Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

Foreign agricultural workers are permitted to work in Canada for up to eight months of the year under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). It is intended to assist Canadian farmers with planting, harvesting, and other farm tasks where there is a seasonal labour shortage. The majority of the program’s recruits are from the Caribbean and Mexico.

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): What is it?

When competent Canadian workers are unavailable, Canadian firms in the agriculture sector can engage foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which includes the SAWP.

Allows employment in some agricultural businesses (e.g., fruit picking, vegetable growing, livestock care)
Open to workers from Mexico and 11 Caribbean countries.
Employees are permitted to remain in Canada for a maximum of eight months annually.
After their contract expires, employees must return home, and employers are required to pay for housing and travel expenses.

Who Is Eligible for Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)?

You must be a citizen of one of the eligible nations (see list below) in order to be eligible for SAWP.

Be employed by a Canadian company that has been approved.
Be at least eighteen.
Have agricultural or farming experience.
Fulfill security and health standards (police clearance, medical examinations).

Eligible Countries for SAWP

The program is open to citizens of:

🇲🇽 Mexico
🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇩🇲 Dominica
🇬🇩 Grenada
🇯🇲 Jamaica
🇲🇸 Montserrat
🇰🇳 Kitts and Nevis
🇱🇨 Lucia
🇻🇨 Vincent and the Grenadines
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago

Workers from other countries are not eligible for SAWP but may apply under other agricultural work permits.

How to Apply for SAWP?

Step 1: Look for a Job

In Canada, employers who wish to hire foreign workers must obtain government approval.
You must be hired by a government agency in your native country; you cannot apply directly.
To inquire about job openings, get in touch with your country’s Ministry of Labor or Employment.

Step 2: Send in an Application

After being chosen by an employer, you will:

Fill out an application that your government has issued.
Provide supporting documentation (police clearance, passport, and medical exam).
Participate in an interview (if necessary).

Step 3: Acquire a Work Permit and Job Offer

If you are chosen, your business will file for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Offer you a job contract that includes information about pay, housing, and working conditions.
You will be granted a work permit for the term of your contract if it is accepted.

Step 4: Go to Canada and Get a Job

Your employer will pay for your travel expenses to Canada.
Low-cost housing must be provided by employers.
Work starts on the dates specified in the contract.

Are SAWP Employees Eligible to Apply for PR?

Although SAWP does not immediately result in permanent residency, employees can apply for it by:

Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: For seasoned farm labourer’s in greenhouses, mushroom cultivation, or meat processing.
If a province nominates you based on your job experience, you may be eligible for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
If you acquire sufficient skilled job experience, you may be eligible for Express Entry (CEC, FSWP, FSTP).