General Farm Laborer Jobs in Canada With LMIA Approved

Dream of building a new life in Canada with a job that offers a direct path to permanent residency? Becoming a general farm laborer could be your most realistic and rewarding opportunity. Canada’s vast agricultural sector is facing a critical shortage of workers, and farmers are actively seeking international talent, offering LMIA-approved visa sponsorship for these essential roles. This isn’t just a job; it’s a proven gateway to securing Canadian work experience and, ultimately, your permanent status.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: from the physical but rewarding daily duties and competitive wages (typically $15-$17+ per hour) to the specific visa pathways like the Agri-Food Pilot that can turn a seasonal job into a lifelong future. If you’re ready for hard work and big rewards, your Canadian dream might just start on a farm.

What is a general farm laborer?

A general farm laborer is an essential, versatile worker who performs a wide range of physical tasks on agricultural operations. This entry-level role is crucial to Canada’s farming industry and represents a significant opportunity for foreign workers seeking employment and a potential pathway to permanent residence.

Read Also: Crop and Livestock Farm Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship

Details of General Farm Laborer Jobs in Canada

Key Points

• Job Title: General Farm Laborer
• Location: Multiple provinces across Canada (BC, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec)
• Employment Term: Seasonal (6–8 months) or Full-Time (extendable)
• Work Hours: 30–36 hours per week minimum, with overtime options
• Wage Range: $14 – $17 per hour (some employers pay up to $18+)
• Experience Required: None
• Education Required: None
• Visa Type: LMIA-approved Work Permit, SAWP, or Agri-Food Pilot

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Who is a general farm laborer?

This role is the backbone of a farm, involving diverse duties that change with the seasons and the farm’s focus. Key responsibilities include:

• Crop Production: Planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, and packing fruits and vegetables.
• Livestock Care: Feeding and watering animals, cleaning barns and pens, and assisting with animal health.
• General Maintenance: Fencing, repairing buildings, cleaning equipment, and general upkeep of the farm.
• Equipment Operation: Assisting with or operating farm machinery like tractors and harvesters (often with on-the-job training).

The Role of the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

The LMIA is the cornerstone of the process for most foreign workers.

• What it is:A document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that gives an employer permission to hire a foreign worker.
• Why It Matters: The employer must prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is required for you to apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
• Benefit to You:An LMIA-approved job offer ensures your application is legitimate and provides a much higher chance of visa approval. It is a key requirement for most permanent residency pathways from this sector.

Visa Pathways for General Farm Laborers

Canada offers specific programs designed for agricultural workers:

1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP):
   • For: Workers from Mexico and participating Caribbean countries.
   • Duration: Up to 8 months per year (seasonal).
   • Note: Accommodation is almost always provided.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)—Agricultural Stream:
   • For: Applicants from all countries.
   • Requirement: Must have an LMIA-approved job offer.
   • Duration: Can be seasonal or longer-term, depending on the job offer.
3. Agri-Food Pilot Program (Pathway to PR):
   • Purpose: A direct pathway to permanent residence for eligible, experienced farm workers in specific industries (meat processing, mushroom production, greenhouse farming, etc.).
   • Requirement: Requires 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal Canadian farm experience and a valid job offer.
4. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP):
   • Purpose: For foreign workers who want to settle in participating rural communities, some of which have strong agricultural sectors.
   • Requirement: Requires a job offer from an employer in a participating community.

Requirements for Applicants

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Most employers prefer candidates under 45 due to the physical nature of the work.
• Experience: Typically, no prior experience is required. Willingness to perform hard, physical labor is the key attribute.
• Health: Must be in good physical health and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Language: Basic English or French skills are highly beneficial for safety and understanding instructions. Formal testing is not always required for the initial work permit but is crucial for permanent residency applications.
• Background: Must provide a police clearance certificate from any country lived in for the past 10 years.

Benefits of LMIA-Approved Farm Jobs

• Legal Work Status: Government-approved pathway to work in Canada.
• Competitive Wages: Earn $15 – $17+ per hour, with opportunities for paid overtime.
• Provided Accommodation: Most employers offer low-cost or free housing on or near the farm.
• Pathway to PR: Canadian work experience is invaluable for programs like the Agri-Food Pilot.
• No Formal Education Needed: A rare opportunity to build a future in Canada without a degree.

How to Apply for a Farm Job with LMIA Sponsorship

1. Prepare Your Resume:Highlight any physical work, reliability, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
2. Find an LMIA-Approved Job: The best source is the official Job Bank website (jobbank.gc.ca). Use filters for “LMIA” or “Temporary Foreign Worker Program.” Also check reputable agri-recruiters.
3. Apply Directly: Submit your application to the employer or recruiter.
4. Interview: Be prepared for a phone or video interview.
5. Receive Job Offer and LMIA: Once selected, the employer will provide a formal job offer and the positive LMIA document.
6. Apply for Work Permit: Use the job offer and LMIA to apply for your work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Conclusion

A role as a general farm laborer in Canada is far more than just temporary employment; it is a foundational opportunity with profound long-term potential. The critical labor shortages in Canada’s agricultural sector have created a structured, government-supported system for bringing in foreign workers, offering one of the most accessible and secure pathways to entering the Canadian workforce.

For the applicant, the benefits are clear: a legal route to employment via LMIA sponsorship, a competitive wage with often-provided accommodation, and most importantly, a direct and viable pathway to permanent residency through programs like the Agri-Food Pilot. The physical demands of the job are balanced by the unparalleled opportunity to build a stable and permanent future in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions