Are you interested in immigrating to Canada as a Farm Worker? Whether you possess expertise in farming, hold a professional position, or work in an unskilled farming occupation, if your job involves on-ground farming, you can explore the opportunity to come to Canada through the Agricultural Stream of the Canada Immigration program.
As a farm worker, you have the opportunity to obtain a Canada Temporary Work Permit for a duration of 2 or 3 years, irrespective of your nationality. This permit enables you to reside and work in Canada. Each year, over 60,000 temporary foreign workers choose to come to Canada for employment purposes.
Agricultural Stream Canada
Agricultural Stream is a pathway under Canadian Federal Immigration’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program. This stream is built to overcome the labour shortage of farm workers in Canada for specific commodity sectors and some specific occupations related to Primary Agriculture.
Requirements for Agricultural Stream
All the foreign workers needs to have a Job Offer from any Farming Company in Canada (except Quebec). There are two main factors to understand before applying for a Job
- Production of the Farm must be in specific commodity sectors
- The Job Position must be related to on-farm primary agriculture
Eligible Commodity Sectors for Agriculture Visa
| Apiary products | Pedigreed canola seed | Sod | Horse |
| Fruits / Vegetables (Picking, Packing & Farming) | Seed corn | Tobacco | Mink |
| Mushrooms | Grains | Bovine | Poultry |
| Flowers | Oil seeds | Dairy | Sheep |
| Nursery-grown trees | Maple syrup | Duck | Swine |
Eligible Occupations related to Primary Agriculture for Agriculture Visa
- 85100 – Livestock labourers
- 85101 – Harvesting labourers
- 80020 – Managers in agriculture
- 80021 – Managers in horticulture
- 85103 – Nursery and greenhouse labourer
- 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
- 84120 – Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
- 82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
If your job occupation is one of the above or consistent with any of these occupations, you may be eligible for a Canadian Work Visa under Agricultural Stream.
Benefits for Foreign Workers under Agricultural Stream
Canadian Immigration follows strict policies when it come to the rights of foreign workers. Agricultural Stream offers many benefits to foreign workers
- $0 Processing Fee:
There is No LMIA processing fee for the occupations related to primary agriculture and positions under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 80020, 80021, 82030, 82031, 84120, 85100, 85101 and 85103. - Free Air Ticket:
All the companies hiring foreign workers under Agricultural Stream must pay Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) in advance the full amount of return Air Ticket to Canada and back to their home country.
Important: Employer can not charge this amount from the TFW. - Everyday Transport:
Employers must provide daily transport to TFW in Canada from their accommodation to work place and back. - Accommodation:
Employers must arrange suitable and affordable housing for TFW and minimum cost. - Health Insurance:
All TFWs will get Medical Coverage from the company in the form of Health Insurance.
These are the few basic benefits for TFWs under Agricultural Stream. For more details visit Canadian Federal Immigration Website Here
Duration of Canadian Work Permits Under Agricultural Stream
The duration of work permit depends upon the salary and job position you are being offered.
- The Low wage job positions can get a work permit for up to 2 years
- High Wage job positions can get the worrk permit for up to 3 years