Blueberry Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2026

As a blueberry picker, you become part of a vital tradition that feeds the world. For those seeking a new beginning, this role is your gateway to Canada offering not just a job, but a supported pathway to a future for you and your family, all while experiencing the beauty of a new country.

We believe in rewarding hard work fairly. You’ll earn a competitive hourly wage of CAD $15 to $20, with the peace of mind that comes from comprehensive benefits like visa sponsorship, free accommodation, and medical insurance.

The requirements are simple: be 18 years old, have a clean record, and be ready for physical work. No prior experience is needed. If you have a strong work ethic and a spirit of adventure, Canada’s blueberry farms are ready to welcome you home.

Why Blueberry Picking Jobs Are in High Demand?

Blueberries are more than just a popular fruit in Canada; they are a significant agricultural powerhouse. The industry’s massive scale, driven by both domestic consumption and global export demands, creates a recurring and urgent need for a large, seasonal workforce. This reliance on manual harvesting makes blueberry picking a top entry-point job for foreigners seeking visa-sponsored work in Canada.

Key Drivers of Demand:

• Massive Scale of Cultivation: With nearly 199,000 acres dedicated to blueberry farming, the sheer volume of fruit that must be hand-harvested within a short seasonal window is immense. Machines can damage the delicate berries, making human pickers essential for quality.
• Global Export Leadership: As the world’s largest exporter of frozen blueberries, Canada’s reputation depends on a timely and efficient harvest. This global supply chain to the U.S., Europe, and Asia cannot function without thousands of seasonal workers.
• Concentrated Production Hubs: British Columbia’s dominance in cultivated berries (96%) and Quebec’s leadership in wild blueberries create specific geographic hubs where labour demand is intensely concentrated each season.
• Domestic Labour Shortages: Like many agricultural sectors, Canadian blueberry farms struggle to attract enough local workers for the physically demanding, temporary nature of picking. This gap is filled by international workers.
• Predictable Seasonal Cycles: The harvest season (typically July to September, varying by region) is predictable, allowing farms to plan large-scale recruitment drives and visa sponsorship processes well in advance.

Details of Blueberry Picking Jobs in Canada:

Here’s a detailed overview of what applicants can expect:

• Job Title: Fruit Picker / Berry Picker / Harvest Worker
• Location: Primarily in British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
• Industry: Agriculture / Farm Work
• Job Type: Seasonal, Full-time (during peak harvest)
• Working Hours: 35–50 hours per week, often including early mornings and weekends to maximize daylight and ideal berry conditions.
• Experience Required: Not mandatory; a strong work ethic is more valued.
• Knowledge Required: None required; full training is provided.
• Salary: CAD $16.75 (BC minimum wage) to $20+ per hour, with potential for piece-rate pay (pay per pound/kg picked) for motivated workers.
• Age Limit: 18+ (19 in British Columbia)

Check Also: Fruit Picking Jobs in New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Requirements for Blueberry Picking Jobs in Canada:

The eligibility criteria are designed to be accessible for international applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old (19 in BC).
• No formal education or previous farming experience is required.
• Must be physically fit and capable of performing repetitive, strenuous outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Must possess a positive attitude, reliability, and the ability to work well in a team.
• Must have a clean criminal record.
• Must pass a mandatory medical checkup to ensure fitness for the work.
• Must meet all requirements for a Canadian temporary work permit.

Benefits of Blueberry Picking Jobs with Visa Sponsorship:

These roles offer a compelling package for foreign workers, combining immediate income with long-term opportunities:

• Visa Sponsorship: Employers typically facilitate the process for a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit.
• Relocation Support: Many farms provide assistance with travel arrangements and initial settlement.
• Free or Subsidized Accommodation: On-farm housing or arranged shared lodging is common, significantly reducing living costs.
• Meal Provisions: Some employers offer free or low-cost meal plans.
• Transportation: Shuttle services to and from the worksite and local towns are often provided.
• Competitive Pay: Hourly wages meet or exceed provincial minimums, with overtime pay during peak season.
• Medical Coverage: All workers are covered under provincial healthcare and often receive additional workplace insurance for injuries.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Gaining Canadian work experience is a key step in programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), potentially leading to PR.
• Family Reunification: Once PR status is achieved, workers can sponsor their immediate family.
• Gateway to Canada: The experience serves as a foothold in the Canadian job market, opening doors to other agricultural or permanent roles.

Job Responsibilities of a Blueberry Picker:

The work is physically demanding and requires attention to detail to maintain fruit quality:

• Hand-picking ripe blueberries from bushes in orchards and fields.
• Carefully sorting berries to remove leaves, stems, and damaged or unripe fruit.
• Gently placing berries into buckets or trays to prevent bruising.
• Packing and weighing filled containers for shipment.
• Performing essential farm maintenance like weeding, pruning, and preparing fields.
• Carrying harvested berries, which can involve lifting buckets weighing up to 60 lbs.
• Assisting with loading packed berries onto refrigerated trucks for transport.
• Potentially operating tractors or other farm vehicles (for roles with more experience).
• Working in packing houses or cold storage facilities for processing and freezing.

Average Salary of a Blueberry Picker in Canada:

Earnings can vary based on location, pay structure, and individual speed:

• Hourly Wage: Typically ranges from the provincial minimum wage (e.g., $16.75 in BC) to $20+ per hour.
• Piece-Rate Pay: Many farms offer payment per pound/kg picked, allowing fast and efficient workers to earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding $25 per hour equivalent.
• Annual Equivalent: For full-time seasonal work, this can translate to seasonal earnings of CAD $10,000 – $15,000+, which, when combined with provided accommodation and meals, offers a strong potential for savings.

Blueberry Growing Regions and Famous Farms:

Canada’s blueberry industry is concentrated in a few key provinces, each with major employers:

• British Columbia (BC): The heart of highbush blueberry cultivation.
• Quebec: The leading producer of wild (lowbush) blueberries.
• Ontario & Nova Scotia: Also have significant commercial operations.

Well-Known Hiring Farms Include:
Thomas Blueberry Farm, SNP Blueberries, Sandhu Farms, Meadow Berry Farms, JP Farms, and Klassen Farms, among others. These established operations have structured programs for hiring international workers.

Other Famous Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada:

The demand for agricultural workers extends beyond blueberries. Canada offers a sequential “harvest trail” for workers who wish to extend their stay:

• Spring/Summer: Strawberries, Raspberries, Cherries
• Late Summer/Fall: Apples, Peaches, Pears, Grapes
• Fall: Cranberries, Pumpkins

This variety allows workers to potentially secure several months of continuous employment by moving between different crops and regions.

How to Apply for Blueberry Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship?

A structured approach will increase your chances of success:

• Research and Apply Early: Start looking 6-8 months before the harvest season (i.e., by January for a July start). Use official portals like Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), Indeed, and specialized agricultural recruiters.
• Use Targeted Keywords: Search for “seasonal farm worker,” “harvester,” “berry picker,” and “TFW” (Temporary Foreign Worker) in addition to the main job title.
• Prepare a Simple CV: Highlight physical fitness, reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to work outdoors. No fancy experience is needed.
• Apply Through Licensed Recruiters: Many farms use government-licensed recruitment agencies to manage their international hiring. Ensure you are working with a legitimate agent.
• Secure a Job Offer and LMIA: The employer must obtain a Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no Canadian was available for the job.
• Apply for Work Permit: With the job offer and LMIA, you can apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit at a Canadian visa office, including a medical exam.
• Prepare for Arrival: Once approved, coordinate travel and housing details with your employer.

Conclusion:

A blueberry picking job in Canada is more than seasonal work it’s a launchpad. With its straightforward entry requirements, attractive compensation package, and the unparalleled benefit of a potential pathway to permanent residency, this opportunity is ideal for those looking to build a new life. By taking the simple step to apply online, you can secure not just a job but an unforgettable experience and a solid foundation in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. Your journey to Canada starts here.

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