Egg Collection and Poultry Jobs in Canada for Foreigners

Egg Collection and Poultry Jobs in Canada for Foreigners:  Canada’s poultry sector is massive and growing. Every week millions of eggs are produced in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and across the Prairies; chickens are raised for both meat and egg production in highly regulated, bio-secure barns. Because fewer young Canadians are willing to relocate to rural areas, farmers are turning to foreign labour to keep operations running.

For foreigners — especially from Africa, Asia and Latin America — this creates an extraordinary opportunity. You don’t need a degree; most farms provide training; and the wages, visa sponsorship and benefits far exceed similar jobs in your home country. This guide gives you a full road map.

The Canadian Poultry Industry at a Glance

1. Egg Production: More than 600 regulated egg farms producing over 800 million dozen eggs annually.

2. Broiler Production: 2,800+ broiler chicken farms supplying domestic and export markets.

3. Workforce: Roughly 50,000 workers directly employed in poultry and egg processing, with thousands more in supporting industries.

4. Foreign Worker Share: Between 15–25% of on-farm poultry workers are temporary foreign workers.

These figures mean steady demand for entry-level farm workers, egg collectors and barn staff.

Why Canada Recruits Foreign Workers for Poultry Jobs

1. Labour Shortages: Rural areas have fewer residents; Canadian youth prefer urban jobs.

2. Year-Round Production: Unlike seasonal fruit picking, poultry operations run 365 days a year.

3. Government-Approved Visa Pathways: The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) make it legal and structured.

4. Economic Diversity: Canada’s immigration policy actively encourages a multicultural workforce.

Egg Collection and Poultry Jobs in Canada for Foreigners

Types of Egg and Poultry Jobs Available

1. Egg Collector

Walk through barns, pick eggs from conveyor belts or nest boxes, inspect for cracks, record counts, pack into trays. Attention to detail is crucial.

2. Broiler Attendant

Monitor thousands of meat chickens: feeding, watering, checking ventilation and temperature, removing sick birds, reporting health issues.

3. Hatchery Worker

Work in incubators; transfer eggs to hatchers, handle day-old chicks, administer vaccines, sort and pack chicks for delivery.

4. Barn Cleaner / Sanitation Worker

Disinfect barns between flocks, remove litter, pressure-wash equipment. Biosecurity is vital.

5. Maintenance and Equipment Operator

Operate feeding systems, water lines, heaters, fans; do minor repairs.

6. Egg Packing / Grading Station Worker

Operate egg grading machines, label cartons, prepare for distribution.

All of these roles are considered “low-skilled” or “semi-skilled”, but Canadian employers want reliability, stamina and willingness to follow instructions.

Salaries and Wages by Province

Most employers pay overtime after 44 hours/week at 1.5× the hourly rate. Many also offer free or subsidised accommodation and sometimes transport to the farm.

Benefits for Foreign Workers

• High wages compared to similar work at home.

• Free/Low-Cost Housing: Shared houses or mobile homes near the farm.

• Training Provided: Safety, animal welfare, biosecurity.

• Health Insurance: Some employers cover provincial health premiums.

• Opportunity to Transition to Permanent Residency: Through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or the Agri-Food Pilot.

Visa and Immigration Pathways

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Agricultural Stream

• Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

• Worker uses LMIA + job offer to apply for a work permit.

• Permits usually valid 1–2 years, renewable.

2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

• For countries with agreements with Canada (Mexico, several Caribbean and some African nations).

• Contracts up to 8 months/year; workers return seasonally.

3. Agri-Food Immigration Pilot

• Designed for experienced workers in meat processing, farm labour and animal production.

• After 12 months of eligible work, you can apply for permanent residency.

4. Provincial Nominee Programs

• Provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta have streams for low-skilled workers.

• After working for a year with a designated employer, you may be nominated for PR.

Requirements for Applicants

1. Age: 18 or older.

2. Education: Minimum secondary school; not always enforced.

3. Experience: Farm or factory work experience preferred but not mandatory.

4. Language: Basic English or French helps with safety instructions.

5. Documents: Valid passport, police clearance, medical exam.

6. Adaptability: Ability to live in rural settings, work early mornings, handle repetitive tasks.

Egg Collection and Poultry Jobs in Canada for Foreigners

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Find Genuine Job Offers

Use Canada Job Bank, Indeed.ca, WorkBC, SaskJobs.ca, or direct employer websites. Search “egg collector,” “poultry farm worker,” “hatchery worker.”

Step 2: Prepare CV and Cover Letter

Highlight any animal handling, farm work, warehouse or manual labour. Keep it one page, clear and professional.

Step 3: Employer Secures LMIA

You cannot apply for a work permit without an LMIA-backed job offer.

Step 4: Apply for Work Permit Online

Go to the IRCC portal. Upload passport, police certificate, medical results, job offer, LMIA. Pay fees and biometrics.

Step 5: Biometrics and Interview

Attend appointment at Visa Application Centre in your country. Answer questions honestly.

Step 6: Receive Work Permit and Travel

IRCC issues a letter of introduction. Present it at the Canadian port of entry to receive the actual work permit.

Top Provinces and Employers Hiring Foreign Poultry Workers

1. Burnbrae Farms (Ontario): One of Canada’s largest egg producers.

2. Maple Leaf Foods (multiple provinces): Broiler and processing facilities.

3. Sofina Foods: Hatcheries and poultry operations.

4. Farmers Co-ops in Manitoba/Saskatchewan: Numerous small to medium employers regularly use TFWP.

Living Conditions: What to Expect

1. Housing: Usually dormitory-style or shared houses with kitchen facilities.

2. Meals: You cook for yourself; some employers provide subsidised meals.

3. Transportation: Rural buses or employer vans.

4. Weather: Winters can reach –20 °C; clothing provided or advised.

5. Work Hours: Typically 6 am–3 pm or rotating shifts.

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Beware of Scams: Genuine Canadian employers never ask you to pay for a job offer.

2. Get a Farm Reference: Even volunteer work on a farm at home strengthens your CV.

3. Improve Basic English: Safety, hygiene and animal welfare instructions are usually in English or French.

4. Keep Copies of All Documents: Contracts, job offers, LMIA approvals.

Day-in-the-Life Example

A typical day for an egg collector:

1. 5:30 am – arrive, change into farm clothing.

2. 6:00 am – check barns, start collecting eggs.

3. 8:30 am – break; record egg counts.

4. 9:00 am – pack and grade eggs.

5. 12:00 pm – lunch.

6. 1:00 pm – clean equipment, prepare for next day.

7. 3:00 pm – end shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I need farm experience?
Not necessarily. Training is provided.

Q2. Can I bring my family?
Initial permits are for the worker only, but after some time you may be able to bring dependants.

Q3. How long is the contract?
Typically 12–24 months under TFWP; up to 8 months under SAWP.

Q4. Is accommodation free?
Often yes; if not, it is at a low, fixed deduction.

Q5. What is the path to permanent residency?
Work one year in an eligible occupation, then apply through Agri-Food Pilot or a Provincial Nominee Program.

Q6. How much can I save?
With free housing, a single worker can save $1,000–$1,500 CAD per month.

Q7. Are there opportunities for advancement?
Experienced workers may become team leads, equipment operators, or supervisors.

Q8. How soon can I apply?
Recruitment for 2025 is ongoing; start preparing documents now.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to a Canadian Poultry Career

Egg collection and poultry jobs in Canada offer one of the most accessible, legal and rewarding ways for foreigners to work abroad. They combine steady demand, training, good pay, visa sponsorship and even routes to permanent residency.

If you are ready to seize this opportunity:

1. Research legitimate employers now.

2. Prepare a clear, honest CV.

3. Be willing to relocate to rural Canada and follow farm rules.

With patience and proper preparation, you can join the thousands of foreign workers already building new lives in Canada’s thriving poultry sector.