The Canada Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a government-to-government agreement that allows Pakistani citizens to work legally in Canada’s farming and agriculture sector for up to 8 months per year.These jobs are usually in:
- Greenhouses
- Fruit/vegetable picking
- Dairy farms
- Poultry
Although Pakistan is not officially listed in SAWP partner countries, many Pakistanis still get hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or via Canadian employers directly.The visa is sponsored, meaning:
- Job offer arranged by Canadian government in coordination with Pakistani authorities
- No IELTS
- No visa fee
- Free accommodation
🇨🇦 Benefits of Seasonal Work Visa in Canada
- ✔️ Free visa processing
- ✔️ Valid job offer in advance
- ✔️ Legal work with a contract
- ✔️ Monthly salary (CAD 2,000 – 3,000)
- ✔️ Overtime allowed in peak season
- ✔️ Accommodation provided by employer
- ✔️ Great pathway for future PR or long-term employment
🇨🇦 Key Features of Canada Seasonal Work Visa
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 to 8 months |
| Salary | CAD 14–18/hour |
| Visa Type | Employer-Sponsored Work Permit |
| Age Limit | 18–45 (preferred) |
| Education | Not required |
| Experience | Farm work experience preferred |
| Sponsor Required | Yes (Canadian employer or agency) |
| Processing Time | 1–3 months |
📋 Who is Eligible in 2025?
Pakistani citizens who meet the following can apply:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a Pakistani citizen |
| Age | 22 to 45 years |
| Education | Minimum Matric (10th grade) |
| Experience | Farming or labor experience (preferred) |
| Language | Basic English (no IELTS needed) |
| Health | Physically fit |
| Legal | No criminal record |
📂 Required Documents for Seasonal Work Visa
- Valid Pakistani passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Job offer letter (from Canadian employer)
- LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) – provided by employer
- Employment contract
- Visa application form IMM 1295
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination results
- Recent photographs
- Resume/CV
- Proof of accommodation (if provided by employer)
📝 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find a Canadian Farm Job
Search via:
Step 2: Get Job Offer + LMIA
The employer applies for LMIA approval. You need this document to apply for a visa.
Step 3: Submit Visa Application
Apply online via:
Visit OEC Website
👉 https://oec.gov.pk
Register an Account
- Fill basic info
- Upload documents
- Pay a registration fee (around PKR 500 – 1,000)
Wait for Job Advertisement
- OEC will post official Canadian SAWP jobs
- Apply directly to posted opportunities
Shortlisting & Interview
- If shortlisted, you’ll be called for an interview
- Sometimes conducted by Canadian employers or embassy
Medical + Visa Processing
- If selected, you’ll undergo medical test
- Visa & travel arranged by authorities
Fly to Canada
- Contract signed
- Travel booked
- Free housing + orientation on arrival
Step 4: Biometrics & Medical
Attend the VFS Canada center in Islamabad or Karachi for:
- Fingerprints
- Photograph
- Medical test
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Processing can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on workload.
💼 Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary | CAD 2,500–3,000/month |
| Overtime | Paid at 1.5x |
| Accommodation | Often provided |
| Meals | Sometimes included |
| Return Airfare | In some cases provided by employer |
| PR Opportunity | Long-term farm workers may apply later under immigration pathways |
🌽 What Kind of Jobs Are Available?
| Industry | Jobs |
|---|---|
| Farming | Fruit picking, vegetable harvesting |
| Greenhouses | Planting, packing, crop maintenance |
| Dairy Farms | Animal care, cleaning |
| Food Packaging | Sorting, labeling, boxing |
📅 Duration and Renewal
- Duration: 6 to 8 months (seasonal)
- Renewable: Yes, annually (depending on performance & demand)
🚫 Common Reasons for Rejection
- Fake documents or job offers
- Missing LMIA or incomplete application
- Medical unfitness
- Inability to prove intent to return
- Criminal background or visa ban history
🚫 Beware of Agents – This Visa is Free
❗ You do not need to pay agents or third parties.
All applications go through the official OEC platform. Anyone demanding huge money is likely a fraud. Stick with:
👉 https://oec.gov.pk
📢 Trusted Agencies for Canada Farm Jobs (2025)
- Workvantage International Workforce Solutions (Canada)
- AgriJobs (Canada)
- Canadian Recruitment Agencies working with Pakistani partners
- Local manpower agencies in Pakistan like Al Saqib Recruitment
⚠️ Avoid scammers asking for full fees without proof of job offer or LMIA.
