Farm Jobs
How to Get a Seasonal Work Permit in Canada as a Farm Worker: Step-by-Step Guide
Canada’s agricultural sector is always in need of farm workers, and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) makes it easier for foreign workers to apply. If you’re interested in working on a farm in Canada, this guide will help you understand the process.
What is the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)?
The SAWP allows foreign farm workers to work temporarily in Canada, mainly in harvesting, planting, and other farm-related jobs. Workers from participating countries in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean can apply.
What is the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)?
The SAWP allows foreign farm workers to work temporarily in Canada, mainly in harvesting, planting, and other farm-related jobs. Workers from participating countries in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean can apply.
Step 1: Find a Farm Employer in Canada
To qualify for a seasonal work permit, you must have a job offer from a Canadian farm that participates in the SAWP or other agricultural hiring programs. The employer must also obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove they need foreign workers.
✅ Where to Find Farm Jobs?
- Government Job Portal – www.jobbank.gc.ca
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
- Migrant Worker Agencies (in your country)
- Canadian Farm Associations
- Recruitment Agencies for Foreign Workers
Step 2: Check if You’re Eligible
Before applying, make sure you meet these requirements:
✔ Job offer from a Canadian farm
✔ No prior criminal record
✔ Good health (some jobs may require a medical exam)
✔ Commitment to returning home after the contract ends
✔ Must be from a country eligible for SAWP
🔹 Countries Eligible for SAWP
Workers from these countries can apply under SAWP:
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇯🇲 Jamaica
🇵🇭 Philippines
🇮🇳 India
🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda, and more.
Check with your local embassy to confirm eligibility.
Step 3: Apply for a Seasonal Work Permit
Once your employer gets an LMIA approval, you can apply for a Temporary Work Permit through:
🔹 Online Application – via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
🔹 Paper Application – through the Canadian Visa Office in your country
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
📌 Job offer letter from the farm employer
📌 LMIA document (provided by employer)
📌 Valid passport
📌 Medical examination results (if required)
📌 Proof of ties to home country (to show you will return after the job)
Step 5: Pay the Work Permit Fees
💰 Work permit fee: $155 CAD
💰 Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if required)
Fees may vary by country. Always check the latest on the IRCC website.
Step 6: Attend Visa Interview (if required)
In some cases, the Canadian visa office may ask you to attend an interview or provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos). Be prepared to explain:
- Your job role in Canada
- Your plans after the contract ends
- Your work experience (if applicable)
Step 7: Wait for Approval & Travel to Canada
✔ If your application is approved, you’ll receive:
- A Temporary Work Permit (valid for the specific farm job)
- Travel instructions for entering Canada
📅 Processing Time: Typically 1 to 3 months, depending on your country.
✈ Once approved, you can travel to Canada and start working!
Can I Extend My Seasonal Work Permit?
Yes! If your employer still needs you, they can apply for an extension before your current permit expires. However, seasonal work permits are usually valid for up to 8 months per year.
Step 3: Apply for a Seasonal Work Permit
Once your employer gets an LMIA approval, you can apply for a Temporary Work Permit through:
🔹 Online Application – via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
🔹 Paper Application – through the Canadian Visa Office in your country
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
📌 Job offer letter from the farm employer
📌 LMIA document (provided by employer)
📌 Valid passport
📌 Medical examination results (if required)
📌 Proof of ties to home country (to show you will return after the job)
Step 5: Pay the Work Permit Fees
💰 Work permit fee: $155 CAD
💰 Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if required)
Fees may vary by country. Always check the latest on the IRCC website.
Step 6: Attend Visa Interview (if required)
In some cases, the Canadian visa office may ask you to attend an interview or provide biometric data (fingerprints and photos). Be prepared to explain:
- Your job role in Canada
- Your plans after the contract ends
- Your work experience (if applicable)
Step 7: Wait for Approval & Travel to Canada
✔ If your application is approved, you’ll receive:
- A Temporary Work Permit (valid for the specific farm job)
- Travel instructions for entering Canada
📅 Processing Time: Typically 1 to 3 months, depending on your country.
✈ Once approved, you can travel to Canada and start working!
Can I Extend My Seasonal Work Permit?
Yes! If your employer still needs you, they can apply for an extension before your current permit expires. However, seasonal work permits are usually valid for up to 8 months per year.
