High Paying Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Canada’s agricultural sector offers numerous opportunities for seasonal workers, particularly in fruit picking. These jobs not only provide a decent income but also offer the possibility of visa sponsorship for international workers.

This article delves into the various types of fruit picking jobs available in Canada, the provinces where these jobs are prevalent, and the potential earnings for workers. Additionally, it highlights how to find these jobs on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed.

Introduction

Canada’s diverse climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for cultivating a wide variety of fruits. From apples and cherries to blueberries and strawberries, the country’s agricultural industry is thriving, particularly in provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

Fruit picking jobs in these regions attract both local and international workers due to the competitive wages and the opportunity for visa sponsorship.

Types of Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada

Fruit picking jobs in Canada can be categorized based on the type of fruit and the season. Here are some common types:

Apple Picking Jobs

Apple picking is one of the most common fruit picking jobs in Canada. The apple harvest season typically runs from late August to October. Major apple-producing provinces include Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.

• Pay Rate: Apple pickers can earn between CAD 15 to CAD 20 per hour. Experienced pickers or those working in higher demand areas might earn more.
• Key Provinces: Ontario (Niagara region), Quebec (Montérégie), British Columbia (Okanagan Valley).

Cherry Picking Jobs

Cherry picking is another popular seasonal job, particularly in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. The cherry harvest season usually spans from late June to early August.

• Pay Rate: Cherry pickers can make between CAD 12 to CAD 18 per hour, with some earning piece rates that can increase earnings based on productivity.
• Key Provinces: British Columbia (Okanagan Valley).

Blueberry Picking Jobs

Blueberries are predominantly grown in British Columbia and New Brunswick. The blueberry picking season ranges from July to September.

• Pay Rate: Blueberry pickers typically earn between CAD 14 to CAD 20 per hour, often with incentives for higher productivity.
• Key Provinces: British Columbia (Fraser Valley), New Brunswick (Acadian Peninsula).

Strawberry Picking Jobs

Strawberry picking jobs are widely available in Ontario and Quebec. The strawberry season generally lasts from June to July.

• Pay Rate: Strawberry pickers usually earn between CAD 13 to CAD 18 per hour.
• Key Provinces: Ontario, Quebec.

Finding Fruit Picking Jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed

Job seekers can find numerous fruit picking opportunities on popular job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. Here’s how to navigate these platforms:

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking site that offers job listings from various industries, including agriculture. To find fruit picking jobs:

1. Search Keywords: Use keywords like “fruit picking jobs Canada,” “harvest jobs Canada,” or “seasonal agricultural work Canada.”
2. Filter Options: Use the location filter to narrow down job opportunities by province or city.
3. Company Pages: Follow companies or farms that frequently hire seasonal workers. Many employers post job openings directly on their LinkedIn pages.
4. Networking: Connect with industry professionals, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to stay informed about job openings.

Indeed

Indeed is one of the largest job search engines globally, offering a wide range of job listings. To find fruit picking jobs:

1. Search Keywords: Input keywords like “fruit picker,” “harvest worker,” or “farm laborer” along with “Canada.”
2. Location Filter: Specify the province or city where you want to work.
3. Job Alerts: Set up job alerts to receive notifications about new fruit picking job postings.
4. Company Research: Research potential employers and read reviews from past employees to gauge the working conditions and pay rates.

Visa Sponsorship for Fruit Picking Jobs

Many Canadian farms offer visa sponsorship for international workers. The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a popular route for foreign workers to gain employment in Canada’s agricultural sector.

Through this program, employers can hire workers from specific countries, providing them with temporary work permits and the possibility of extending their stay based on performance and demand.

Pay Rates and Provincial Opportunities

The pay rates for fruit picking jobs vary based on the type of fruit, the region, and the demand for labor. Here’s a detailed look at potential earnings and opportunities in different provinces:

British Columbia

British Columbia, particularly the Okanagan Valley, is known for its fruit orchards. Workers can find high paying jobs during the cherry and apple harvest seasons.

• Cherry Picking: CAD 12 to CAD 18 per hour
• Apple Picking: CAD 15 to CAD 20 per hour
• Blueberry Picking: CAD 14 to CAD 20 per hour

Ontario

Ontario’s Niagara region is famous for its apple and berry farms. The province offers competitive wages for seasonal workers.

• Apple Picking: CAD 15 to CAD 20 per hour
• Strawberry Picking: CAD 13 to CAD 18 per hour

Quebec

Quebec’s Montérégie region is a hub for apple and strawberry picking jobs, with farms often hiring international workers through visa sponsorship programs.

• Apple Picking: CAD 15 to CAD 20 per hour
• Strawberry Picking: CAD 13 to CAD 18 per hour

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula is well-known for its blueberry farms, offering seasonal work during the harvest period.

• Blueberry Picking: CAD 14 to CAD 20 per hour

Conclusion

Fruit picking jobs in Canada provide a lucrative opportunity for both local and international workers. With the possibility of visa sponsorship, competitive pay rates, and the chance to work in beautiful, agriculturally rich regions, these jobs are highly sought after.

Platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are invaluable resources for finding these opportunities, allowing job seekers to connect with potential employers and secure their positions. Whether you are looking for a temporary job or a stepping stone to longer-term employment in Canada, fruit picking offers a rewarding experience.