Not everyone has degrees or years of experience, and that shouldn’t stop you from working abroad. In 2026, peach-picking jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer a real chance to earn an honest income while building a future in one of the world’s most stable countries.
With hourly wages between CAD $15 and $20, free or subsidized accommodation, and employer-sponsored visas, these farm jobs open the door for foreigners who want legal work, steady income, and long-term opportunities. If you’re willing to work hard, Canada is ready to welcome you.
Read Also: Blueberry Picking Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Why Peach Picking Jobs Are Popular in Canada
Peaches are a signature summer fruit in Canada, with the harvest season typically running from mid-July to mid-September. Ontario is the country’s leading producer, followed by British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Nova Scotia. The intense, short harvest creates a significant annual demand for reliable pickers. International workers are essential to filling this labor gap, and government-authorized seasonal worker programs provide the legal framework for visa sponsorship.
Details of Peach Picking Jobs in Canada
Key Points
- Job Title: Fruit Picker / Harvest Worker / Seasonal Agricultural Worker
- Location: Primarily Ontario (Niagara Region), British Columbia, Nova Scotia
- Industry: Agriculture / Horticulture
- Job Type: Seasonal, Full-time
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes, through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- Typical Season: July to September (approx. 6-8 weeks)
- Experience Required: Not mandatory, but reliability and physical stamina are essential.
- Average Wage: CAD $16.00 – $21.00 per hour (often with piece-rate incentives).
Requirements for Peach Picking Jobs
Eligibility is managed through official programs, not individual employers. Key requirements include:
- Age: Must be 18 or older.
- Health: Must be medically fit for demanding physical labour and pass required health checks.
- Background: Must have a clean criminal record.
- Program Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a country with a bilateral agreement with Canada for the SAWP (e.g., Mexico, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries) or meet TFWP criteria.
- Sponsorship: Must be hired by a pre-approved Canadian employer (farmer) who will provide a contract and manage the work permit application.
Jobs Benefits of Peach Picking in Canada
Employment under official programs comes with a regulated and protected package:
- Legal Work Status: Guaranteed via an employer-specific work permit under the SAWP/TFWP.
- Fair Compensation: Hourly wages at or above provincial minimum, often with piece-rate bonuses for higher productivity.
- Accommodation: Employers must provide approved, subsidized housing meeting federal standards.
- Transportation: Round-trip airfare is provided or reimbursed by the employer.
- Health Insurance: Emergency medical coverage is provided for the duration of the contract.
- Contract Stability: Clearly defined employment terms, including hours, wages, and job duties.
Job Responsibilities of a Peach Picker
The role is physically intensive and focused on efficiency and quality:
- Hand-picking ripe peaches from orchard trees quickly and carefully to avoid bruising.
- Sorting fruit by size, colour, and quality, discarding damaged produce.
- Gently placing fruit into harvest bags or bins.
- Carrying and emptying full harvest containers at designated collection points.
- Performing basic orchard maintenance tasks such as thinning blossoms or light pruning as directed.
- Adhering to all farm safety and food hygiene protocols.
Visa Requirements
Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Farm Employer
You must secure an employment offer for a peach picking (fruit harvesting) role from a farm registered under a recognised Canadian program that can sponsor foreign workers (e.g., SAWP/TFWP).
Employer Applies for Work Authorization (LMIA or SAWP Arrangement)
Your employer must either obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or recruit you through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) if your country is part of the SAWP agreement
Valid Passport
You need a passport that remains valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and work period in Canada.
Work Permit Application
Once the LMIA or SAWP recruitment is confirmed, you must apply for a closed work permit tied to the specific sponsoring employer.
Minimum Age Requirement (Typically 18+)
You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for seasonal farm work and associated visa sponsorship
Physical Fitness & Ability to Perform Work
Peach picking is physically demanding; you should be fit and able to handle long hours outdoors, bending, lifting, and walking
Clean Criminal Record / Police Clearance
A police certificate or background check showing no serious criminal history is usually required for the work permit application.
Medical Examination (If Required)
You may need to pass a health/medical exam if Canadian immigration requires it based on your country of residence or job duties.
Proof of Intent to Return Home After Work Contract Ends
Especially under seasonal programs like SAWP, you may need to show ties to your home country and intent to leave Canada when your seasonal contract finishes.
Biometrics & Work Visa Fees
You must attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints/photo) and pay the applicable work permit processing fees before visa issuance.
Basic Language Skills (Helpful, Not Mandatory)
While not always mandatory, basic English or French can help with communication on the job and with immigration requirements.
Comply with Seasonal Work Contract Terms
Be prepared to commit for the full seasonal period as stated in your contract (often 4–8 months), with housing and transport typically arranged by the employer under SAWP.
How to Apply for Peach Picking Jobs in Canada
International applicants cannot apply directly to individual farms. The process is facilitated through government and agency channels:
- For SAWP Countries: Workers must register with their home country’s government ministry or designated agency responsible for the program (e.g., Ministries of Labour in Mexico or Jamaica). These agencies match workers with approved Canadian farmers.
- For Other Nationalities (TFWP): Candidates should seek employment through licensed Canadian recruiters who specialize in agricultural placements and are authorized to recruit internationally.
- Preparation: Have a valid passport and be prepared to complete medical exams and background checks once matched with an employer.
- Beware of Scams: Never pay a fee to an individual or unlicensed agency for a “guaranteed” job or visa. The official process has set, transparent costs managed by the employer and government agencies.
Conclusion
Peach picking jobs in Canada represent one of the most accessible and strategically valuable entry points into the Canadian labor market for international workers. The combination of employer-sponsored visas, competitive wages, and essential benefits like accommodation addresses the primary hurdles of working abroad.
Furthermore, the potential to translate seasonal agricultural work into a pathway toward permanent residency elevates this opportunity from a temporary job to a life-changing career move. For motivated individuals without advanced degrees, the harvest season in provinces like Ontario and Nova Scotia offers a tangible and rewarding chance to build a secure future in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do peach pickers earn in Canada
Peach pickers earn between CAD $15 and $20 per hour, depending on location, employer, and workload
Is experience required for peach-picking jobs?
No. Experience is preferred but not mandatory. Most employers provide basic on-the-job training.
