Are you a farmer or love farming in a country with a working system like Canada? Do you want to be among the top-class farmers in Canada? Then this article is for you. Canada is known for its highest land mass and consists of 6.7 percent of the earth’s land mass. This makes it one of the major agricultural countries in the world. Farming is a major industry in Canada that provides numerous job opportunities for foreign workers.
 Canada has a growing need for agricultural labor as fewer Canadians choose farming as a career. There are various visa pathways for immigrants to fill these important roles in the food production sector. This article will explore the different farming jobs available in Canada that provide sponsorship for work visas.
Canada’s agriculture industry contributes over $111 billion to the national GDP each year and employs over 2 million people. However, the farming population is aging as fewer young people take up careers in agriculture. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, over the next decade over 27,000 farm operator jobs will need to be filled as current farm owners retire. Immigrants can help meet this demand for agricultural labor while pursuing new opportunities in Canada.
Entry-level jobs for immigrants
Many entry-level job options exist for immigrants new to farming in Canada. Fruit and vegetable picking, poultry farm work, and livestock handling are common starting roles that don’t require prior experience. Employers will provide training. These physically demanding jobs pay above minimum wage and come with basic accommodations.
New immigrants can gain valuable hands-on experience in their first Canadian farming roles. Learning chore responsibilities, operating equipment, following safety protocols, and understanding agricultural practices lays the groundwork for advancement. Many pickers and entry-level workers go on to pursue careers in mechanics, equipment operation, and management, or start their farms. The agricultural sector offers immigrants pathways to establish themselves both professionally and personally in their new country.
Below are some of the jobs in farming you can easily apply for in Canada:
1. Fruit and vegetable pickers
As seasonal work, fruit and vegetable picking is ideal for newcomers looking to enter Canadian agriculture. Orchards and farms across the country hire thousands of pickers each growing season to harvest crops by hand including apples, pears, berries, cucumbers, and more. Picking requires physical stamina but training is minimal. Piecework pay encourages a strong work ethic.
2. Livestock farming
Raising and caring for livestock is physically demanding but rewarding work. Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers need help with tasks like feeding, milking, birthing assistance, moving animals, and general barn maintenance. Livestock farmers provide housing at remote sites. While isolating at times, it allows immigrants to rapidly improve their English skills. Hands-on experience qualifies workers for higher-level positions over time.
3. Poultry farming
Canada is a top egg and chicken-producing country. Poultry farming jobs like collecting eggs, loading/unloading trucks, cleaning coops, and sorting/packing eggs are essential for operation. This work is performed indoors year-round providing stable employment. Attention to detail and speed are important as chickens must be well cared for. Advancement opportunities exist in management for dedicated employees.
4. Farm machine operator
Operating machinery is a skilled role with responsibilities in planting, cultivating, harvesting, spraying crops, and more. Employers offer paid training to obtain licenses. Careful equipment operators are valued on any farm team. Room for growth into more specialized machinery operation or even owning/servicing agribusiness equipment makes this a promising career.
5. Farm sales representatives
Sales representatives directly promote seed, equipment, feed, chemicals, and other farm supplies to producers. A science or business degree is preferred. Reps must have extensive product knowledge and establish trusted advisor relationships. The commission provides high earning potential. Travel is common but the role offers independence. Bilingualism is an asset in bilingual regions.
6. Tractor Operators
Driving and operating tractors is a core job on crop and vegetable farms. Operators use GPS and computer systems to plant, fertilize, spray, and harvest fields precisely. Training is provided in-house. Jobs are year-round with opportunities for specialization like hauling equipment. Leads to management roles overseeing operations—in-demand occupation.
7. Farm Mechanics
Skilled farm mechanics service, maintain, and repair tractors and heavy machinery. Post-secondary training develops technical competency in working on engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and more. Employers or community colleges offer apprenticeship programs. Well-equipped shops provide stable work as farmers rely on mechanics for peak seasons. This leads to starting my own repair business.
8. Farm managers
Overseeing the daily operations and staff of a mid-sized-to-large farming enterprise is a senior leadership position. A post-graduate degree in agriculture combined with years of on-farm experience is required. Responsibilities include budgets, record-keeping, long-term planning, and market analysis. Advancement potential is very high in this in-demand role with six-figure salaries.
9. Farm laborers
General farm workers perform a variety of manual tasks under direction including cleaning, loading/unloading, land preparation, and post-harvest work. tasks change with the seasons. No special skills are required but physical fitness and ability to take instruction are important. Try different farms to gain well-rounded experience. Entry point for new immigrants.
10. Fish farmers
Aquaculture (fish farming) produces over $1 billion worth of salmon, trout, shellfish, and other seafood for domestic and export markets. Jobs involve maintaining hatcheries, net pens, and shellfish farms through feeding, monitoring water quality, grading, and harvesting the crop. Training programs exist and specialists advised on optimal growing conditions.
11. Agricultural engineers
A professional designation that requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology. Roles apply scientific and engineering principles to agricultural production facilities, equipment, buildings, and processes. Projects may involve design, construction, machinery, energy systems, waste management, and more. Leads consulting, research, and management careers.
Visa requirements for employment
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Employer must get Labor Market Impact Assessment first, then apply to hire foreign worker
- International Mobility Program: For skilled trades or professional roles, no job offer is needed
- Provincial Nominee Programs: Popular pathway, each province has its own immigration streams and jobs in high demand
Salary scale for immigrants
Below is the table chat of the salary scales for immigrants given in CAD dollars:
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Application requirements and documents
- Proof of language ability (IELTS, TELT)
- Educational credentials assessed
- Valid passport
- Background/security checks passed
- Proof of funds for cost of living
- Job offer/employer support for temporary foreign workers
Employment websites to find opportunities
- Job Bank Canada
- Indeed Canada
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Farm Help Canada
- Dairy Jobs
- Seafood Jobs
- Provincial government agriculture job boards
Conclusion
Canada is a great option for immigrants seeking rewarding careers in agriculture. The farming sector values multicultural employees who strengthen rural communities. While the work can be physically demanding, it also provides fulfilling lifestyles.
 Apprenticeship-style jobs enable gaining Canadian experience and credentials over time. With in-demand roles from entry-level to management, immigrants can establish long-term careers that contribute to the country’s food production. I encourage job seekers to search for openings and connect with potential employers to start their journey in Canadian agriculture. Good luck.