Poultry Farm Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Poultry Farm Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship: Poultry farm jobs represent a key sector within Canada’s agri-food industry, offering structured pathways for foreign workers seeking employment with visa sponsorship. The industry, encompassing chicken, turkey, and egg production, faces consistent labour shortages, making it a viable option for workers abroad. This guide details the nature of the work, the specific immigration programs used, and the process for securing a sponsored position.

The Poultry Farming Industry in Canada

Canada’s poultry sector is highly regulated and operates under a supply management system. It includes large-scale broiler chicken farms, turkey operations, and egg-laying facilities, many of which are family-owned but operate as sophisticated agricultural businesses. The work is physically demanding and follows strict biosecurity and animal welfare protocols.

Primary Job Roles and Duties

Positions on a poultry farm are specialized and critical to daily operations. Poultry farm workers are responsible for the direct care of birds, including feeding, watering, and monitoring health and behaviour. Egg gatherers collect, sort, and pack eggs in grading facilities, often using automated conveyor systems. Processing plant workers in associated facilities may be involved in the initial stages of poultry processing. Equipment operators handle machinery for feeding systems, climate control, and barn cleaning. Supervisory roles involve overseeing animal care routines, managing barn environments, and training new staff.

Visa Sponsorship Pathways for Foreign Workers

The primary avenue for visa sponsorship in this sector is through government-facilitated labour programs, not typically through direct employer sponsorship in the traditional sense.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Agricultural Stream

This is the most common and relevant pathway. Canadian poultry farmers can hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour shortages for year-round or seasonal roles after obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment. Jobs are classified under National Occupational Classification codes such as 8431 – General farm workers or 9463 – Poultry farm workers. Successful applicants receive a closed work permit tied to the specific employer and farm where the LMIA was granted.

The Agri-Food Pilot Program

This is a critical pathway to permanent residency for eligible poultry workers. Launched to address chronic labour needs, it allows experienced workers in specific industries, including meat product manufacturing and animal production, to apply for permanent residence. Key requirements include at least 12 months of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in Canada in an eligible occupation, a valid job offer, and meeting language and education thresholds.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Agriculture Streams

Some provinces, such as British Columbia (through its Agri-Food Immigration Pilot) and Ontario, have specific immigration streams targeting agricultural workers, which can include poultry farm experience as a qualifying criterion for nomination toward permanent residency.

Eligibility and Requirements for Workers

Employers seek individuals who can reliably perform demanding work in a regulated environment.

Mandatory Skills and Attributes

Formal education is rarely required, but a basic understanding of English or French is necessary to comprehend safety instructions and animal care protocols. The role requires significant physical stamina for long hours of standing, bending, and lifting in a barn environment. A strong sense of responsibility and reliability is paramount, as animals depend on consistent care. Workers must be willing to follow strict biosecurity measures, which may include showering in/out of facilities and wearing provided clothing.

Essential Documentation and Checks

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA is the cornerstone of the process. You must apply for and obtain a closed work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. A clean police clearance certificate is required. A medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician is mandatory to ensure you meet health standards for working with food-producing animals.

Employment Conditions and Job Market

The demand for workers is steady, concentrated in major poultry-producing provinces.

Key Locations and Employers

Major poultry operations are found in Ontario (the largest producer), British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba. Employers range from large integrated companies to independent family-run farms and cooperatives.

Wages and Working Conditions

Wages are typically hourly and must meet or exceed the provincial minimum wage and the prevailing wage for the occupation. Entry-level poultry farm workers can expect to earn between $16.50 to $22.00 Canadian dollars per hour, with potential for overtime during certain production cycles. Work often includes early mornings, weekends, and holidays, as animal care is a 365-day-a-year responsibility. The environment can be dusty, noisy, and characterized by distinct odours. Employers adhering to the TFWP are required to provide suitable, affordable housing or a housing allowance.

Step-by-Step Process to Secure a Sponsored Position

The process is systematic and employer-initiated.

Step 1: Connection with a Licensed Recruiter or Employer

Canadian poultry farmers typically hire through licensed recruitment agencies in select countries that have agreements with the Canadian government. It is crucial to use only government-authorized recruiters. Some larger operations may advertise directly on their websites or through industry associations like the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council.

Step 2: Receive a Formal Job Offer and LMIA

After a successful interview, the employer will provide a formal employment contract and a copy of the positive Labour Market Impact Assessment. This contract will detail wages, hours, duties, and housing arrangements.

Step 3: Apply for Your Work Permit

With the contract and LMIA number, you submit your work permit application to IRCC, along with your passport, police clearance, and medical exam results. Processing times vary by country.

Step 4: Pre-Departure Orientation and Arrival

Prior to departure, you may receive cultural and workplace orientation. Upon arrival in Canada, your employer or their agent is responsible for meeting you and ensuring you reach the worksite and provided housing.

Critical Considerations for Workers

Prospective workers must have a clear and realistic understanding of this opportunity. The work is physically intensive and conducted in a rural, isolated setting, which can be an adjustment. Be extremely vigilant against fraud; you should never pay a recruiter for a job offer. Only pay mandated government fees (like visa processing fees). Your initial work permit is employer-specific. Changing employers requires a new LMIA and work permit. Excelling in your role and gaining 12 months of experience is the key to unlocking the Agri-Food Pilot Program for permanent residency.

Final Summary

Poultry farm jobs in Canada offer a legitimate and government-supported route for foreign workers to obtain visa sponsorship and build a foundation for potential permanent residency. Success depends on being recruited through the proper TFWP channels, meeting all health and character requirements, and being prepared for the demanding nature of the work. For reliable, hardworking individuals, it provides stable employment in a critical industry with a defined long-term immigration pathway. Begin by researching the official Government of Canada immigration website and connecting only with licensed recruitment agencies in your home country that are authorized to recruit for Canadian agricultural positions.