What you should know About Working in Canada’s Agricultural Sector as a Foreign Employee

Working in the agricultural sector in Canada provide a special chance for individuals from all over the world to support the nation’s booming agriculture industry. The food production and agricultural sectors in Canada are vital to the country’s economy and depend heavily on these occupations. Getting hired in Canada’s agricultural workforce can be a transformative experience for international workers, and being sponsored for a visa is essential to making this happen.  

An international worker’s application to work lawfully in Canada is supported by a Canadian employer through the process known as visa sponsorship. Because it enables foreign nationals to obtain the required work permits to live and work in the nation, this sponsorship is essential. It would be difficult for numerous foreign workers to take advantage of these career prospects without visa sponsorship. 

As a result of its large agricultural fields and the requirement for labor for a variety of farming tasks, Canada has a strong demand for farm workers. Farm laborers are always needed around the nation, whether they are planting and harvesting crops or tending to livestock. Foreign workers have a lot of options to find work because of this need, especially if Canadian firms are prepared to sponsor their visas. 

Some Farm Worker Jobs in Canada That Sponsor a Visa 

1. Overall Farm Laborers 

On the farm, general farm laborers do a variety of jobs. In addition to maintaining and repairing farm structures, machinery, and equipment, their responsibilities could involve planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. These employees might also help with irrigation system maintenance, cleaning stables, barns, and pens, as well as feeding and tending to animals. Most agricultural businesses rely heavily on general farm workers to provide vital support to various sectors of the farm. 

2. Fruit and Veggie Harvesters

Laborers in charge of picking vegetables and fruits are essential to the harvest season because they make sure that crops are harvested effectively and on schedule. Fruits and vegetables must be picked, sorted, and packed by these employees before being distributed. Since the work frequently entails extended periods of standing, bending, and lifting, it needs physical stamina. During the harvest seasons, when crops like apples, berries, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables are cultivated all over Canada, this position is especially in high demand. 

3. Livestock Caregiver

Those who look after livestock oversee managing and providing day-to-day care for farm animals such pigs, lambs, chickens, and cattle. In addition to cleaning and maintaining animal housing facilities, their responsibilities also include feeding, watering, and keeping an eye on the health of the animals. A livestock caretaker may also help with medication administration, breeding and birthing procedures, and general animal welfare. Strong knowledge of animal behavior and health, as well as a dedication to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, are prerequisites for this position. 

4. Machine Operators

Skilled personnel who maintain and operate several kinds of farm machinery and equipment are known as equipment operators. Equipment operators oversee routine maintenance, solving any mechanical issues that may emerge, and making sure the machinery is handled safely and efficiently. Technical expertise with farm machinery and the capacity to operate unsupervised on your own are prerequisites for this position.  

All these positions for farm workers are essential to Canada’s agricultural sector and provides chances for skilled foreign workers to share their knowledge and abilities. Given the range of positions available, many potential employees—particularly, those seeking sponsorship for a work visa to enter Canada—are likely to find a position that fits their interests and skills. 

Farm Workers’ Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Nationals 

Legitimate access to farm jobs in Canada for foreign workers is contingent upon the sponsorship of a valid visa. For non-citizens, employment in Canada would be challenging, if not impossible, without the appropriate paperwork. For people looking to pursue agricultural work positions in Canada with visa sponsorship, it is imperative to comprehend the visa sponsorship procedure. When a foreign worker applies for a visa and is granted permission to enter and work in Canada lawfully, this is known as visa sponsorship. On the employer’s part, they must show that, despite their best efforts, they were unable to fill the positions with local candidates and had to import labor from abroad. The basis for acquiring a work permit, which enables the foreign worker to reside and perform in Canada for a predetermined amount of time, is basically what visa sponsorship is all about. This is a summary of how farm workers can be sponsored for a visa: 

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) 

Employers in Canada are permitted to employ foreign nationals under the TFWP to cover short-term labor shortages. Farm laborers may apply for a work permit associated with their employer under this program. To demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker won’t have a detrimental impact on the Canadian labor market, the company must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) 

There is a special TFWP stream intended for seasonal farm work called the SAWP. It mostly serves laborers from member nations, like Mexico and several Caribbean states. Under the SAWP, laborers can enter Canada for a duration of eight months to work in agriculture during the planting and harvesting seasons. 

Agricultural- Food Pilot 

For seasoned, non-seasonal farm laborers employed in agricultural sectors, like meat processing, mushroom cultivation, and greenhouse farming, this more recent immigration initiative provides a route to permanent residency. Workers who meet the language and educational standards, have appropriate work experience, and have a job offer in Canada are eligible for this experimental program. 

Qualifications for Sponsored Visas 

Employer’s role

Prior to filling the position, the employer needs to get an LMIA proving that no Canadian personnel are available. After that, the business extends a job offer to the foreign employee, which is required for the filing of the visa application. 

Employees’ Qualification 

It is highly required that all foreign workers must have a legitimate job offer from a Canadian business to be eligible for visa sponsorship. They also required to fulfill the conditions for the kind of visa they are requesting, which may include certain educational requirements in certain situations, relevant work experience, and fluency in either French or English. 

Age

Most farm worker jobs have an age requirement of at least 18 years. To make sure that employees are mature enough to bear the physical and mental demands of the job, this is a legal obligation. 

Educational Background 

Most agricultural worker positions don’t place their acceptance policy based on college degree. Usually, having a basic high school diploma or its equivalent is considered enough. Nonetheless, certain specialist positions—like those of livestock caregivers or equipment operators—might call for a certain degree or qualification. 

Physical Fitness

Physically strenuous farm jobs frequently entail long hours of hard labor, including lifting, bending, standing, and working in a variety of weather conditions. To meet these obstacles, candidates must be in good physical condition. 

Language Proficiency 

English and French are the two official languages of Canada. The workers’ level of skill in at least one of these languages may need to be demonstrated, depending on the area in which the farm is located. This is crucial for adhering to directives, guaranteeing security, and successfully interacting with supervisors and colleagues. 

Language Test

Foreign workers may be needed to demonstrate their language proficiency for some visa programs by taking a language test, such as the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Depending on the type of visa and the work, different scores may be needed. 

Experience and Skills Requirements 

Farm Experience 

While previous farming or agricultural experience is not necessarily required, however, it can greatly increase a candidate’s chances of landing a job. It can be helpful to have prior experience with activities like planting, harvesting, caring for animals, and using agricultural equipment. 

Technical Knowledge 

Technical proficiency in operating and maintaining farm equipment is necessary for jobs involving machinery. To prevent mishaps and guarantee smooth operations, it is essential to comprehend how to handle tools and machines safely. 

Flexibility 

With respect to the region, crop type, and season, farm work can change. Employees need to be flexible, quick learners who can pick up new skills, and ready to take on additional duties when necessary. 

Requirements for Legal Documentation 

Valid Passport 

To apply for a work permit in Canada, a foreign worker must have a current passport. The employees’ passport’s validity should be sufficient for the length of the work permit. 

Work Offer 

One essential prerequisite is an official work offer from a Canadian business. This job offer, amongst other required documents, is a requirement for the visa application procedure. 

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) 

Hiring a foreign worker often requires the business to obtain an LMIA. A proof that no Canadian workers are available to fill the position is provided by the LMIA. Unless they are excluded under specific programs, the foreign worker cannot apply for a work permit without a positive LMIA. 

Security and Health Checks 

Medical Examination 

A medical test may be necessary for some agricultural worker occupations to make sure the candidate is physically capable of doing the work and won’t endanger the health of others. This is especially crucial for occupations where you work closely with animals or food goods. 

Background Investigation 

In most cases, a background check is necessary to make sure the employee has no convictions that would bar them from entering or staying in Canada. A requirement of applying for a visa is this check.  

If you’re interested in farm worker positions in Canada with sponsored visas, you must meet these prerequisites and credentials. It is possible to considerably improve your chances of landing a job and getting a work visa by being organized and making sure all requirements are satisfied. 

Steps on Applying for Jobs as Farm Workers with Sponsored Visas 

Applying for agricultural worker positions in Canada under sponsorship requires a few phases, from locating the ideal position to obtaining the required visa. For foreign laborers seeking employment, knowing the application procedure is essential to getting the necessary work permit. Here is a detailed guideline for applying: 

1. Seek for Farm Worker’s Job in Canada via:

Numerous internet websites and search engines can be very efficient in narrowing down their focus on job openings in Canada. Well-known websites consist of:  

– Job Canada 

– AgriJobs.ca 

– Indeed.ca 

– Workopolis and Monster Canada 

Recruitment Firms 

Certain recruitment firms focus only on matching foreign laborers with agricultural jobs in Canada. These organizations can assist in finding potential employers who will sponsor your visa based on your qualifications and expertise. 

Direct Contact with an Employer 

It’s possible that not all Canadian farms post job openings on expansive websites. Reaching out to Canadian farms or agricultural enterprises directly might be a good way to find out about available positions and sponsorship for a work visa. This strategy demonstrates initiative and may result in direct employment offers. 

2. Organize and Make Your Application

CV/Resume:  

Make a well-organized CV that emphasizes your relevant experience, abilities, and suitability for a farm job. Add your technical expertise, language abilities, and any prior experience in agriculture. 

Cover letter:  

Customize your cover letter for the job you are applying for. Describe your reasons for applying, how your experience meets the job requirements, and whether you are willing to move to Canada. Make mention of your desire to be sponsored for a visa.  

Getting the Necessary Paperwork:  

Make sure you have all the required paperwork ready, including proof of appropriate work experience, a valid passport, and academic credentials. Prepare the findings of any language tests and any health evaluations that may be needed. 

Submitting Applications:  

Use employment portals, email, or recruitment agencies to apply for farm labor positions. Please include your cover letter, resume, and any other necessary materials with your application. 

Keeping Track:  

Get in touch with the employer or agency after submitting your application to let them know you’re still interested in the job. This can demonstrate your excitement and keep your application at the forefront of your thoughts. 

3.  Securing Job Offer and LMIA for Visa Sponsorship

Your hiring manager must acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) upon receiving a job offer. The LMIA is essential to your work permit application since it demonstrates that the firm looked for Canadian workers to hire but was unable to locate a qualified applicant.  

Application for Work Permit:  

You can apply for a work permit once your employer has obtained the LMIA. Completing the proper paperwork, sending in your LMIA and job offer, and supplying extra paperwork like your passport, test results from your physical, and, if needed, a police clearance certificate are all part of this process. 

Visa processing duration 

Considering the number of applications being processed and your nationality, the length of time it takes to process a work visa may differ. To prevent delays, it’s critical to apply on time. 

Pay and Benefits 

Subject to the type of employment, region, and company, farm worker jobs in Canada offer a range of pay and perks. When evaluating a job offer, it is crucial for international employees to know what to anticipate in terms of pay and benefits. The pay and perks that are generally linked to agricultural worker jobs in Canada are broken down as follows: 

Hourly Pay:  

In Canada, farm laborers often make $15 to $20 CAD per hour. The province, the kind of farm work, and the worker’s experience can all affect the exact pay. For instance, salaries and benefits may be more favorable to equipment operators compared to typical farm laborers.  

Yearly Salary: 

A full-time agricultural worker might anticipate earning between $30,000 and $45,000 CAD annually based on the average hourly rate. Due to the transient nature of their employment, seasonal workers may make less money overall, but during the busiest farming seasons, they may still command a competitive hourly wage. 

Pay for Overtime:  

Farm laborers are eligible to overtime compensation in several jurisdictions if they work more than a set number of hours each week (44 hours in Ontario, for example). Typically, overtime compensation is determined by multiplying the hourly rate by 1.5. 

Additional Work Benefits 

Accommodations  

Housing or housing allowances are provided by certain Canadian farms as part of their remuneration package. This accommodation provision can be quite helpful, particularly in remote regions where there might not be as many lodging options. Living expenses can be minimized when accommodation is given to workers for little or no cost.  

Health Insurance 

In Canada, provincial health insurance systems that offer basic medical services typically include farm laborers. Additionally, some employers could provide prescription medication, dental care, and extra medical costs through supplemental health insurance. For employees who might need continuous medical treatment or who desire additional coverage, this is very crucial. 

Transportation and Meal Allowance  

Employers may pay lunches or meal allowances, especially for employees who work in rural locations with few food options. There may also be transportation offered to and from the work location, particularly if the farm is located distant from nearby towns.  

Holidays and Leave  

According to provincial labor rules, farm laborers are entitled to paid vacation time and statutory holidays. The length of work usually determines the quantity of vacation time. For instance, after a year of employment, employees in most provinces are entitled to at least two weeks of paid vacation. 

Retirement and Pension Benefits 

Plans for pensions or retirement savings may be included in the benefits package offered by certain employers. This perk may be appealing to employees who intend to remain in Canada for an extended period, even if it is uncommon in farm jobs.  

Occupational Safety and Protection 

Canadian labor rules guarantee a safe working environment for farm laborers. Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers have access to protective equipment when needed, complying with health and safety standards, and providing the required training. Workers’ compensation programs in each province usually cover injuries sustained on the job.