If you are seeking how to find agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant, navigating the job market can be both exciting and challenging. With its vast expanses of farmland and diverse agricultural activities, Canada offers vast employment prospects for those with skills and passion in farming, livestock management, food processing, and related fields. However, understanding the pathways to secure agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant requires insight into the various avenues available, from temporary work programs to permanent residency pathways. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies and immigration pathways that immigrants can leverage to find rewarding opportunities in Canada’s dynamic agriculture industry.
In-Demand Agriculture Jobs in Canada for Immigrants
Butchers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)
Butchers in retail and wholesale settings are responsible for preparing, cutting, and packaging meat for sale. In retail, they often work in grocery stores or butcher shops, interacting with customers, offering advice on meat cuts, and ensuring meat products are properly displayed. In wholesale, they process large quantities of meat for distribution to retailers, restaurants, or other businesses.
Livestock Labourers (NOC 85100)
These farmhand jobs Canada assist with the day-to-day care of animals on farms. They may be responsible for feeding, cleaning, and maintaining animal enclosures, as well as assisting with animal breeding and health care. These workers play a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of livestock and ensuring a steady supply of animal-based products.
Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 65202)
These workers specialise in cutting, trimming, and preparing meat and fish for sale in retail and wholesale environments. Meat cutters typically focus on processing and portioning meat, while fishmongers handle fish and seafood products. They may also be responsible for maintaining cleanliness and safety standards and advising customers on cooking and storage. If you are seeking how to find agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant, you may want to consider this occupation.
Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers, and Related Workers (NOC 94141)
Industrial butchers and meat cutters operate in large-scale meat processing facilities. They are responsible for breaking down carcasses, cutting meat into specific portions, and preparing products for further processing or packaging. Poultry preparers focus specifically on processing poultry products and handling tasks like cleaning, deboning, and packaging. These workers play a key role in the large-scale production and distribution of meat and poultry products.
Specialised Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators (NOC 84120)
Specialised livestock workers focus on raising, breeding, and caring for animals like cattle, pigs, or poultry. They handle feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, and other tasks related to animal husbandry. Farm machinery operators operate heavy equipment such as tractors, combines, and other machinery used for planting, harvesting, and other agricultural tasks.
Harvesting Labourers (NOC 85101)
Harvesting labourers focus on the collection and harvesting of crops. They may work in fields or orchards, picking fruits and vegetables, and preparing them for further processing or sale. These workers are essential during peak harvesting seasons and often perform physically demanding tasks.
Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 95106)
These labourers work in food and beverage processing facilities, assisting in the production and packaging of food products. They may perform tasks like mixing ingredients, operating machinery, inspecting products, and maintaining cleanliness in processing areas. They contribute to the production of a wide range of food and beverage products. If you like processing beverages, this may be how to find agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant.
Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing (NOC 95107)
Labourers in this category work in facilities where fish and seafood are processed for consumption. They are responsible for cleaning, sorting, filleting, packaging, and preparing seafood products. This role involves following safety regulations and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and quality.
Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
Fish and seafood plant workers process fish and seafood products in industrial settings. They may clean, fillet, debone, package, and prepare fish and seafood for distribution. These workers often operate machinery and must adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards.
Nursery and Greenhouse Labourers (NOC 85103)
Nursery and greenhouse labourers work in environments where plants are grown for sale or use in agriculture. They are responsible for planting, watering, pruning, and caring for plants and may also handle tasks like transplanting, weeding, and maintaining greenhouse equipment. These workers play a key role in supporting plant production.
Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030)
These professionals oversee and manage various agricultural operations. Agricultural service contractors provide specialised services to farms, such as planting, harvesting, pest control, and equipment maintenance. Farm supervisors oversee day-to-day farm activities, manage farm workers, coordinate tasks, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
How to Find Agriculture Jobs in Canada as an Immigrant
Utilise Job Search Websites
Explore job search websites and online platforms dedicated to agriculture and farming jobs. Websites like Indeed, Workopolis, and LinkedIn often list agriculture-related positions. Specialised platforms like “AgCareers” focus specifically on agriculture jobs.
Engage with Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies specialising in agriculture and farming can connect immigrants with employers in this sector. These agencies often have relationships with agricultural businesses and can provide guidance on available roles.
Network within the Agricultural Community
Networking can be a powerful tool. Engage with people working in agriculture, join relevant associations, and attend industry events, conferences, or workshops. Networking helps build relationships and learn about job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Participate in Agricultural Training Programs
Some programs offer training and certification for agricultural jobs. These programs are opportunities for working on a farm in Canada as a newcomer to enhance your skills. They often include job placement assistance. Examples include the Ontario Farm Worker Training Program and similar initiatives in other provinces.
Leverage Government Resources
Explore government resources designed to help newcomers find employment. The Canadian government’s Job Bank website has a dedicated section for agriculture jobs. Additionally, newcomer settlement agencies often offer employment services and can guide immigrants toward job opportunities in agriculture.
Connect with Local Agricultural Cooperatives and Associations
Agricultural cooperatives and associations often have information on job openings in their respective regions. Connecting with these organisations can help immigrants access job postings and learn more about the agricultural community.
Consider Seasonal Work Programs
This is one of the strategic tips on how to find agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant. Canada has seasonal agricultural worker programs, particularly for seasonal harvesting and planting jobs. These programs can be a gateway for immigrants to gain experience in agriculture and connect with employers.
Seek Opportunities in Rural Areas
Agricultural jobs are more abundant in rural areas, where farming and agriculture are primary economic activities. Immigrants may find more opportunities by targeting rural regions and exploring smaller towns or communities.
Tailor Resumes and Cover Letters for Agricultural Jobs
Customise resumes and cover letters to highlight relevant skills and experiences for agricultural roles. Emphasise any prior experience in farming, gardening, machinery operation, or animal care, as these skills are valued in agriculture.
Immigration Pathways to Become an Agriculture Worker in Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour shortages when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available. Employers must however obtain a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the need for foreign workers and their inability to find Canadian workers. Agricultural workers are often hired through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or the Agricultural Stream. These streams allow employers to hire temporary foreign workers for up to 24 months.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
SAWP is a stream under the TFWP specifically designed for hiring seasonal agricultural workers from certain countries. Participating employers in agriculture can hire workers from Mexico and some Caribbean countries for seasonal agricultural jobs, primarily in planting and harvesting crops.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many Canadian provinces and territories have PNPs that allow them to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their skills and labour market needs. Some provinces have specific streams or pilot programs targeting agricultural workers. For example, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Agriculture Pilot or the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Farm Investor Pathway.
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is one of the general ways on how to find agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant. It manages applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Individuals with work experience in agriculture may be eligible to apply under one of these programs. However, they must meet the eligibility criteria and score sufficient points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
The RNIP is a community-driven immigration program that aims to attract and retain skilled foreign workers to rural and northern communities in Canada. Some communities participating in the RNIP may have job opportunities in agriculture. Also, individuals with relevant skills and job offers from participating employers may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through this program.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
The AIP is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador). It aims to attract skilled immigrants and international graduates to fill labour market gaps in the region. Certain employers in the Atlantic provinces may offer job opportunities in the agricultural sector, and eligible candidates with job offers can apply for permanent residence through this pilot program.
Agri-Food Pilot Program
The Agri-Food Pilot aims to attract and retain skilled workers in specific agri-food occupations that are experiencing labour shortages in Canada. It allows eligible candidates with job offers in the agri-food sector to apply for permanent residence. However, they must meet the program’s criteria. The pilot focuses on specific occupations within the agri-food sector, including meat processing, greenhouse crop production, mushroom production, and livestock raising. Still, eligible occupations may vary depending on the province or territory where the job offer is located.
How Much Do Agriculture Workers in Canada Earn?
The average salary for most primary agricultural labor in Canada ranges from $16 to $18 per hour. However, specialist workers, farm machinery operators and industrial butchers may earn a median income of $20 to $23 per hour, with hourly wages being as high as $34. Also, agricultural managers may earn a median wage of $24.48 with salaries up to $37.50.
Basically, the exact salary can vary depending on factors like:
- Level of experience and education
- Type of agricultural work (e.g. livestock, crops, machinery operation)
- Geographic location within Canada
- Size and type of employer (e.g. farm, ranch, nursery, processing plant)
Conclusively
Canada’s agriculture sector presents promising prospects for immigrants seeking employment opportunities and a pathway to contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth. This article has discussed important steps on how to find agriculture jobs in Canada as an immigrant. By tapping into temporary work programs, exploring provincial nominee programs, utilising online job resources, networking within the agricultural community, and enhancing relevant skills and qualifications, you can position yourself for success in securing agriculture jobs in Canada.
