Discover how Africans can move to Canada through the Canada Agricultural Worker Program. Learn about free visa sponsorship, accommodation benefits, job requirements, salary expectations, and step-by-step application guidelines.

For many Africans especially young people from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon, and other countries the dream of moving abroad for better work opportunities continues to grow stronger every year. And it’s not hard to see why.

High cost of living, limited job availability, and unstable economic conditions have pushed many to look towards countries like Canada, where workers are treated fairly, paid well, and supported with life-changing immigration opportunities.

The beautiful part?
Canada is seriously looking for foreign workers, especially in agriculture.

And that’s where the Canada Agricultural Worker Program becomes a golden opportunity.

This program allows Africans to:

• Get a job in Canada

• Receive visa sponsorship

• Get free or subsidized farm housing

• Earn stable and competitive salaries

• Live and work legally with a valid work permit

• Possibly transition to permanent residence (PR)

What makes this pathway especially attractive is that it is open to both skilled and unskilled workers. You don’t need a university degree. You don’t need Canadian experience. And you don’t need a long list of qualifications.

All you need is determination and the right information.

This article walks you through everything you need to know about the Canada Agricultural Worker Program for Africans, including how to apply, salaries, employer requirements, frequently hiring farms, accommodation benefits, and step-by-step visa guidance.

Let’s get into it.

Check Also: Fruit Picking Jobs in Canada With Free Housing for Nigerians

What Is the Canada Agricultural Worker Program?

The Canada Agricultural Worker Program is a government-approved pathway that allows Canadian farmers and agricultural companies to hire foreign workers to fill labor shortages during planting, harvesting, processing, and packaging seasons.

These jobs include:

• Fruit picking

• Vegetable farming

• Greenhouse work

• Dairy farm operations

• Poultry and livestock care

• Meat processing

• Grain and crop production

• Farm equipment operation

• General farm labor

Canada relies heavily on foreign workers because:

• Many rural areas have aging populations

• Young Canadians prefer city jobs

• Agriculture is expanding faster than the local labor force

This creates a massive opportunity for Africans, especially because Canadian employers are allowed to provide:

• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) visa sponsorship

• Free housing or subsidized accommodation

• Affordable feeding arrangements

• Flight support (in some cases)

Why Canada Needs African Agricultural Workers

Canada’s agricultural industry contributes billions of dollars to the economy, and the demand for labor keeps increasing every year.

Here’s why Africans are highly considered:

Strong Work Ethic

Africans are known for resilience, physical strength, and dedication—qualities needed in farm work.

Multiple African Countries Are Eligible

Canada’s recruitment system allows employers to hire from any African country, as long as the worker meets certain conditions.

Labor Shortage Crisis

Canada needs over 65,000 foreign agricultural workers annually, according to reports from Canadian farm associations.

Employers Are Eager to Sponsor Visas

Farmers can’t run their operations without workers, making visa sponsorship a necessity.

Africans Learn Quickly

Most tasks require basic skills that can be learned within days or weeks.

Benefits of the Canada Agricultural Worker Program for Africans

Here’s what makes this program one of the best immigration pathways for Africans:

1. Visa Sponsorship

Employers apply for LMIA and send you a job offer letter. This makes your visa approval easier.

2. Free Housing

Many farms provide:

• Shared rooms

• On-site housing

• Kitchen facilities

• Heating and electricity

• Transportation for groceries

3. Legal Work Permit

You get a Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permit.

4. High Salaries Compared to Africa

Canadian farm salaries range between:

CAD $15 – $22 per hour
(₦12,000 – ₦17,000 per hour in Nigerian value)

Monthly earnings can reach CAD $2,500 – $3,600.

5. No Degree Required

Most jobs require only:

• Ability to speak basic English

• Strength to do physical tasks

• Willingness to learn

6. Pathway to Permanent Residence

After working for 1–2 years, you may qualify for:

• Canadian Experience Class

• Provincial Nominee Programs

• Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

7. Safe and Regulated Work Environment

Canadian labor laws protect foreign workers from:

• Exploitation

• Underpayment

• Unsafe working conditions

Types of Agricultural Jobs Available for Africans

Below are the most common visa-sponsored agricultural jobs:

1. Fruit Pickers

• Apples, berries, grapes, peaches, pears

• Seasonal (6–8 months)

• Pay: CAD $15–$18/hr

2. Vegetable Farm Workers

• Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots

• Greenhouse or outdoor farms

• Pay: CAD $15–$20/hr

3. Dairy Farm Workers

• Milking cows

• Feeding livestock

• Cleaning barns

• Pay: CAD $18–$22/hr

4. Poultry Farm Workers

• Chicken growth monitoring

• Egg collecting

• Feeding and cleaning

• Pay: CAD $17–$20/hr

5. Meat Processing Workers

• Butchering

• Packaging

• Sorting

• Pay: CAD $18–$24/hr

6. Farm Equipment Operators

• Tractors

• Harvesters

• Irrigation systems

• Pay: CAD $20–$28/hr

These roles are in high demand year-round in provinces like:

• Ontario

• Alberta

• Manitoba

• Saskatchewan

• British Columbia

• Nova Scotia

Requirements for Africans Applying to the Program

While the jobs are beginner-friendly, applicants still need to meet basic conditions:

Must be 18 years or older

Certain employers may require 21+.

Basic English communication skills

No IELTS required unless employer demands it.

Valid international passport

No serious criminal record

Ability to perform physical labor

Medical fitness test

Previous farm experience is a plus but not mandatory

How Africans Can Apply for the Canada Agricultural Worker Program

This is the most important part.

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Find Legitimate Visa-Sponsoring Canadian Employers

You can find employers through:

Canadian Job Bank

Search for “farm worker LMIA” or “agricultural worker”.

Indeed Canada

Use filters like “visa sponsorship”.

WorkBC (British Columbia)

Great for greenhouse jobs.

Alberta Job Centre

Farm employer websites

Such as:

• SunSelect Farms

• Jealous Fruits

• P&H Farming

• Prepac Manufacturing

Farm worker recruitment agencies

Approved by provincial governments.

Step 2: Apply for the Jobs

Send employers:

• CV

• Passport copy

• Cover letter

• Any job experience (optional)

Step 3: Receive Job Offer + LMIA

If selected:

• Employer issues a job offer

• Applies for LMIA approval

• Sends you a copy for visa processing

Step 4: Apply for Work Permit

Apply online through IRCC:

Documents include:

• Job offer

• LMIA

• Passport

• Medical exam

• Biometrics

Step 5: Receive Work Visa and Travel

Canada issues:

• Entry visa

• Work permit

• Employer details

Your employer may:

• Send airport pickup information

• Arrange accommodation

• Provide work schedule

Salary Structure for Agricultural Workers in Canada

Here’s a breakdown:

Even at minimum wage, workers can save money due to free housing and low living costs in rural areas.

Is This Program Suitable for Nigerians and Other Africans?

YES.

Africans are among the top foreign labor groups in Canadian agriculture because:

• They learn fast

• They adapt quickly

• They are hardworking

• They meet the physical requirements

Countries strongly represented include:

• Nigeria

• Ghana

• Kenya

• Uganda

• Zambia

• Cameroon

• South Africa

• Tanzania

Can Agricultural Workers Transition to Permanent Residence?

Absolutely.

Canada offers several PR pathways:

Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

Designed for full-time farm workers.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Many provinces nominate farm workers.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

After 1 year of experience.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Perfect for remote farm regions.

Atlantic Immigration Program

For workers in Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland.

Many Africans have successfully moved from farm worker → permanent resident → Canadian citizen.

List of Canadian Farms That Hire Foreign Workers

1. Jealous Fruits (BC)
Cherries picking, packing, sorting.

2. SunSelect Produce
Greenhouses and vegetable production.

3. P&H Milling Group (Manitoba)
Grain farming.

4. Highline Mushrooms
Mushroom farming.

5. GreenTech Farms
Greenhouse vegetables.

6. Arctic Co-operatives
Northern agricultural operations.

7. Ontario Apple Growers
Seasonal apple picking.

8. Alberta Beef Packers
Meat processing.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Getting Hired

Use a Canadian-format CV

Simple, clean, and professional.

Highlight physical ability

Farm work requires strength.

Add any farm or manual labor experience

Even if it’s informal.

Apply to many farms

More applications = higher chance.

Respond to emails quickly

Canadian employers respect punctuality.

Avoid scams

Legitimate employers DO NOT ask you to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need IELTS?

No. Most farm jobs don’t require it.

2. Is the visa guaranteed after getting LMIA?

Not guaranteed, but approval is usually high.

3. Can I bring my family?

Some work permits allow it, depending on employer and province.

4. How long is the contract?

6 months to 2 years, renewable.

5. Is accommodation truly free?

Most farms offer free or very cheap shared housing.

Conclusion

The Canada Agricultural Worker Program is one of the most accessible and realistic pathways for Africans especially Nigerians to build a better life abroad.

It offers:

• Free visa sponsorship

• Free or cheap housing

• Good salaries

• Simple job requirements

• Opportunities for PR

• A safe and supportive work environment

If you are serious about relocating, this program is one of the easiest and fastest options available today.