Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2025/2026

Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2025/2026

Introduction

For many job seekers and students worldwide, seasonal agricultural work in Canada has become one of the most sought-after opportunities. Among these roles, strawberry and apple picking jobs stand out because of their accessibility, relatively simple requirements, and the chance to work legally under Canadian government programs that sponsor foreign workers.

In 2025/2026, the demand for farm labor in Canada is expected to remain strong due to ongoing labor shortages in rural communities. Strawberry and apple farms in provinces such as British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia are actively recruiting international workers. Through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), foreigners can obtain work permits, live in Canada for several months, and earn competitive wages while gaining valuable experience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about strawberry and apple picking jobs in Canada from visa sponsorship and salaries to the daily life of workers, employer expectations, and how to apply successfully.

Why Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs?

Strawberries and apples are two of the most labor-intensive fruits to harvest in Canada. Unlike grains or corn that can be machine-harvested, strawberries and apples require careful hand-picking to preserve quality.

1. Strawberries: These delicate fruits are harvested in early summer (June–July). They are picked by hand to avoid bruising. Fields require large teams of workers during peak season.

2. Apples: Harvested in late summer to early autumn (August–October). Apples must be carefully plucked, sorted, and packed. Orchards often employ hundreds of workers at once.

For foreigners, this means steady seasonal demand, thousands of job openings each year, and clear pathways for temporary employment in Canada.

Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2025/2026

Government-Sponsored Work Pathways

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The TFWP is one of the main ways foreigners are recruited for farm jobs. Employers must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves that no Canadians are available for the work. Once approved, the employer can officially hire foreigners.

Key Features:

• Employer covers or reimburses certain costs (like housing or transportation).

• Contracts typically last 3–8 months, depending on the crop.

• Foreigners get a legal work permit tied to that employer.

2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

SAWP is a bilateral agreement between Canada and certain countries such as Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and other Caribbean nations.

Key Features:

1. Workers are recruited through their government’s Ministry of Labour.

2. Employers provide housing, healthcare coverage, and round-trip airfare.

3. Contract duration: up to 8 months per year.

Provinces with the Most Opportunities

British Columbia (Okanagan Valley)

• Famous for apples, cherries, and grapes.

• Apple picking is a major employer from August to October.

• Wages range between CAD 15–20/hr.

• Strawberry farms in the Fraser Valley also hire workers between June–July.

Ontario (Niagara Region, Norfolk County, Ottawa Valley)

• Apple orchards and strawberry farms provide thousands of jobs.

• Strawberry harvest: June–July.

• Apple harvest: August–October.

• Pay ranges CAD 14–18/hr, plus housing.

Quebec (Montérégie, Lanaudière)

• Quebec is Canada’s leading strawberry producer.

• Farms hire foreign workers under both TFWP and SAWP.

• Average pay: CAD 13–17/hr, plus lodging.

Nova Scotia (Annapolis Valley)

• Known for apple orchards that export globally.

• Seasonal contracts usually 2–3 months long.

• Wages: CAD 15–18/hr.

Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2025/2026

Salaries, Wages, and Benefits

Average Pay Rates

1. Strawberry Picking: CAD 13–18/hr (some farms pay per basket).

2. Apple Picking: CAD 15–20/hr (piece-rate or hourly).

3. Overtime: Some farms pay extra after 44 hours/week.

Benefits Provided by Employers

1. Free or subsidized housing (often shared bunkhouses).

2. Transportation between farm and accommodation.

3. Protective equipment (gloves, hats, boots sometimes).

4. Access to provincial healthcare (employer registers workers).

5. Some employers provide free meals or cooking facilities.

Typical Workday for Strawberry and Apple Pickers

Life on a Canadian farm requires dedication and physical stamina.

1. Work Hours: 6–10 hours per day, 5–6 days a week.

2. Morning Start: Workers often begin early (6–7 a.m.) to avoid midday heat.

3. Tasks for Strawberry Picking: Hand-picking berries, sorting for quality, packing in small baskets.

4. Tasks for Apple Picking: Climbing ladders, filling large picking bags, transferring apples to crates.

5. Living Conditions: Dorm-style housing with shared kitchens. Rural settings with limited nightlife but strong worker community bonds.

Challenges Workers Should Expect

1. Physical Strain: Bending, lifting, and repetitive motion.

2. Weather: Work continues in rain or heat.

3. Seasonal Nature: Contracts end after harvest; no guarantee of year-round work.

4. Isolation: Farms are often in rural areas, far from cities.

Despite these challenges, workers find the jobs worthwhile due to wages, legal status, and international exposure.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Find a Verified Job Posting

   • Job Bank Canada (official government site).

   • Employer websites (e.g., Algoma Orchards, BC Tree Fruits).

   • Recruitment through your home country’s Ministry of Labour (for SAWP).

2. Secure a Job Offer

   • Employers provide a written contract.

   • Ensure they have LMIA approval.

3. Apply for a Work Permit

   • Submit application online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

   • Required documents: passport, job offer letter, LMIA approval, medical clearance.

4. Visa Approval & Travel

   • Attend interview if required.

   • Book flight; some employers cover airfare.

5. Arrival & Work

   • Report to employer, move into housing, start work.

Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2025/2026

Major Employers in Strawberry & Apple Picking

1. Algoma Orchards (Ontario) – Apple production with worker housing.

2. BC Tree Fruits Cooperative (British Columbia) – Apples and cherries, LMIA-approved.

3. Jealous Fruits (BC) – Seasonal berry and orchard hiring.

4. Highmark Farms (BC) – Strawberry and blueberry jobs with sponsorship.

5. Maple Berry Estates (Ontario) – Strawberry and apple farms, frequent openings.

6. Annapolis Valley Orchards (Nova Scotia) – Apple harvest jobs with accommodation.

How Much Can You Earn in One Season?

Let’s assume:

1. CAD 16/hr average wage

2. 45 hours per week

3. 12 weeks of work

Calculation:
16 x 45 x 12 = CAD 8,640 before tax (~USD 6,400).

With free housing and meals, most workers save a large portion of earnings.

Strawberry and Apple Picking Jobs in Canada for Foreigners 2025/2026

How to Avoid Scams

1. Only apply through official portals (Job Bank, IRCC, or direct farm websites).

2. Avoid agencies charging high upfront fees.

3. Never give your passport to recruiters.

4. Verify employer LMIA status.

Tips for Success

1. Build stamina before applying (long days in the field).

2. Pack for all weather (sun, rain, cold mornings).

3. Learn basic English or French for communication.

4. Save money—limit unnecessary expenses.

5. Network with other workers for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need prior experience?
No. Most farms train workers on arrival. Physical fitness is more important.

2. Can students apply?
Yes. Many students use summer breaks for seasonal farm work.

3. Is visa sponsorship guaranteed?
Only if you have a contract with an LMIA-approved employer.

4. Can farm work lead to permanent residency?
Not directly, but it may count toward Canadian work experience that strengthens future immigration applications.

5. Is housing free?
Yes, employers must provide housing or cover housing costs under TFWP/SAWP.

Conclusion

Strawberry and apple picking jobs in Canada for foreigners are among the best entry-level opportunities for international job seekers in 2025/2026. With salaries averaging CAD 13–20/hr, free housing, and legal sponsorship through TFWP and SAWP, thousands of workers can build income and gain international exposure each harvest season.

For students and job seekers, these jobs are more than just seasonal work—they are gateways to global opportunities, cultural experiences, and financial growth. With proper preparation, awareness of scams, and determination, anyone can turn a few months in Canadian orchards into a life-changing adventure.