How to Immigrate to Canada as a Farmworker

Have you or are you currently employed in the agricultural sector? Are you looking for a change in scenery? If so, Canada may just be the place for you.

Canada is one of the biggest agricultural producers and exporters worldwide. It has over 36,952 farms contributing more than $42,003 million to Canada’s GDP this year according to tradingeconomics.com.

Agriculture jobs are both fulfilling and lucrative, with hundreds of jobs currently on websites such as Agrirecruiting and Workhorsehub. Canada is in need of skilled farmworkers of all levels to fill the current labour gap that the market is facing.

The demand for agricultural workers is a global need and Canada specifically is struggling to fill positions with young farmers as the current workforce is diminishing as most of its workers are near retirement. To combat this problem, the Canadian government has implemented programs to entice foreign skilled workers in the agricultural industry to immigrate to Canada.

Why Work in Agriculture in Canada?

Besides the clear employment opportunities available in Canada, there are many benefits that come with immigrating to Canada and becoming a permanent resident.

1. Global Impact

Farming has a staggering impact on people and the planet. There is nothing quite like being part of an industry that not only feeds, clothes and fuels the world but is also at the cutting edge of implementing sustainability methods that will inevitably change the face of agriculture and farming as we know it.

2. The Simple Life

If you’ve grown tiresome of the office life, being chained to a desk in a stuffy office, then perhaps the farmer’s lifestyle may do you some good. Why not trade in your laptop the great outdoors? You could enjoy life-balance like nowhere else: how does water skiing and fruit picking in the summer sound?

3. Competitive Pay

Jobs in the agriculture sector come with high remuneration in relation to other industries. This means that you’ll not only be able to afford the lifestyle that you and your loved ones deserve, but you’ll be able to save up for your future a lot quicker than you may be able to in another field or country.

4. It Comes With Perks

How does free meals and accommodation sound? What about a company paid vehicle to get around town? Free public healthcare or public schooling for your children to complete Grade 12? Sounds too good to be true right? In fact, all these benefits are available to you as a permanent resident or Canadian citizen when you decide to immigrate to Canada as a farmworker.

How Can I Immigrate as a Farmworker?

Permanent Immigration for Farmwork

The best way to immigrate to Canada as a farmworker is through the Provincial Nominee Program. 11 out of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories have their own PNP, each with its own set of criteria, targeting a specific need in the region’s labour market.

Each province has its own set of in-demand occupations and farmworkers are in demand in several provinces in territories, namely:

TOP FARM PROVINCES IN CANADA IN NEED OF FARM WORKERS
Provincial Nominee Program	# Farms	Production	Net Income	Immigration Programs & Streams
Ontario INP	59,729	soybeans corn wheat poultry	$179 million	Employer Job Offer Category – In-Demand Skills Stream Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
Alberta PNP	53,653	wheat barley canola livestock	$251 million	Alberta Opportunity Stream
Saskatchewan PNP	50,598	oilseed grains livestock	$1,518 million	International Skilled Worker Category – Occupation In-Demand Stream Saskatchewan Experience Category – Semi-Skilled Agriculture Worker with an Existing Work Permit
Manitoba PNP	21,071	livestock oilseed wheat	$554 million	Skilled Worker Overseas Stream – Human Capital Pathway
New Brunswick PNP	3,034	potato dairy poultry & eggs fruit & vegetables	$61 million	Skilled Worker Overseas Stream – Human Capital Pathway

Applying for permanent residence through a PNP is particularly beneficial as many of these PNPs also have Express Entry streams, which help to fast track the immigration process. Although the Express Entry System is a point-based system ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) where applicants are scored according to factors such as their age, work experience and qualifications, those who do not qualify for the minimum CRS score may be able to receive a provincial nomination if the province selects them from the Express Entry pool. Provinces are allowed to do this if the applicant’s occupation is in demand in the region.

Receiving a provincial nominee also carries with it an extra 600 points to add to their CRS score, which basically guarantees receiving an ITA.

This is why it is essential to express your interest in a particular province as it increases your chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Temporary Farmwork

For those looking for temporary farm work, Canada has a Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). This program is geared towards citizens of Mexico and the Caribbean, who are able to nominate temporary foreign workers (TFWs) with farming experience. Participating countries include:

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• Mexico
• Montserrat
• St. Kitts-Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Other popular temporary work visa solutions include the working holiday visa. This option is a great way for travellers to visit Canada and want to fund their holiday

How We Can Help

Want to immigrate to Canada as a farmworker? The process can be both complex and confusing. But by using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only optimize your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will receive expert immigration advice on which program category or stream is best for your personal needs. Our RCICs are registered with the ICCRC and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf. Don’t risk your chances of living your Canadian dream. Let us make sure that all forms are completed correctly and sent in on time.

Put your green thumb to good use and join one of the world’s most innovative agricultural sectors. Simply contact us today. Immigrating to Canada has never been so simple.