Canada Seasonal Jobs: Canada offers many seasonal job opportunities in agriculture and the food industry, especially for international workers seeking temporary work with legal visa options. These jobs are ideal for people who want to earn money, gain work experience, and work in Canada for a defined period.
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This guide explains seasonal jobs in Canada’s agriculture and food sector, how to apply, visa options, wages, eligibility, and tips to succeed.
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Table of Contents
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What Are Seasonal Jobs in Canada?
Seasonal jobs are temporary work opportunities that last for a few months — usually tied to:
Harvest seasons
Planting or field preparation
Packing and processing of food products
These roles are critical in Canada because they support the agriculture economy and food supply chain.
Why Canada Hires Seasonal Workers
Canada relies on foreign seasonal workers due to:
High demand during planting and harvest
Local labour shortages
Tight timelines for crops and produce
Growth in food processing facilities
Foreign seasonal workers help complete important tasks on time so Canada can meet production goals.
Popular Seasonal Jobs in Agriculture & Food Industry
1. Farm Harvest Worker
Picking fruits and vegetables
Sorting produce
Loading crops
2. Greenhouse Worker
Planting seeds and seedlings
Irrigating plants
Maintaining greenhouse conditions
3. Livestock Assistant
Feeding animals
Cleaning barns
Monitoring animal health
4. Food Processing Worker
Cutting, sorting, and packing meat or produce
Operating food processing equipment
Quality control
5. Packing and Sorting Worker
Preparing harvest for shipment
Labeling and organizing products
Warehouse support
Most of these jobs do not require a degree or advanced skills — employers provide training.
Visa Options for Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
The main program for seasonal agriculture workers.
Features:
Allows foreign workers to come for up to 6–8 months
Employer arranges job and visa
Work is tied to agricultural peak seasons
Government-approved program
This is the easiest and most common route for seasonal farm work.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Some seasonal roles fall under the broader Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Process:
Employer applies for LMIA
Job offer supports work permit
This is more common for food processing and packaging roles.
Eligibility Requirements
To work in seasonal agriculture or food industry jobs, typical requirements include:
Valid passport
Basic communication in English or French
Ability to do physical labour
Willingness to follow workplace safety rules
Clean police record (depending on job)
No university degree is needed. Physical fitness, reliability, and willingness to work are important.
Wages and Working Conditions
Seasonal job pay varies by province and role:
Average pay: CAD $15 – $20 per hour
Overtime pay during peak times
Full-time seasonal work (6–8 months)
Sometimes employers provide shared accommodation
Work can be physically demanding, but wages and experience make it worthwhile.
How to Apply for Seasonal Jobs in Canada
Step-by-Step Process
Find seasonal agriculture jobs through official programs
Prepare a simple Canada-style resume
Apply through employer or program channels
Attend interviews (if required)
Employer arranges visa sponsorship
Apply for work permit through SAWP or TFWP
Travel to Canada once approved
Always verify the employer or program for authenticity.
Important Tips for Success
Start searching early before peak season
Improve basic English for communication
Be ready for manual and outdoor work
Avoid job offers that ask for money upfront
Know your rights at work (wages, hours, breaks)
Final Words
Canada seasonal jobs in agriculture and the food industry are real opportunities for international workers, especially through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and LMIA-based seasonal roles. These jobs allow you to work legally in Canada, earn good wages, and gain valuable experience — even without a degree.
Disclaimer
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only.
Any discussion of visa categories is based on general immigration laws and publicly available information.
