Fruit-Picking Jobs in Canada for Nigerians 2025

Here’s a practical, up-to-date, and thoroughly Nigerian-focused guide to fruit-picking jobs in Canada in 2025. It walks you through the work pathways that are actually open to Nigerians, the application steps that trip people up, what the day-to-day work looks like,

how seasons differ by province, and how to prepare a compelling application without getting scammed. It’s long (by design) so you can treat it like a mini-handbook—bookmark it and revisit the sections you need most.

Fruit-Picking Jobs in Canada for Nigerians (2025 Guide)

Why fruit picking—and why Canada?

Every year, Canada’s farms and orchards need thousands of extra hands to plant, thin, weed, harvest, sort, and pack produce. Apples and pears in Ontario; blueberries, cherries, and grapes in British Columbia; cranberries in Québec; strawberries pretty much everywhere; and greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers across Ontario and Québec.

The work is seasonal, relatively straightforward to train for, and open to newcomers who’ve never worked in agriculture before. Crucially, it also has an immigration pathway designed for employers to hire international workers when Canadians and permanent residents aren’t available—the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) agricultural streams.

Under Canadian rules, temporary foreign workers must receive the same wages and benefits as comparable Canadians doing the same job and employers must respect provincial labour standards—so you’re not negotiating in the dark. Government of Canada

That said, there are a lot of myths about how Nigerians can get these jobs. The single biggest misconception is that Nigerians can come through Canada’s SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program). As of 2025, SAWP is limited to Mexico and specific Caribbean Commonwealth countries—not Nigeria.

If you’re Nigerian, your route is almost always the Agricultural Stream of the TFWP (sometimes called the “regular” agricultural stream), with an employer who has a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). We’ll break this down carefully below. Government of Canada+1

The two main pathways (and which one applies to Nigerians)

1) SAWP (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program) — not available to Nigerians

SAWP is a government-to-government arrangement open to Mexico and these Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

If you’re a Nigerian citizen, you aren’t eligible for SAWP. Don’t let a recruiter tell you otherwise. Government of Canada

2) Agricultural Stream (under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program) — the Nigerian route

Under the Agricultural Stream, a Canadian farm or greenhouse can hire you temporarily if:

The production is in an eligible commodity sector (for example fruits/vegetables, greenhouse/nursery, mushrooms, etc.), and
The job duties are on-farm primary agriculture (planting, cultivating, harvesting, sorting, packing on the farm). Government of Canada

Key protections under this stream include:

Equal pay/benefits to Canadians doing the same job.
Employers must review and adjust your wage to the prevailing wage (or the provincial minimum wage—whichever is higher) during your employment.
Provincial labour standards apply (hours, overtime, breaks, termination rules, etc.). Government of Canada+1

Many employers also must provide or arrange transport between housing and the worksite and ensure your housing meets local standards when they are the ones offering accommodation. Details vary by province and municipality, but the Agricultural Stream includes conditions around transportation and suitable accommodation when it’s required for the job. Government of Canada

Bottom line: If you’re Nigerian, target employers who use the Agricultural Stream and clearly state in job ads that they have—or will apply for—an LMIA for your position.

What exactly is an LMIA—and why it matters

An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is the government’s permission slip that lets a Canadian employer hire a foreign worker for a specific role when they can’t find a Canadian or permanent resident. Without an LMIA (or a listed exemption), most job offers are useless for a closed, employer-specific work permit.

The LMIA is requested by the employer, not you.
Once issued, it names the employer, location, role, and wage.
You use the positive LMIA (and the written job offer/contract) to apply for your work permit.

Under the agricultural stream, employers must advertise, offer the prevailing wage or higher, and meet housing/working-condition requirements to be approved. If they offer below the prevailing wage, they will be refused. Government of Canada

Nigeria-specific entry and visa notes (2025)

Nigerians are visa-required travellers to Canada. If you’re approved for a work permit from outside Canada, IRCC will automatically issue the needed temporary resident visa (TRV) sticker in your passport to let you board a plane and enter Canada. Government of Canada
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are usually required. You’ll get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) after applying and typically have 30 days to give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Book as soon as you receive the BIL to avoid delays. Government of Canada

Tip: Keep your passport valid for at least as long as your intended work term; Canada won’t issue a visa or permit past your passport’s expiry.

Roles you can expect in fruit and greenhouse work

Fruit-picking jobs are rarely just “pick and go.” Typical entry-level titles and duties include:

Harvest worker / fruit picker: Picking fruit (often by hand), using ladders or platforms, handling picking buckets, following quality standards, and placing fruit in bins or crates.
Crop farm labourer: Weeding, pruning, thinning, trellising, tying vines, moving irrigation lines, washing crates, and basic field maintenance.
Greenhouse worker: Planting, spacing, pruning, pest monitoring, cutting and clipping, harvesting, and packing.
Packing-house or grading-line worker (on-farm): Sorting and grading fruit, culling defects, operating simple equipment, labeling, and palletizing.

The work is physically demanding. Expect long periods of standing, bending, lifting up to 20–25 kg, repetitive movements, early starts (harvest often begins at dawn), and work in varying weather conditions. Canada’s labour rules protect all workers—including temporary foreign workers—and employers must pay for all hours worked (including overtime where required) and provide workplace safety coverage. Government of Canada

Where the jobs are: provinces and harvest calendars

While every province has some agriculture, fruit and greenhouse work cluster in a few hotspots:

Ontario: Canada’s largest greenhouse sector (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers) in Leamington/Kingsville, plus apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, and berries in Niagara, Simcoe, and the Ottawa Valley.
British Columbia (BC): Blueberries, cherries (notably the Okanagan), apples, grapes (wine country), and mixed berries in the Fraser Valley.
Québec: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), apples, cranberries, apples in the Eastern Townships and Montérégie, and many greenhouses.
Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI): Apples, berries, and niche crops; PEI is famous for potatoes (not fruit, but often the same labour stream).
Prairies: Some berries and orchard crops, plus greenhouse work near major centres.

Seasonality (approximate):

Greenhouses: Year-round operations with peak hiring in February–June (planting/transplanting) and steady harvest cycles thereafter.
Strawberries: May–July (earlier in greenhouses/tunnels).
Cherries (BC): June–August.
Blueberries (BC) and raspberries: July–September.
Apples (ON/QC/BC): August–October.
Grapes (ON/BC): September–October.
Cranberries (QC): September–October.

Planning your job search 6–9 months before the harvest you want gives employers enough time to finish advertising, get the LMIA, and for you to complete biometrics and the work-permit process.

Pay, hours, and conditions: what’s normal?

Under the Agricultural Stream, employers must pay at least the prevailing wage for your occupation and region, or the provincial minimum—whichever is higher. Many farms pay by the hour; some combine hourly with piece-rate incentives (for example, per kilogram or per bin) during harvest.

Overtime rules vary by province, but regardless, employers have to pay for all hours worked and adhere to health and safety standards. If you’re in a unionized greenhouse or pack-house, the union wage applies. Employers must review and adjust your wage during the job if the posted prevailing wage rises—this is not just a courtesy; it’s a program requirement. Government of Canada+1

Housing and transport: When employers provide housing (common in rural orchards), it must meet local standards; and they’re responsible for ensuring suitable, affordable accommodation. Employers may also be responsible for no-cost transport between housing and work where required. Check the LMIA and your contract for the exact terms—Canada enforces these conditions under the Agricultural Stream. Government of Canada

Step-by-step: how a Nigerian can land a fruit-picking job in 2025

Step 1: Target the right employers

Look for farms, orchards, and greenhouses that actively hire foreign workers on the Agricultural Stream and are willing to apply for (or already have) an LMIA. Watch for wording like “LMIA available,” “LMIA supported,” or “TFWP Agricultural Stream.” Avoid ads promising SAWP for Nigerians—it’s not permitted. Government of Canada+1

Where to search:

Canadian job boards (official portals and provincial farm associations).
Employer websites in major growing regions (Leamington/Kingsville for greenhouses; Okanagan/Fraser Valley in BC; Niagara/Simcoe/Montérégie in ON/QC).
Word-of-mouth from current or former workers (verify everything in writing).

Step 2: Polish a farm-ready CV

Keep it one or two pages. Emphasize:

Physical stamina (include sports, construction, factory, logistics, warehouse, or farm tasks).
Reliability (attendance records, shift work, early starts).
Safety-first mindset (PPE use, adherence to SOPs).
Any ag or food-processing exposure (even small-scale or family farms).
Willingness to work in all weather, weekends, holidays when required.

If you have forklift, tractor, pruning, or packing-line experience—even if informal—write it clearly and quantify it (“operated electric pallet jack daily; loaded 20 pallets per shift”).

Step 3: Interview and job offer

Expect simple but practical interviews: availability window (e.g., April–October), endurance, ladder comfort, ability to lift, and your plan for coming to Canada once approved.
If selected, the employer will send a formal job offer/contract and submit an LMIA application. You may be asked for passport ID, resume, and start date to complete their forms.

Step 4: LMIA approval (employer side)

This takes weeks to months depending on the season and volume. Once positive LMIA is issued, you’ll receive details (position, wage, location, and LMIA number). Without this, don’t submit your work-permit application—unless the employer is exempt (rare in agriculture).

Step 5: Apply for your work permit

You apply online to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit, attaching the LMIA, job offer, and supporting documents (passport, photos, proof you’ll leave Canada when the job ends, police certificate if requested, medical exam if required for the job/region, and proof of funds if asked).

Most applicants must also give biometrics—your fingerprints and photo. After IRCC issues your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), you typically have 30 days to complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre. Book early. Government of Canada+1

Step 6: Visa issuance and travel

Because Nigerians are visa-required, IRCC will automatically issue a TRV (visitor visa sticker) once your work permit is approved, so you can board your flight. Travel with your passport, letter of introduction, and any documents IRCC tells you to carry. Government of Canada

Step 7: Arrival and onboarding

At the port of entry, present your documents. You’ll receive the physical work permit stating your employer and location. Keep it safe. Your employer should brief you on safety, equipment, schedules, and housing rules. If they provide transport from housing to fields/greenhouses, clarify the pickup times and meeting points. Government of Canada

Timelines and planning pointers

Recruiting/LMIA window: Many growers recruit 3–9 months before the harvest peak. For summer/fall harvest, start networking January–April; for greenhouse roles, late winter is prime time.
Biometrics slot: You’ll have 30 days from your BIL to give biometrics—don’t delay booking your VAC appointment. Government of Canada
Document readiness: Keep your passport valid, have digital scans of key documents (passport bio page, resume, certifications), and keep an eye on your email (including spam) for IRCC updates.
Flight flexibility: Fruit seasons depend on weather. Build in flexibility for start dates and return dates.

Red flags and how to avoid scams

“Pay for LMIA” demands. The employer pays government LMIA fees—not you. If someone asks you to pay the LMIA fee or “buy a job letter,” walk away.
SAWP for Nigerians. Not permitted—if a recruiter claims this, they’re either uninformed or dishonest. Government of Canada
No written contract. Always obtain an offer letter/contract with wage, hours, housing, and job duties.
Unlicensed recruiters. Some provinces require recruiter licensing. If a third party is involved, verify their status in the province where the job is located.
Too-good-to-be-true promises. Guaranteed PR in one season, huge salaries far above market, or no-work “paper jobs” are classic scam signals.
Mismatch with Agricultural Stream rules. If the job is not on-farm primary agriculture (e.g., it’s a restaurant job) but they claim “Agricultural Stream,” that’s inconsistent with program definitions. Government of Canada

What a strong application looks like (from an employer’s eyes)

Reliable season window. You’re available exactly when they need you (e.g., July–October for blueberries).
Endurance and pace. You can handle repetitive, fast-paced work and meet daily targets.
Team and safety. You understand safety briefings, ladder protocols, and can follow instructions precisely.
Basic English or French for the role. You don’t need perfect fluency, but you must understand safety instructions and quality standards.
Consistency. Prior shift or field work counts—even if outside agriculture.
Low-drama logistics. You keep your passport valid, respond quickly to document requests, and don’t create avoidable delays in biometrics or medicals.

Day-to-day life and costs

Housing: Many farms offer shared rooms in bunkhouses or modular units; greenhouses may have dorm-style housing. Expect shared kitchens and bathrooms. Housing inspections or standards exist and are part of the employer’s responsibilities under the program.

Read the contract: some employers deduct a modest amount for housing where allowed by provincial rules; others provide it free. Transportation between housing and fields/worksite may be at no cost when required under program rules—check your agreement. Government of Canada

Transport: Rural buses are rare. If the employer provides daily transport, know the pickup times. If not, plan for carpools or bikes. In some clusters (like Leamington/Kingsville), rideshares are arranged informally among workers.

Food and shops: Rural areas have limited African groceries, but big towns often have international markets. Pack spice mixes, gari, or seasonings you can’t live without; customs allows reasonable quantities of dry, commercially packaged foods (avoid meat/fresh produce).

Weather and gear: Summers can be hot (30°C+ in greenhouses), autumn can be chilly, and rain is frequent in coastal regions. Bring:

Light, breathable long sleeves and trousers
Brimmed hat or cap
Work gloves (rubber-palmed for grip)
Waterproof jacket and quick-dry layers
Comfortable, closed-toe work shoes (water-resistant if possible)

Health and safety: You’ll receive workplace safety insurance and must follow safety rules (PPE, ladder training, chemical safety briefings). Report hazards and injuries immediately; it’s your right. Employers cannot hold your passport or ID. Government of Canada

Common questions Nigerians ask (2025)

1) Can I switch employers after arriving?
Your initial work permit is employer-specific. To switch, a new employer typically needs a new LMIA, and you need a new work permit naming that employer. There are limited, specific options for workers in abusive situations, but don’t plan on free job-hopping.

2) Do I need a visa in addition to the work permit approval?
If you’re Nigerian, yes—you’re visa-required. IRCC issues the visa automatically after your work permit is approved, so you don’t submit a separate visa application in most cases. Bring the letter of introduction and your passport with the visa sticker when you travel. Government of Canada

3) How do biometrics work?
After you apply, IRCC sends a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You must give fingerprints and a photo at a VAC within 30 days. Appointments are free to book; do it immediately to avoid processing delays. Government of Canada

4) Will my wage be increased if market rates rise during the season?
Yes. Employers must review and adjust wages to meet or exceed the prevailing wage at the start and throughout the job. Government of Canada

5) Are there policy headwinds I should know?
Canada signalled reductions in some temporary resident categories in 2024–2025, but agriculture is explicitly protected in these adjustments. That said, it’s smart to apply with complete, accurate documents and realistic timelines because the environment is more scrutinized than a few years ago. Reuters

How to build experience (even if you’ve never farmed)

Local practice: Volunteer or do paid work on Nigerian farms—fruit, vegetables, cassava, or greenhouse projects. Learn pruning, trellising, basic IPM (pest) awareness, and safe lifting techniques.
Factory/warehouse crossover: Many greenhouse/pack-house tasks mirror warehouse work—picking (items), packing, labeling, scanning, palletizing. If you have this background, highlight it.
Food safety basics: Watch reputable training videos on hygiene, avoiding cross-contamination, and traceability concepts.
Fitness: Start conditioning—daily walks, light weight training, core and back strength—and learn to lift with your legs, not your back.
English for the job: Practice vocabulary like rows, bins, trays, stems, bruising, cull, grade, lot, pallet, label, PPE.

Crafting your “Canadian farm” CV and cover letter

CV (1–2 pages):

Header: Full name (as in passport), phone/WhatsApp, email, city/state, passport validity.
Objective: “Physically fit farm/warehouse worker seeking seasonal fruit-harvesting role under the Agricultural Stream (LMIA-supported).”
Experience: Bullet points with action verbs and metrics (e.g., “Picked and packed up to 300 kg of produce per shift with <2% defects”).
Skills: Stamina, ladder safety, basic tool use, teamwork, shift work, HACCP/food safety awareness (if any).
Certifications: First aid, forklift (if applicable), any agricultural courses.
References: Two supervisors with phone/email (get permission first).

Cover letter (half page):
State your availability window (e.g., “July–October 2025”), willingness to work weekends and early mornings, past experience that matches the crop (e.g., “blueberry harvest”), and explicitly mention that you understand the employer will apply under the TFWP Agricultural Stream and that you will submit biometrics and other IRCC requirements promptly.

Interview tips that resonate with growers

Be punctual and keep answers concise.
Show you understand the job: “I’ll pick carefully to avoid bruising; I know soft fruit needs gentle handling and correct bin fill levels.”
Demonstrate pace plus quality: Provide examples of meeting daily targets with low defect rates.
Safety mindset: Mention ladder three-point contact, PPE, hydration, sun protection, and listening to field supervisors.
Ask practical questions: Start date, expected hours per week, housing details, transportation from housing to fields, gear to bring, and whether rain gear is needed.

A realistic budget for your first season

While specific costs vary, plan for:

Upfront: Passport renewal (if needed), medical exam (if IRCC requests), police cert, biometrics travel, initial personal gear, and part of your airfare (some employers help—clarify in writing).
Upon arrival: Groceries, local SIM, basic household items if housing is self-catered.
During the season: Remittances, savings, and a cushion for off-days due to rain.

Remember: the program requires employers to pay you for all hours worked and to follow provincial employment standards; your contract should outline pay periods and any permissible deductions. Government of Canada

Your rights at work (know these)

Equal treatment: Same wage and benefits as Canadians in the same role; wage reviews to maintain prevailing wage. Government of Canada+1
No passport seizure: Employers cannot hold your ID. Government of Canada
Workplace safety insurance: Coverage is mandatory; report injuries promptly. Government of Canada
Complaints and help: Every province has a Ministry of Labour; use it if you face withheld pay, unsafe conditions, or contract breaches. Government of Canada

Putting it all together: a sample action plan (January–October 2025)

January–February:

Update passport (valid through at least October 2026 if possible).
Prepare CV/cover letter tailored to Agriculture Stream roles.
Start contacting greenhouses for spring roles; orchards for summer/fall harvest.

March–April:

Secure interviews; confirm the employer will submit an LMIA.
Gather documents (police cert if requested, education/employment proofs).
Be ready for the employer’s LMIA process.

May–June:

Once LMIA is positive, apply online for your work permit immediately.
Watch for your Biometric Instruction Letter; book biometrics within 30 days. Government of Canada

July–August:

If approved, receive your TRV automatically (as a visa-required traveller) and travel with your letter of introduction and passport. Government of Canada
Begin work during peak harvests (cherries/blueberries/early apples).

September–October:

Continue harvest (apples/grapes/cranberries).
Track hours, overtime, and wage adjustments; keep copies of pay stubs.
Decide whether to return next season; many employers re-invite reliable workers.

Final checklist before you say “yes” to any offer

Country eligibility: You’re not being told to use SAWP (Nigerians can’t). Offer is under Agricultural Stream. Government of Canada
Employer readiness: Employer will apply for or already has a positive LMIA.
Contract clarity: Wage (meets prevailing wage), hours, overtime policy, job duties, housing details, transportation, tools/PPE provided or not. Government of Canada
IRCC compliance: You understand you’ll give biometrics within 30 days of BIL and that, once approved, a TRV will be issued for travel. Government of Canada+1
Budget: You can cover initial costs until first payday.

The big picture for 2025

Canada is tightening some temporary resident streams, but agriculture remains a priority sector because crops don’t wait and labour gaps are real. That means quality applications—clear LMIA-supported offers, clean document packages, and timely biometrics—matter more than ever.

If you stay focused on the Agricultural Stream, verify employers carefully, and present yourself as reliable, safety-conscious, and physically ready, fruit-picking work in Canada can be within reach for Nigerians this year. Reuters

Key sources (for your reference)

Government of Canada – SAWP participating countries (Nigeria is not listed). Government of Canada
Government of Canada – Agricultural Stream overview and requirements (on-farm primary agriculture, eligible commodities). Government of Canada
Government of Canada – Wages and working conditions (equal treatment; wage reviews to prevailing wage). Government of Canada
Government of Canada – Prevailing wage reviews (employers must adjust wages to current rates). Government of Canada
Government of Canada – Transport/housing responsibilities in Agricultural Stream. Government of Canada
IRCC – Visa requirements by country (Nigeria is visa-required; TRV issuance). Government of Canada
IRCC – Biometrics: appointment window and requirements. Government of Canada

If you’d like, I can tailor this further—e.g., a province-by-province harvest calendar table, a sample CV/cover letter pair, or a checklist you can print and tick off as you move through each step.