Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program – Sapra Immigration

Overview of SAWP

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a collaborative initiative between the Government of Canada and select partner countries. It allows Canadian agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers for seasonal farm work when Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable. The program addresses labor shortages in the agricultural sector, ensuring the timely planting and harvesting of crops.

Eligibility Criteria

For Workers:

Must be a citizen of a participating country.
Recruited and selected by their home country’s government.
Willing to work for SAWP-approved employers in Canada.

Participating Countries:

Mexico
Caribbean nations including:
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Lucia
- Vincent and the Grenadines
- Grenada
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Montserrat
- Kitts and Nevis
- Anguilla

Program Details

Duration: Employment can last up to 8 months between January 1 and December 15.
Work Hours: A minimum of 240 hours within a 6-week period.
Occupations: Roles related to on-farm primary agriculture, including planting, harvesting, and general farm labor.
Employer Requirements: Must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and provide suitable accommodation and working conditions.

Worker Rights and Protections

Wages: Workers are entitled to the same wage rates as Canadian workers performing similar tasks.
Health Coverage: Employers must ensure workers have access to provincial/territorial health insurance or equivalent private coverage.
Workplace Safety: Employers are obligated to provide a safe working environment and adhere to occupational health and safety standards.
Employment Standards: Workers are protected under Canadian labor laws, including regulations on working hours, rest periods, and overtime.

Application Process

Apply through their home country’s government, which manages recruitment and selection.
Provide necessary documentation, including medical examinations and background checks.

For Employers:

Submit an LMIA application to Service Canada.
Once approved, coordinate with the foreign government’s liaison office to arrange worker recruitment.

How Sapra Immigration Can Assist?

At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., we offer comprehensive support for employers and workers involved in the SAWP:

For Employers:
- Assistance with LMIA applications.
- Guidance on compliance with program requirements.
- Support in coordinating with foreign governments for worker recruitment.
For Workers:
- Information on eligibility and application procedures.
- Assistance with documentation and preparation for employment in Canada.

Program Updates & Accuracy

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is an active part of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Sapra Immigration regularly monitors Government of Canada updates to ensure our content remains accurate.

For the most up-to-date SAWP policies, click here.