Job Opportunities for Fruit Pickers in Canada

Learn about the robust fruit picker jobs in Canada. Understand all the visa types, benefits, requirements and how to apply.

The country of Canada opens up its gate to a number of seasonal fruit picker workers, while on the other hand, a number of  employers provide support with LMIA and even visa sponsorship to the international employee. Here’s everything you need to know.

Various sectors in agriculture in Canada rely on seasonal workers, especially fruitpicking. International workers are welcomed to help fill labor shortages during peak harvest seasons. Yes, these opportunities are available to international workers with LMIA and visa sponsorship.

Types of Jobs Available:

Picking fruits in Canada involves gathering fruits like apples, cherries, grapes, and berries. The farmworkers take part in sorting, packing, and readying the produce for the markets. Most of them are seasonal and can take anytime between three to six months depending on the region and type of fruit.

Highdemand regions:

Several regions in Canada continually need fruit pickers, particularly at the peak harvest times of the year:

British Columbia: Wellnoted to contain massive orchards, and the fact that apple, cherry, and grape harvesting takes place in places like the Okanagan Valley.

Ontario: Apple and berry picking are common, particularly in southern parts like Niagara.

Quebec: Ranks among the top producers of fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

Nova Scotia: Its Apple and Blueberry farms normally offer summer and fall seasonal jobs.

Salaries of Fruit Pickers in Canada

1. Pay Structure:

Generally, fruit pickers in Canada are paid on an hourly basis or by piecerate pay, with gains that are determined by the quantity of fruits picked. The pay ranges between CAD 12 to CAD 16 per hour, which highly depends on the province and the type of fruit. For piecerate workers, though, pay will depend on a worker’s productivity, with some workers earning up to CAD 20 per hour during peak harvests.

2. Working Hours:

The number of working hours amongst fruit pickers will differ from one farm and one season to another. Generally speaking, most pickers work up to 810 hours daily, their shifts often starting very early in the morning so as not to work during afternoon heat. Overtime can be available during the busiest periods.

Conditions of Employment

1. Living Conditions:

Accommodation is provided on many farms in Canada for seasonal workers. These houses are usually simple but decent, shared among workers, with communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. The cost for accommodation is usually deducted from wages, while the amount is kept lowthe majority of the farms offer subsidized housing.

2. Work Environment:

Fruit picking is one of the most tiring activities, and hence, one would be required outdoors for long periods under extreme conditions of weather. Activities mainly involve bending, lifting, and repetitive jobs. Workers are expected to pack accordingly from hot summers to mildly cool autumn seasons.

LMIA and Visa Sponsorship for Fruit Picker

To bring international workers into Canada, employers must apply in advance for an LMIA. The LMIA is a confirmation of need, or that no Canadian workers are available for the position being offered. Once the LMIA is granted then employers may sponsor an international worker for a visa.

1. VISA REQUIREMENTS:

In the case of foreign workers, the employer initiates the visa application process through the approval of an LMIA. After which the workers can apply for a Temporary Work Permit under the respective program under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), amongst others. A visa is thus issued in their name, permitting them to work in Canada for a specific period.

2. Application Process:

The process is initiated by acquiring a job offer from an employer who has obtained a confirmed LMIA. Once a worker receives an offer for employment, he or she needs to apply for a work visa by submitting certain documents, which include:

• A valid passport
• A letter offering a job
• A copy of the confirmed LMIA
• Proof that one has sufficient funds to take care of himself or herself while in Canada

3. Duration and Working Conditions:

This visa is usua for the period of time that the crop is being harvested and could extend to a period of six months and is extendable upon some considerations. It is expected that workers will comply with Canadian labor laws, which require fairly remunerating and maintaining safety at work.

Government Initiatives Supporting Seasonal Workers

1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP):

The SAWP is a governmentdriven program in Canada that targets enabling agricultural employers to employ foreign workers temporarily when no Canadian is available to undertake the job. It provides for the hiring of seasonal fruit pickers and stipulates conditions for ensuring fair wages, safe work conditions, and accommodation for the workers.

2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):

It is part of a larger program under which employers can bring in international workers on a temporary basis, wherein agriculture is one of the mentioned sectors. Most fruit picking jobs could fall under TFWP because it has been considered that employers meet minimum requirements set by the government for LMIA approval.

Training and Upskilling for Fruit Pickers

1. OntheJob Training:

Most picking jobs in Canada require neither qualifications nor experience. The usual practice of employers is to provide onthejob training in picking and handling the produce without causing any damage, besides maintaining safety measures.

2. Future Season Opportunities

Many employers give returning opportunities to workers who do very well; this is one avenue for future reemployment during upcoming seasons of harvesting, as many farms give bonus incentives to returning workers.

Procedure for International Workers Seeking Fruit Picking Jobs

1. Securing a Job Offer:

Fruit picking in Canada can either be granted directly to the international workers who apply to farms themselves or through recruitment agencies specializing in agricultural placements. Employers participating in SAWP or TFWP programs can sponsor foreign workers for LMIA purposes.

2. Visa Application Process:

Once this position is offered and there is an approved LMIA, the worker can apply for a Temporary Work Visa. The supporting documents are a letter of job offer, the LMIA, and proof of financial stability. Application submission will be made possible through the GOV.CA immigration portal.

Conclusion:

Canada can provide options to international workers seeking seasonal opportunities as fruit pickers, including LMIA and visa sponsorship, with the promise of competitive wages, secure accommodations, and structured support via government initiatives like the SAWP.

 References:

1. GOV.CA: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) [GOV.CA: TFWP]

2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

4. Immigration and Visa Requirements for Foreign Workers