Updated: August 31, 2025
(With wage data current as of June 1, 2025, per Employment and Social Development Canada)
Table of Contents
1. Overview
2. Requirements & Qualifications
3. Visa Pathways to Work in Canada
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
4. Pay, Housing & Working Conditions
5. How to Find Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada
6. Licensed Recruiters & Verification
7. Scam Red Flags
8. Quick Summary Table
9. FAQs
10. Next Steps
Overview
Every season, Canada welcomes thousands of foreign workers to help harvest fruit—such as apples, berries, and grapes—under government-authorized programs. These roles are in-demand and essential to the agricultural sector.
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Requirements & Qualifications
Age: At least 18 years old
Education: No formal schooling required
Language: Basic English or French is helpful
Physical fitness: Ability to stand, bend, lift, and work outdoors for long periods
Work permit: Necessary, through SAWP or TFWP
Visa Pathways to Work in Canada
1) Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Eligible Countries: Includes Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and others
Length of Stay: Up to 8 months per year
How It Works: Your home government handles recruitment and selection; Canadian employers coordinate housing and transport
Important: Apply only through official SAWP channels—not private recruiters.
2) Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Agriculture Stream
Who Can Apply: Broad eligibility across countries, depending on employer demand.
Employer Requirements: Must obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Your Part: Apply for a closed work permit linked to that employer. Additional steps may include medicals, biometrics, and police checks.
Pay, Housing & Working Conditions
Wages (as of June 1, 2025):
Hourly minimums for fruit & vegetable workers (ESDC data):
Alberta: $17.98
British Columbia: $17.85
Manitoba: $15.80
New Brunswick: $15.65
Newfoundland & Labrador: $16.00
Nova Scotia: $15.70
Ontario: $17.23
Prince Edward Island: $16.00
Saskatchewan: $15.00
Yukon: $17.94
Glassdoor reports (as of September 2025) that fruit picker wages average $17/hour, ranging from $15 to $18/hour . Meanwhile, Job Bank data (Dec 2024) shows a national median of $17.50/hour, with a range between $15.50 and $25 depending on region .
Housing & Transport:
Typically arranged by the employer; ensure any cost or deduction is clearly detailed in writing.
Working Hours:
Expect early starts and long days during peak harvest periods.
How to Find Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada
1. Browse the Government of Canada Job Bank.
2. Explore provincial agriculture-specific job boards (e.g., Ontario, BC).
3. Visit farm or cooperative websites directly for seasonal postings.
4. Only work with licensed recruiters—see below.
Licensed Recruiters & Verification
Always request the recruiter’s license number.
Verify it with the appropriate province’s official registry (e.g., Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba).
For SAWP positions, apply strictly through your home government’s official SAWP office.
Scam Red Flags
Demands for upfront payments for visas, LMIA, or job placement.
Vague job offers without employer details or contracts.
Use of free email services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) instead of official addresses.
Promises of guaranteed PR (permanent residency) tied to the harvest job.
Quick Summary Table
Aspect Details (Canada, updated Aug 2025)
Minimum Requirements 18+, physically fit, no formal education required
Visa Programs SAWP (partner countries), TFWP (global, employer LMIA required)
Wages (June 2025) $15–$18+/hr depending on province
Housing Often provided—check contract for costs
Trusted Sources Job Bank, provincial boards, official SAWP channels
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FAQs
Do I need farming experience?
No – many jobs include on-the-job training.
Can I apply to SAWP from anywhere?
No – only citizens of SAWP-partner countries (e.g., Mexico, some Caribbean nations) are eligible .
What if my country isn’t in SAWP?
You can still apply via the TFWP if you receive an offer from a Canadian employer with LMIA approval.
Is housing free?
Often arranged by employers, but may involve deductions—always read your contract carefully.
Does this lead to permanent residency?
Not directly, though farm work experience may help with other immigration pathways over time.
Next Steps
1. Identify whether your country is SAWP-eligible.
2. If not, seek TFWP roles with employers offering LMIA support.
3. Search on official portals like Job Bank and provincial listings.
4. Prepare your documents: resume, passport, medicals/police clearance if needed.
5. Verify any recruiter’s license via provincial registries.
6. Apply for the relevant work permit once you have a validated job offer.
