Travel Abroad Aide
Are you looking for a farming job abroad? Canada is one of the best countries to find one. Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of size but has a small population of just about 38 million people. Canada’s vast landscape with a smaller population makes the country perfect for agricultural businesses to grow. Agriculture is Canada’s largest sector and the most popular and high-demand jobs in Canada. Unfortunately, many Canadians do not want to work on farms. Canadian farms are in dire need of more workers. To solve this issue of labor shortages, the Canadian government has made it easier for farm owners to bring in foreign workers with Visa sponsorships.
The agricultural industry is facing ongoing difficulties with attracting and retaining Canadians. Some of the main reasons include seasonality and the rural locations of most farms. Agriculture requires an adequate workforce to keep operations going. Canadian farmers use the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program or the Temporary Foreign Worker program to get the workers they need for their businesses.
The temporary Foreign Worker Program gives Canadian employers the option to temporarily hire foreign nationals to address labor shortages. This explains why this sector has a high visa ratio and requires foreign workers. This sector brings in over 60,000 foreign workers each year to help run their farms. Despite this large number of foreign workers, agriculture still has the highest job vacancy rate of any sector.
According to talent.com, the average salary for general farm workers in Canada $16.50 per hour or is $32,175 per year. Most experienced workers make up to $58,500 per year. The temporary foreign worker program regulations allow the work permit holder to bring their immediate relatives and dependents into the country. You can also apply for an extension of your work permit.
What are the different types of farm work in Canada?
Some of the farm worker positions you can apply to and move to Canada are:
General farm workers
Poultry Farm Worker
Dairy Farm Workers
Cattle ranch laborer
Vegetable farm worker
Farm Manager
Grain Farm Worker
Farm Machinery Operator
What Do Farm Workers Do?
In most cases, no degree, certificate, or diploma is required as some employers train workers. However, some workers are required to have hands-on experience operating a forklift, tractors, and inventory management experience. Your tasks would depend on the type of farm work. Some of the duties of farm workers are:
Planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops such as potatoes, rice, corn, peanuts, soybeans, and many more.
Other tasks include:
Fruit picking, fruit packing, vegetable picking,
Use tools to prepare fields, plant crops or feed animals.
Organize and monitor farm activities.
Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment.
Operate and maintain poultry-related machinery and equipment.
Clean and disinfect the work site.
Detect disease and health problems in crops livestock and poultry.
Develop and keep production records.
Fertilize and spray crops.
Load and unload supplies and farm produce.
Benefits
Some of the benefits Employers must provide temporary foreign workers in this sector are:
Relocation expenses
medical insurance
Housing
Day-to-day transportation from the housing location to the work location.
Health and Workplace Safety and on-site recreation and activities.
Pathways to Permanent Residency for Temporary Foreign Workers
Foreign farmers are the backbone of the agricultural industry in Canada. They represent about 43% of all temporary foreign workers employed in agriculture. Farm workers can obtain a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker program. This gives them the right to work legally in Canada. Upon gaining a certain amount of Canadian Work Experience, they can explore the following options and apply for Permanent Residency.
Express Entry System
The express entry program is the fastest pathway to permanent residency. Candidates who are eligible for Express Entry can create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
Most workers in the agricultural sector are seasonal workers. The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot aims to increase the advantages of economic immigration to the agri-food sector by experimenting with a new pathway to permanent residence. This pilot program will try to draw in experienced, non-seasonal workers who can establish themselves economically in Canada.
The Atlantic Immigration Program
Qualified foreign workers who want to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador can apply for the Atlantic Immigration Program which is a pathway to permanent residence.
How to find Farm Worker Jobs in Canada
There are many ways to find agricultural jobs in Canada.
One way to find agriculture jobs in Canada is through Google search. There are many job websites in Canada that you can explore. Some of the websites are:
1. Indeed
There are a lot of available farm worker job openings on Indeed. There is a need for Forest Nursery Workers, tree farm workers, and Farm Workers. The salary for farm work here is between $20–$25 an hour and it is a Full-time position. Explore the different options and apply. Go through the job description and read it thoroughly before you apply.
2. Job Bank
Another website you can explore and apply for your farm job is Canada Job Bank. Search for jobs accepting applications from abroad. That is candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.
3. LinkedIn
Go to LinkedIn, type farm work, select Canada, and search. Explore farm job availability in Canada and apply.
4. Workopolis.com
Search for farm work on this site and apply. You can apply for as many jobs as you can, to boost your chances of selection. Another way to get farm work is to speak with people who work in agriculture. They can recommend you to their employers. Please remember to create a Canadian-styled resume with a cover letter.