Grapes Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Canada’s vineyards may look calm from the outside, but behind the scenes they rely heavily on foreign workers to keep production moving. In 2026, grape-picking jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship remain one of the most practical ways for foreigners to enter the country legally and start earning right away.

With hourly wages ranging from CAD $15 to $20, free or subsidized accommodation, and employer-supported work permits, grape picking is more than seasonal labor. For many workers, it becomes the first step toward long-term employment and permanent residency in Canada’s growing agriculture sector.

No degree. No complex skills. Just honest work, legal status, and a real opportunity to build a future in one of the world’s most worker-friendly countries.

Read Also: Apple Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Details of Grape-Picking Jobs in Canada

Key Points

Requirements for Grape-Picking Jobs in Canada

Eligibility criteria are designed to be accessible:

• Minimum age of 18 (or 19 in specific provinces).
• No formal education is required; a high school diploma can be beneficial.
• Prior farm or picking experience is an advantage but not required.
• Must provide a clean criminal background check.
• Must pass a pre-immigration medical examination.
• Must meet all standard Canadian immigration requirements for sponsored workers.
• On-site training is typically provided by employers.

Jobs Benefits of Grape-Picking in Canada

• Visa Sponsorship with relocation assistance.
• Employer and embassy support with documentation.
• Free or subsidized accommodation near the worksite.
• Possible meal subsidies or provided meals.
• Transport assistance (varies by employer).
• Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for overtime.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Potential pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) after gaining significant experience (e.g., 3 years with one employer), with the ability to sponsor family members thereafter

Primary Job Responsibilities

The role is physically demanding and central to vineyard operations:

• Harvesting grapes from vineyards.
• Sorting grapes to remove damaged or rotten fruit.
• Packing, labeling, and weighing cartons for shipment.
• Vineyard maintenance: pruning vines, weeding, and soil work.
• Thinning grape bunches by hand to improve quality.
• Lifting and moving bins (up to 60 lbs).
• Maintaining and repairing picking tools and baskets.
• Carefully loading grapes onto transport trucks.
• Occasionally operating basic farm machinery.

Salary Overview

According to industry data from sources like Ca Talent, the average annual earnings for fruit pickers in Canada range from CAD $27,700 to $30,200, equating to approximately CAD $18 per hour. The offered rate of CAD $15–20 per hour is competitive and aligns with industry standards.

Visa Requirements

Primary Route: Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

This is the most common “sponsorship” for grape picking. The employer (a Canadian farm or vineyard) must be registered with the program.

1. Valid Job Offer from a Registered SAWP Employer: A Canadian vineyard/farm with a SAWP permit must offer you a written contract detailing wages, hours, housing, and working conditions. You cannot apply without this.
2. Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Your employer obtains a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), proving no Canadian worker is available. In SAWP, this is streamlined.
3. Invitation & Documentation from Employer: The employer sends you an official job offer, a copy of the LMIA, and an Offer of Employment number.
4. Work Permit Application (Temporary Foreign Worker): You apply online for a closed work permit tied to that specific employer. You submit:
   • The job offer & LMIA number.
   • Proof of your identity (passport).
   • Proof you can meet the job requirements (often just a medical exam for SAWP).
   • Proof of ties to your home country.
5. Port of Entry (POE) Introduction Letter: If approved, you receive a letter, not the permit itself. You present this letter, your passport, and all documents to a Border Services Officer when you fly to Canada to receive the actual work permit.
6. Medical Insurance & Pre-Departure Orientation: You must have valid health insurance. Your home country’s SAWP liaison office will provide mandatory pre-departure orientation.

Alternative Route: Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

For employers not in SAWP or for non-SAWP countries, a similar but distinct process exists.

1. Valid Job Offer & Positive LMIA: The employer must secure a positive LMIA under the “Primary Agriculture” stream, demonstrating the need for a foreign worker.
2. Offer of Employment & Work Permit Application: The process mirrors Steps 3-5 above, using the LMIA and offer letter to apply for a closed work permit.

How to Apply for Grape-Picking Jobs in Canada

The application process is straightforward:

1. Visit official Canadian job portals like JobBank.gc.ca, Indeed.ca, or specialized agricultural boards.
2. Search using terms such as “Grapes Picking Jobs Canada Visa Sponsorship
3. Filter results by your preferred province (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia).
4. Prepare a CV and cover letter highlighting any relevant physical or outdoor work.
5. Submit your application directly through the employer’s official listing.
6. If selected, the employer will provide the necessary documentation (like a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment) to support your work permit application.
7. Complete the visa process, medical checks, and prepare for relocation.

Conclusion

Grape-picking jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship continue to be a strong opportunity for foreign workers in 2026, especially for those seeking a legal, low-barrier entry into the Canadian job market. With steady demand in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, vineyards actively depend on international labor to meet production needs.

These jobs offer fair wages, housing support, medical coverage, and a structured immigration pathway through government-approved programs. For reliable workers, grape picking can lead to repeat contracts and long-term farm employment.

Frequently Asked Questions