Canada’s agriculture industry is one of the strongest in the world, and it relies heavily on seasonal and migrant labor to sustain its productivity. Every year, thousands of foreign workers are recruited to help with fruit picking, harvesting, packaging, and general farm labor. For many immigrants, this represents a golden opportunity to earn income, gain international work experience, and possibly begin a pathway toward long-term settlement in Canada. While fruit picking is often viewed as low-skill or temporary work, many of these jobs offer competitive wages, free accommodation, overtime bonuses, and—most importantly—visa sponsorship. Whether you’re from Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, Canada’s agricultural employers and government programs are open to hiring foreign nationals legally. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about landing a high-paying fruit picking job in Canada, including visa types, employer expectations, salaries, and how to apply successfully in 2025
Why Canada Needs Foreign Workers for Fruit Picking Jobs
Canada has a vast agricultural sector that spans across provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. From apple orchards and blueberry fields to grape vineyards and strawberry farms, fruit crops require seasonal labor during planting, pruning, and harvesting seasons. However, there are not enough local workers to meet the demand. Most Canadians are not interested in farm labor due to its physically demanding nature and rural locations. As a result, Canadian farmers rely on government-supported temporary foreign worker programs to fill thousands of roles annually. In fact, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Agricultural Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allow employers to legally bring in workers from approved countries for several months each year. These jobs are not only essential to Canada’s economy—they’re also one of the few entry-level opportunities that offer visa sponsorship, legal protection, and the chance to earn more than minimum wage
Types of Fruit Picking Jobs Available in Canada
Apple Picking
Apples are one of Canada’s largest fruit exports, especially in British Columbia and Ontario. Apple pickers are needed from August to October. Tasks include picking, sorting, bagging, and lifting baskets of apples. Wages range from CAD $15 to $20 per hour, with performance bonuses in some farms
Blueberry and Raspberry Harvesting
Berry farms require careful harvesting due to the delicate nature of the fruit. Jobs often include crouching or kneeling for extended periods. Peak seasons are in July and August. Workers may be paid hourly or based on the quantity picked (piece-rate). Average earnings can reach CAD $17 to $25 per hour with bonuses
Strawberry Picking
Strawberry picking is common in Quebec and parts of Alberta. The season starts earlier, usually in June, and lasts through July. Workers may also help with packaging, cleaning, and quality control. Some farms offer up to 60 hours per week during peak times
Cherry and Grape Picking
British Columbia is home to many cherry and grape farms, especially around Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. These jobs are available in late summer and pay well due to the short harvest window and delicate handling requirements. Pay can exceed CAD $20/hour with overtime
Pears, Plums, and Peaches
These are less common but still in demand in regions like Niagara, Ontario. Tasks include hand-picking, ladder work, sorting, and operating basic equipment. Many farms provide free or subsidized housing for foreign workers
Visa Sponsorship for Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
This is the main government program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign agricultural workers. Under this program, workers receive:
- A valid work visa tied to one employer
- Legal wages in accordance with provincial standards
- Access to health insurance and basic protections
- Free housing or rental support
- Overtime pay beyond standard hours
- Contract renewal for multiple seasons (if performance is good)
Employers must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that no Canadian workers are available, and once approved, they can send a job offer letter and contract to the foreign applicant for visa processing
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
This is a government-to-government program that allows temporary workers from specific countries to work on Canadian farms for up to 8 months. Participating countries include:
- Mexico
- Jamaica
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Barbados
- Guatemala
- Saint Lucia
- Dominica
- Honduras
To qualify, you must be from one of these countries and be selected through your government’s employment agency, not a private recruiter. Once selected, you’ll receive a work permit, medical coverage, and a legal employment contract in Canada
Open Work Permits (Limited Cases)
In rare situations, some workers already in Canada may qualify for an open work permit—especially if they’ve applied for permanent residency under the Agri-Food Pilot or are spouses of certain skilled workers. This is not the typical path for new fruit pickers but can be relevant for long-term planning
How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
To work in Canada legally as a fruit picker, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid passport
- Be physically fit for outdoor labor
- Have no serious criminal history
- Be able to follow safety protocols and employer rules
- Meet country-specific requirements (if applying through SAWP)
Some employers prefer candidates with basic English or French skills, but it’s not always mandatory
Step 2: Search for LMIA-Approved Employers
Use the following trusted job boards to find farm jobs with visa sponsorship:
- Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca) – Filter for “LMIA approved”
- AgriRecruiting.com – Specializes in farm and agri-labor roles
- Workvantage.ca – Offers seasonal farm jobs to international workers
- Indeed.ca – Search “farm jobs with LMIA” or “visa sponsorship farm”
- GreenTechResources.ca – Helps foreign workers find legal agri-labor jobs
- Canadian Embassy websites – Often publish seasonal job announcements
Always verify that the employer is authorized to sponsor visas and never pay large upfront fees to agencies
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
You will usually need:
- Valid passport
- Resume or simple work history (for experience-based roles)
- Medical certificate (required for farm jobs)
- Police clearance certificate
- Signed job offer or contract
- LMIA number from the employer
- Completed work permit application
The employer may assist with your visa paperwork once you accept the job
Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit
Once you have a job offer and LMIA approval, apply for a Temporary Work Permit online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing can take 2–8 weeks. Upon approval, you will receive a letter of introduction and instructions for your arrival
Salary Expectations and Benefits for Fruit Pickers in Canada
Average Wages (2025)
- Hourly Pay: CAD $15 – $22/hour (varies by province and crop)
- Overtime Pay: 1.5x after 40–60 hours/week
- Monthly Earnings: CAD $2,000 – $3,500
- Bonus: Some farms offer end-of-season bonuses based on attendance or productivity
- Free Housing: Included in most contracts (shared dorms or farm housing)
- Free Meals or Allowance: Occasionally provided on large farms
Provinces with the Best Opportunities
- British Columbia: Cherries, apples, grapes
- Ontario: Strawberries, peaches, pears, apples
- Quebec: Berries, apples
- Nova Scotia: Blueberries, apples
- Alberta: Greenhouse jobs, strawberries
Rural locations may offer lower living costs and fewer expenses, helping workers save more during the season
Challenges and Tips for First-Time Immigrant Farm Workers
Challenges
- Physically demanding labor in hot or cold weather
- Long working hours, sometimes 6–7 days per week
- Language barriers or cultural adjustments
- Isolation in rural areas with limited services
- Risk of exploitation if not working with trusted employers
Tips for Success
- Stay hydrated and follow all safety guidelines
- Make friends with coworkers to ease homesickness
- Save as much of your earnings as possible
- Avoid paying illegal recruitment fees
- Report unsafe or unfair treatment to Canadian labor authorities
- Learn basic English or French to improve communication
Can Fruit Pickers Apply for Permanent Residency?
Yes—while fruit picking jobs are temporary, they can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency if you plan strategically
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Canada launched this pilot program to help foreign workers in agriculture transition to permanent residency. Requirements include:
- 12 months of full-time work in Canada’s agriculture sector
- CLB level 4 in English or French
- High school education or higher
- Job offer in an eligible NOC code (e.g., harvest laborer, farm supervisor)
This is a powerful option for long-term stay
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Some provinces allow farm workers to apply for PR under specific streams, especially if:
- The worker has been employed in the province for over 12 months
- The employer supports their application
- The worker has met language and education requirements
Spousal Open Work Permits
If you marry or partner with a skilled worker in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit, giving you access to other jobs and PR pathways
Final Thoughts: Build Your Future with Legal Farm Work in Canada
Fruit picking jobs in Canada offer more than seasonal work—they offer a chance at a better life. For thousands of immigrants each year, these jobs provide legal entry into a high-income country, valuable work experience, and a supportive visa process. Whether you’re saving money, supporting your family, or planning long-term immigration, Canada’s agricultural labor programs are fair, transparent, and opportunity-rich. The key is to apply early, stay informed, and work only with certified employers. With the right effort, you could turn a temporary fruit-picking job into a stepping stone toward permanent residency and a new life in Canada