers and provide visa sponsorship for temporary agricultural roles.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation
Gather essential documents such as a valid passport, proof of qualifications (if applicable), and any medical records if required. You may need to prove you are in good health, as fruit picking is physically demanding.
If necessary, secure a job offer from an approved employer to support your work visa application.
Step 4: Apply for the Job
Apply directly to the job listings you are interested in. Ensure your resume reflects relevant experience or willingness to perform physically demanding work. Highlight skills like teamwork, manual labor, or any experience working in agriculture.
Ensure you are familiar with the application process; some employers may require you to apply through their website, while others may use third-party recruitment agencies.
Step 5: Apply for Your Work Visa
Once hired, your employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submit your job details under the International Mobility Program for temporary workers. Ensure all required documents are submitted and allow up to 4-6 months for processing.
After approval, apply for your Temporary Work Permit through the Canadian immigration website or your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
Step 6: Prepare for Arrival
Once your visa is approved, you can make arrangements for your arrival in Canada. Familiarize yourself with the provincial laws regarding work conditions, wages, and any health and safety regulations that apply to agricultural work.
Contact your employer to confirm start dates, accommodation, and other logistics.
Top Farms and Agricultural Businesses Offering Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship
Several top farms and agricultural businesses in Canada offer fruit-picking jobs with visa sponsorship for foreign workers.
Here are some examples:
Highmark Farms
Highmark Farms specializes in fruit growing, particularly apples and blueberries. They have a robust seasonal hiring process for picking and packing roles and provide visa sponsorship for foreign workers through LMIA applications, particularly for the harvest season.
Applicants must be in good health, able to perform manual tasks, and willing to work long hours in varied weather conditions.
Interested candidates can check for job postings and via their official careers page.
Jealous Fruits
Canada’s largest cherry producer offers roles in picking, packing, and sorting during the harvest season. They emphasize sustainable farming practices and sponsor workers via the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Eligibility requirements include open to candidates willing to work long hours in varying weather conditions and prior farm experience is beneficial but not required.
You can check their recruitment page at Jealous Fruits Careers.
Taves Family Farms
Taves Family Farms is a family-owned farm producing apples, berries, and pumpkins, known for agritourism and seasonal employment. They provide visa sponsorship for international workers during peak harvest periods.
Eligibility requirements include no formal experience needed but applicants must meet physical stamina and work ethic requirements.
Opportunities might be listed on their employment site.
Brookdale Treeland Nurseries
Brookdale Treeland Nurseries is a major supplier of fruit trees and berries, offering roles in planting, pruning, and harvesting. They actively recruit foreign workers and help secure necessary documentation for temporary work visas.
Eligibility requirements include manual labor skills, willingness to learn, and the ability to adapt to rural life.
You can go through their careers page for Open opportunities are shared on their.
Sunripe Certified Brands
Sunrise Certified Brands is one of Canada’s largest tomato growers, serving customers with an extensive line of tomato varieties including round, Roma, and snacking. They support international applicants with LMIA-approved job offers.
The farm brand offers roles for beginners, though experience in agriculture is preferred for supervisory positions.
Applications are managed via the Sunripe Certified Join the Team page.
Nature Fresh Farms
Nature Fresh Farms is one of Canada’s largest greenhouse growers, producing tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
The farm actively participates in hiring foreign workers through programs like the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), providing visa sponsorship for eligible applicants.
Candidates must meet physical fitness requirements for long hours of manual labor, adapt to greenhouse environments, and possess a strong work ethic. No prior experience is required for entry-level roles, though it’s an asset for supervisory positions.
Interested applicants can find job openings and application forms on their official website at Nature Fresh Farms Careers.
The Average Salary for Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners
National Averages
- Hourly Rate: CAD 14 to 20 per hour, depending on the type of fruit and location.
- Annual Income: Seasonal workers can expect approximately CAD 28,000 to 35,000 annually for full-time roles.
Factors You Need to know about Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada Salaries as a Foreigners
- Location: Urban-adjacent regions like Toronto and Vancouver offer higher pay to offset living costs.
- Product Type: Delicate fruits like cherries may require more careful handling, offering higher wages.
- Seasonality: Short harvest windows may lead to overtime or bonus incentives during peak seasons.
- Unionized Farms: May offer higher wages, benefits, and job security.
Benefits of Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada
Fruit-picking jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer a range of benefits, making them an attractive option for foreign workers seeking to earn a living in the country.
Here are some key benefits:
Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
One of the main advantages of fruit-picking jobs in Canada is the opportunity for visa sponsorship. Foreign workers can apply for a temporary work permit, often facilitated through programs like the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
These work permits make it easier for individuals from other countries to legally work in Canada.
Competitive Salaries and Additional Earnings
Fruit picking offers competitive pay, with hourly wages ranging from CAD 14 to 22. Many workers can earn between CAD 28,000 and 44,000 annually depending on their position, experience, and region.
Some positions, especially in high-demand areas or during peak harvest times, can include overtime pay, which significantly boosts earnings.
Accommodation and Meal Subsidies
Many farms offer accommodation and meal subsidies as part of their compensation package for those working in remote farm locations. This benefit is especially useful for workers who need housing upon arrival in Canada.
Skills and Experience Development
Fruit picking provides workers with the opportunity to gain valuable agricultural skills. Workers learn about farm operations, how to handle delicate crops, and how to use farm equipment.
These skills can be transferable to other sectors within agriculture or even to more managerial positions, making it an excellent stepping stone for career advancement.
Cultural Immersion and Social Integration
Living and working in Canada as a fruit picker provides a cultural experience. Workers have the opportunity to engage with Canadian farm life, interact with locals, and experience the country’s rural landscapes.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Canada’s immigration system values work experience, and many temporary workers apply for permanent residency through pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Gaining work experience in Canada increases an applicant’s chances of securing permanent residency.
Health Benefits and Worker Protection
Depending on the employer, some farms may offer health benefits, including insurance coverage, especially for long-term or permanent employees. This ensures that workers have access to medical support, adding a layer of security while working abroad.
Additionally, Canadian labor laws protect workers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and workplace protections.
