Picking fruit in Canada is a good way for people from other countries who have working holiday visas to make money and gain important experience. Getting into Canada and working in farming has become simpler for foreign workers due to visa support

Canada’s Fruit Picking Job Market in March 2024: $14 Hourly for Foreign Workers

A popular seasonal job in the country is fruit harvesting, providing a great opportunity to travel and gain valuable work experience. The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, and the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia are highly desired regions in Canada for fruit-picking jobs.

Different seasons bring variations in the fruits available for harvesting such as apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, plums, raspberries, grapes, and cherries.

While some companies provide year-round jobs, the majority of fruit-picking roles in Canada are seasonal, typically lasting two to three months. To be eligible for a fruit-picking job, you need to be physically fit and capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions.

While some farms operate later in the day, the majority are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with breaks during the day. Fruit picking offers a great chance to earn money and explore the country, whether you’re seeking a summer job or considering a long-term career.

Seasonal Employment: Fruit collection during peak harvest seasons often provides short-term job opportunities, which can be advantageous for foreign workers seeking part-time work or extra income during specific times of the year.

Competitive Wages: Many fruit-picking jobs offer competitive pay rates, often based on hourly wages or piecework. Meeting or surpassing productivity targets can offer workers a reliable source of income.

Opportunities for Overtime Pay: During busy harvest periods, fruit-picking roles may offer overtime pay opportunities, allowing workers to increase their earnings by working additional hours.

Outdoor Work Environment: Fruit harvesting typically takes place in fields or orchards, providing workers with the opportunity to work outdoors and enjoy fresh air and natural surroundings.

Physical Activity: Harvesting fruit involves physical tasks like bending, reaching, and lifting, offering workers a chance to engage in physical labor and improve their overall health and fitness.

Skill Development: Fruit-picking jobs require the development of skills such as accuracy, teamwork, and time management. Employees can also enhance skills like hand-eye coordination while performing their duties.

Cultural Exchange: Fruit-picking roles attract workers from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering interactions and cultural exchange among individuals from different countries and cultures.

READ ALSO: Ongoing Canada Government Jobs for immigrants 2024

Additional Benefits:

Transportation and Housing: Some fruit harvesting companies offer housing and transportation assistance to their workers, making it easier for foreign workers to find employment opportunities in rural areas where farms and orchards are located.

Travel Opportunities: Working in fruit picking allows foreign workers to explore various regions of Canada, experiencing different climates, cultures, and landscapes.

Pathways to Permanent Residency: Fruit-picking jobs may provide foreign workers with opportunities to qualify for permanent residency in Canada through programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), enabling them to pursue long-term immigration goals

Available Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreign Workers

Fruit-picking opportunities are abundant across Canada and can vary from seasonal to year-round positions. Many companies are willing to sponsor visas for foreign workers who meet the necessary skills and experience criteria.

• Apple Picking – Location: British Columbia – The Okanagan Valley
• Strawberry Picking – Location: Ontario – Niagara Region
• Blueberry Picking – Location: Alberta – Peace Country
• Cherry Picking – Location: British Columbia – Fraser Valley
• Peach Picking – Location: Alberta – Edmonton Area
• Grape Picking – Location: Ontario – Niagara Region
• Pear Picking – Location: British Columbia – Okanagan Valley
• Raspberry Picking – Location: Quebec – Monteregie Region
• Plum Picking – Location: Nova Scotia – Annapolis Valley
• Apricot Picking – Location: British Columbia – Okanagan Valley

Obtaining a Visa for Fruit Picking in Canada

Canada boasts some of the most diverse and productive agricultural regions globally within its vast territory. Foreign workers have several avenues to secure employment in the fruit-picking industry. The highlight? Prospective seasonal workers in Canada can apply for visas sponsored by numerous seasonal fruit-picking companies.

Available Canadian Visas to Explore

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
   • Designed for foreign nationals employed temporarily in Canada, including fruit picking.
2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP):
   • Valid for six months or less, ideal for foreign workers in seasonal agricultural roles like fruit picking.
3. Working Holiday Visa:
   • For individuals aged 18-35 who wish to travel and work in Canada, allowing employment in seasonal agriculture such as fruit picking for up to one year.
4. International Experience Canada:
   • Allows young individuals aged 18-35 to work and travel in Canada for up to two years, including seasonal agricultural jobs like fruit harvesting.

READ ALSO: 10 Best Unskilled Jobs in Canada With Free Visa Sponsorship 2024

Requirements for Securing a Visa

To benefit from fruit-picking employment in Canada with visa sponsorship, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Age requirement of at least eighteen.
• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the planned departure date.
• Valid work permit or visa, such as a temporary foreign worker visa.
• Legitimate employment offer from a Canadian company, detailing working conditions and compensation.
• Demonstrated qualifications and experience for the job.
• Proof of financial capability to sustain oneself in Canada.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Clean criminal record.

Meeting these requirements and securing a legitimate employment offer from a Canadian employer can simplify the visa application process.

Working Conditions in Canadian Fruit Picking Jobs

Canadian fruit pickers generally enjoy favorable working conditions, including provided housing and food, pleasant labor, and adequate pay.

Fruit harvesting in Canada offers a promising option for international workers seeking employment opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for individuals who wish to pick fruit in Canada?

Yes, individuals must be at least 18 years old to work as fruit pickers in Canada.

What is the average salary for a fruit picker in Canada?

The average annual salary for a fruit picker in Canada is approximately $28,061, which equates to around $14.39 per hour.

How does one apply for fruit picking jobs in Canada?

To work in Canada as a fruit picker from another country, securing a work permit is essential. The application process for a work visa can be complex, so it’s important to understand all the necessary steps before applying. For assistance with the visa application process, consulting an immigration specialist is recommended.

For the latest information on work permits, visa application processes, pathways to permanent residency, and visa-sponsored employment opportunities, stay updated with EduJob