Ever imagined building a brighter future in Canada—working under open skies, surrounded by fresh air, green fields, and the satisfaction of honest labor? In 2025, Canada is hiring foreign workers for strawberry picking and packing jobs, many of which come with visa sponsorship, free housing, and medical coverage.
No university degree? No problem. Even if you’ve never worked on a farm before, you can still qualify. With fair wages starting at CAD $15.50–$17.50+ per hour, overtime pay at 1.5x, and the chance to save money thanks to subsidized living costs, this is a golden opportunity. All you need is physical stamina, reliability, and a willingness to commit for the season.
This role isn’t just a job—it’s a pathway to financial security, international work experience, and a chance to live in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
Job Description: The Role of a Strawberry Picker
This is active, outdoor work that is essential to Canada’s food supply chain. As a picker, you will be a vital part of a team ensuring fruit is harvested at peak freshness.
Primary Duties Include:
- Hand-picking ripe strawberries quickly and carefully to avoid bruising.
- Sorting berries by quality, size, and ripeness.
- Packing sorted fruit into clamshells or crates for shipment.
- Labeling and stacking boxes in preparation for transport.
- Maintaining clean workspaces and adhering to strict food safety and hygiene protocols.
The work is physically demanding and requires stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a team.
Read Also: Farm Worker Jobs in UK With Visa Support Provided
Contract Details & Schedule
- Season: Primarily June to August, with some variations depending on the region and climate.
- Contract Length: Typically 2 to 6 months.
- Hours: Full-time, often 40-50 hours per week. Shifts typically start very early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
- Potential for Extended Work: Many farms grow multiple crops. Exceptional workers may be offered the opportunity to stay on for subsequent harvests (e.g., blueberries, raspberries, apples).
Compensation & Benefits of Strawberry Picking and Packing Jobs in Canada
Canada offers fair wages and a supportive package for seasonal agricultural workers.
- Hourly Wage: Earn between CAD $15.50 and $17.50+ per hour, depending on the province. Many farms also offer piece-rate pay (pay per pound/kg picked), which can significantly increase your earnings if you work efficiently.
- Overtime: Paid at 1.5x your regular rate for hours worked beyond the standard workweek.
- Comprehensive Benefits:
- Free or Heavily Subsidized Housing: On-farm or nearby accommodation is provided at a low cost.
- Transportation: Employers often provide transport to and from the worksite.
- Medical Insurance: Coverage is provided through provincial healthcare plans and/or employer-supplemented insurance for the duration of your contract.
- Low Living Costs: With housing provided, workers can save a substantial portion of their income.
Visa Sponsorship Explained: Your Legal Pathway to Canada
Visa sponsorship means your Canadian employer handles the process of bringing you into the country legally to work. This is primarily done through two official programs:
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): A well-established program for citizens of participating countries (listed below). It provides a structured framework for seasonal work.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)—Agricultural Stream: A broader program that also facilitates the hiring of foreign nationals for seasonal farm work.
Your employer will secure a Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving there is a need to hire internationally, and will guide you through the work permit application process.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This opportunity is based on reliability and physical ability, not formal education.
Applicants Must Be:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Physically fit and capable of repetitive bending, lifting, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Able to understand basic English or French instructions (for safety and training).
- In possession of a valid passport.
- Able to pass a background check (no serious criminal record).
- Willing to commit to the entire season and live in a rural community.
Previous farm experience is beneficial but not required. A strong work ethic and positive attitude are the most important qualities.
Eligible Countries
Canada has agreements with many countries, including
- Caribbean: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados
- North America: Mexico
- Asia: Philippines, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam
- Africa: Kenya, South Africa
If your country is not on the SAWP list, you may still be eligible through the TFWP.
How to Apply For Strawberry Picking and Packing Jobs in Canada
Follow these steps to secure a legitimate position:
- Prepare a Simple CV:Highlight any physical work experience, your reliability, and your availability for the season. Clearly state: “Seeking visa sponsorship under SAWP/TFWP.”
- Use Official Channels:Apply through reputable platforms to avoid scams. The best options are
- Job Bank (Canada’s official job site)
- AgriRecruiting
- Farms and grower associations’ websites (e.g., BC Berry Growers, Ontario Berry Growers)
- Apply Early: Recruitment for the summer season often begins in January-February.
- Interview: If selected, be prepared for a video interview. Be honest and enthusiastic.
- Accept and Process: Once hired, your employer will guide you through the medical check and work permit process.
Conclusion
A strawberry picking job in Canada is more than just seasonal work; it’s a respected and structured program that offers a safe, legal, and rewarding way to experience life in Canada. With your major expenses like housing covered, you have a genuine opportunity to achieve your financial goals, whether that’s supporting your family back home or saving for your future.
The eligibility requirements are straightforward, focusing on health, character, and a strong work ethic. The benefits—a guaranteed wage, overtime pay, and medical coverage—ensure you are well taken care of during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need any experience or to speak fluent English?
No experience is required! A positive attitude and willingness to work hard are the most important qualities. You only need basic English or French skills to understand safety instructions and communicate with your team.
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How much money can I actually make and save?
You can earn between CAD $15.50 to $17.50+ per hour, with opportunities for overtime and piece-rate pay (pay per pound picked). The biggest financial advantage is free or heavily subsidized housing, which means
