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NOC 85100TEER 5Agriculture
Farm Worker (General) Immigration to Canada
Complete pathway guide for farm worker (general)s moving to Canada. Explore Express Entry, provincial programs, requirements, and job prospects.
NOC Code
85100
TEER Category
TEER 5
Median Salary
$32,000
Very High Demand
Overview
Farm Worker (General) Pathway to Canada
Farm workers are critically needed across Canadian agriculture for crop production, harvesting, and livestock care. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) provides dedicated pathway.
Agri-Food Pilot offers permanent residence pathway for farm workers with Canadian experience. Lower education and language requirements than other occupations.
Willingness for physical outdoor work and rural living essential. Year-round positions available in greenhouse and livestock operations.
Expert Immigration Support
Get personalized guidance from RCIC-licensed consultants specializing in agriculture worker immigration.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreLearn About Express EntryRCIC License: R515110
Immigration Pathways
Eligible Programs for Farm Worker (General)s
Multiple pathways available depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Dedicated PR pathway for farm workers with 12+ months Canadian agricultural experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
Agricultural provinces have streams for farm workers with job offers.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program
Temporary work permits for seasonal agricultural workers (Mexico, Caribbean).
Requirements
What You Need to Qualify
Key requirements for farm worker (general) immigration to Canada.
Education
High school education minimum. Agricultural training beneficial but not required.
Experience
Previous farm work experience preferred. Agri-Food Pilot requires 12 months Canadian experience.
Language
CLB 4 minimum for Agri-Food Pilot (IELTS 4.0). Lower than most other occupations.
Licensing
No licensing. Equipment operation licenses (tractor) may be required for some roles.
Express Entry
Express Entry for Farm Worker (General)s
Farm workers use Agri-Food Pilot, not Express Entry. Pathway through Canadian agricultural experience.
Typical CRS Range
N/A
Processing Time
6 months
Employment Outlook
Job Market & Settlement
What to expect when you arrive in Canada as a farm worker (general).
Time to Employment
1-2 months
Average time to secure first job in Canada
Top Cities for Farm Worker (General)s:
Rural OntarioFraser Valley BCQuebec ruralSouthern AlbertaManitoba rural
Job Search Tips
Contact farms directly during planting/harvest seasons. Use agricultural employment agencies. Consider greenhouse work - year-round. SAWP provides pathway to Agri-Food Pilot. Network through farming communities. Housing often provided.
Top Employer Types
Fruit and vegetable farms
Greenhouses
Dairy farms
Poultry operations
Nurseries
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about farm worker (general) immigration to Canada
Can farm workers get permanent residence in Canada?
Yes, through Agri-Food Immigration Pilot. Requires 12 months (1560 hours) Canadian agricultural work experience and job offer. CLB 4 English minimum. Lower requirements than Express Entry. Excellent pathway for agricultural workers.
Is SAWP pathway to permanent residence?
SAWP is temporary but provides Canadian experience for Agri-Food Pilot. After 12 months cumulative SAWP work (can be over multiple seasons), can apply for PR through Agri-Food Pilot with employer support. Many SAWP workers transition to PR.
What is working condition for farm workers in Canada?
Physical outdoor work in all weather. Long hours during planting/harvest (10-12 hour days). Housing often provided by employer. Protected by employment standards. Minimum wage or piece-rate pay. Hard work but stable immigration pathway.
What is salary for farm workers in Canada?
Seasonal: $15-18/hour (minimum wage). Year-round: $30-38K annually. Greenhouse: $16-20/hour. Livestock: $17-22/hour. Overtime common during busy seasons. Housing often provided (deducted from pay). Lower salary but affordable rural living.
Can family come with farm worker?
SAWP workers typically work alone. Agri-Food Pilot PR applicants can include spouse and children. Spouse gets open work permit. Children can attend school. Once PR obtained, full family reunification possible.
Ready to Immigrate as a Farm Worker (General)?
Our RCIC-licensed consultants specialize in agriculture worker immigration. Book a consultation to discuss your pathway to Canadian permanent residence.