Farm Worker Jobs in British Columbia, Canada with Visa Sponsorships – Earn $20 per Hour

British Columbia (BC) is known for its stunning landscapes and thriving agriculture industry and offers numerous opportunities for farm workers.

As the demand for agricultural labor increases, many farms in the region are offering competitive pay of around $20 per hour, with visa sponsorships available for international workers.

Types of Farm Worker Jobs in British Columbia

British Columbia’s diverse agriculture sector means there are a variety of farm worker roles available, depending on the season and the type of crops. Below are some of the most common positions you can apply for:

1. Fruit Picker
   • Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
   • Description: Fruit pickers harvest fruits such as apples, cherries, and berries. This job often requires working in fields and orchards during peak harvest seasons.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Available for seasonal work
   • Farm Regions: Okanagan Valley, Kelowna, and Penticton
2. Vegetable Harvester
   • Pay Rate: $17 – $20 per hour
   • Description: Vegetable harvesters gather crops such as potatoes, carrots, and lettuce. This role requires physical labor and the ability to work in different weather conditions.
   • Visa Sponsorship: 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 use tractors, plows, and other machinery to plant, maintain, and harvest crops. A valid driver’s license and experience in operating farm equipment are typically 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 tend to plants inside controlled environments, maintaining optimal growing conditions and assisting with planting, pruning, and harvesting crops.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Offered by many large-scale greenhouses
   • Farm Regions: Delta, Richmond, and Vancouver Island
5. General Farm Laborer
   • Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour
   • Description: General farm laborers assist with various tasks, including planting, watering crops, maintaining farm equipment, and cleaning barns. This is an all-around role ideal for entry-level workers.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Common for farms needing consistent year-round help
   • Farm Regions: Prince George, Kamloops, and Nanaimo

General Duties and Responsibilities of Farm Workers

Farm workers in British Columbia perform a wide range of tasks that vary depending on the type of farm and season. Below are some general duties you can expect to perform:

• Planting Crops: Assisting with planting seeds, seedlings, or bulbs in fields or greenhouses.
• Harvesting: Picking fruits and vegetables, packing produce for transport, and ensuring crops are harvested according to farm schedules.
• Operating Machinery: Using tractors, harvesters, and other farm equipment to assist with planting, maintenance, and harvesting tasks.
• Fertilizing and Irrigating: Applying fertilizers, watering crops, and managing irrigation systems to ensure healthy plant growth.
• Pest Control: Monitoring for pests and diseases, applying pesticides when necessary, and removing any affected crops.
• General Maintenance: Cleaning barns, repairing fences, and maintaining tools and equipment.

Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for Farm Workers in British Columbia

There are several visa programs available for farm laborers looking to work in Canada:

1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
   • Eligibility: The SAWP is one of the most common visa programs for agricultural workers in Canada. It allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers to fill labor shortages in the agricultural sector. Workers from participating countries such as Mexico and several Caribbean nations can apply.
   • Duration: SAWP visas typically last for up to 8 months, with an option for renewal depending on the length of the season.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Many farms in BC sponsor workers under this program for the duration of the harvest season.
2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
   • Eligibility: This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals for jobs that cannot be filled locally. Farm workers are in high demand, particularly during harvest seasons. Employers must prove there are no local workers available before hiring foreign workers.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Available for year-round farm labor roles, such as greenhouse workers or equipment operators.
3. Agricultural Stream (under TFWP)
   • Eligibility: The Agricultural Stream is a subset of the TFWP designed specifically for farm workers. It applies to positions related to fruit picking, planting, and harvesting.
   • Duration: The visa can be granted for up to 2 years, depending on the job and employer’s requirements.
   • Visa Sponsorship: This stream is popular among Canadian farm owners in BC, especially for large-scale operations.
4. Express Entry Program (Agricultural Work Experience)
   • Eligibility: While this program is more suited for skilled workers, individuals with extensive farm work experience may qualify for permanent residency in Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker program.
   • Visa Sponsorship: Limited, but some experienced workers may gain permanent residency after meeting requirements.

Latest Job Openings for Farm Workers in British Columbia with Visa Sponsorship

Here are some of the latest farm worker job openings in British Columbia that offer visa sponsorship:

1. Fruit Picker at Okanagan Valley Orchards
   • Location: Kelowna, BC
   • Pay Rate: $20/hour
   • Description: Picking apples and cherries during the harvest season. The position offers visa sponsorship for experienced agricultural workers.
2. Greenhouse Worker at Woodmore Nurseries Inc.
   • Location: Delta, BC
   • Pay Rate: $19/hour
   • Description: Working in a controlled greenhouse environment to grow and harvest tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Visa sponsorship available for seasonal workers.
3. Farm Equipment Operator at Fraser Valley Farms
   • Location: Abbotsford, BC
   • Pay Rate: $21/hour
   • Description: Operating tractors and harvesters for vegetable farming. Experience required, and visa sponsorship offered for international workers.
4. General Farm Laborer at Island Farms
   • Location: Vancouver Island, BC
   • Pay Rate: $18/hour
   • Description: Assisting with planting, irrigation, and maintenance of fields. Visa sponsorship available for year-round positions.
5. Vegetable Harvester at Chilliwack Fields
   • Location: Chilliwack, BC
   • Pay Rate: $19/hour
   • Description: Harvesting potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. Seasonal visa sponsorship offered for foreign workers.

Farm worker jobs in British Columbia offer competitive wages, with pay rates around $20 per hour. For international workers seeking visa sponsorship, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program and Temporary Foreign Worker Program provide pathways to employment in BC’s thriving agricultural sector.

For further information and to proceed with your application, you can proceed to visit the following online job boards for current job openings

• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• ZipRecruiter
• Monster