Farm Worker Jobs in British Columbia, Canada with Visa Sponsorship – Earn $20 per Hour
With its breathtaking landscapes and thriving agriculture industry, British Columbia (BC) is a major hub for farm worker opportunities in Canada. The increasing demand for agricultural labor has led many BC farms to offer competitive wages, averaging around $20 per hour, and visa sponsorships for qualified international workers.
Types of Farm Worker Jobs in British Columbia
Due to BC’s diverse agricultural sector, farm worker roles vary by season and crop type. Here are some common farm roles available across the province:
1. Fruit Picker
- Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
- Description: Fruit pickers harvest fruits like apples, cherries, and berries. The role generally involves working outdoors in fields and orchards during peak harvest times, with tasks that require manual labor, precision, and attention to quality.
- Visa Sponsorship: Commonly available for seasonal roles
- Farm Regions: Okanagan Valley, Kelowna, and Penticton
2. Vegetable Harvester
- Pay Rate: $17 – $20 per hour
- Description: Vegetable harvesters work to gather crops such as potatoes, carrots, and lettuce. This role involves physical labor and resilience to work in diverse weather conditions.
- Visa Sponsorship: Frequently offered by larger vegetable farms
- Farm Regions: Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack
3. Farm Equipment Operator
- Pay Rate: $20 – $23 per hour
- Description: Equipment operators are responsible for using machinery like tractors, plows, and harvesters to aid in planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops. A valid driver’s license and prior experience operating farm machinery are often required.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for experienced operators
- Farm Regions: Langley, Fort St. John, and Vernon
4. Greenhouse Worker
- Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
- Description: Greenhouse workers care for plants in controlled environments, helping with planting, pruning, and harvesting to ensure optimal growth.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for positions in large greenhouses
- Farm Regions: Delta, Richmond, and Vancouver Island
5. General Farm Laborer
- Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
- Description: General laborers assist with planting, watering, equipment maintenance, and barn cleaning. This all-around role is ideal for entry-level workers seeking consistent work.
- Visa Sponsorship: Common for farms needing year-round help
- Farm Regions: Prince George, Kamloops, and Nanaimo
Duties and Responsibilities of Farm Workers in BC
Farm work in BC involves various responsibilities, which can differ depending on the farm type, crop, and season. Here are some common duties:
- Planting Crops: Supporting the seeding of fields and greenhouses to maintain productivity.
- Harvesting: Picking, sorting, and packing produce according to farm standards and schedules.
- Operating Machinery: Utilizing tractors and other machinery for efficient planting, maintenance, and harvesting.
- Fertilizing and Irrigating: Ensuring optimal growth through fertilization and irrigation.
- Pest Control: Managing pests and diseases with necessary measures, such as pesticides, to protect crop health.
- General Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment, cleaning barns, and keeping tools in good working condition.
Visa Sponsorship Options for Farm Workers
Several Canadian visa programs facilitate foreign agricultural work, each suited to different job requirements:
1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
- Eligibility: This program supports temporary foreign workers from countries such as Mexico and several Caribbean nations to address labor shortages in Canada’s agricultural sector.
- Duration: Typically valid for up to 8 months, with possible renewal.
- Visa Sponsorship: Common for seasonal farm work during peak harvest seasons.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Eligibility: Canadian employers use this program to hire foreign workers when no local labor is available. TFWP supports year-round agricultural work, including greenhouse roles and general farm labor.
- Visa Sponsorship: Often provided for year-round positions.
3. Agricultural Stream (TFWP Subset)
- Eligibility: Specific to agriculture, this stream under the TFWP covers roles like fruit picking and crop maintenance.
- Duration: The visa may last up to 2 years, depending on employer needs.
- Visa Sponsorship: Frequently used by large Canadian farms for longer employment terms.
4. Express Entry Program (Agricultural Work Experience)
- Eligibility: Although designed for skilled labor, candidates with substantial farm experience may qualify for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker program.
- Visa Sponsorship: Limited but available for highly experienced candidates who meet Express Entry criteria.
Latest Job Openings for Farm Workers in British Columbia with Visa Sponsorship
Below are recent job listings for farm workers in BC that include visa sponsorship opportunities:
- Fruit Picker at Okanagan Valley Orchards
- Location: Kelowna, BC
- Pay Rate: $20/hour
- Description: Responsible for picking apples and cherries. Visa sponsorship is available for experienced pickers.
- Greenhouse Worker at Woodmore Nurseries Inc.
- Location: Delta, BC
- Pay Rate: $19/hour
- Description: Working in a greenhouse to produce tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Visa sponsorship is provided for seasonal workers.
- Farm Equipment Operator at Fraser Valley Farms
- Location: Abbotsford, BC
- Pay Rate: $21/hour
- Description: Operate tractors and machinery for vegetable farming. Visa sponsorship is offered for international candidates.
- General Farm Laborer at Island Farms
- Location: Vancouver Island, BC
- Pay Rate: $18/hour
- Description: Duties include planting, irrigation, and farm maintenance. Visa sponsorship available for year-round roles.
- Vegetable Harvester at Chilliwack Fields
- Location: Chilliwack, BC
- Pay Rate: $19/hour
- Description: Harvests root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Seasonal sponsorship is available for foreign applicants.
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