If you are researching a farm work visa 2027, you have two strong options: Canada and the United States. Both countries hire thousands of foreign agricultural workers each year. This guide breaks down earnings, visa pathways, fees, and requirements so you can decide which route fits your goals.
Farm Work Visa Options in Canada for 2027
Canada runs the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the Agricultural Stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These are the two main pathways for farm workers seeking a work permit application in Canada.
Who Can Apply
- Citizens of Mexico and Caribbean countries qualify for SAWP directly.
- Workers from other countries can apply through the Agricultural Stream if they have a valid job offer.
- Your employer must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you apply.
Earnings and Fees
Farm workers in Canada earn between CAD 15.60 and CAD 20.00 per hour in 2027, depending on the province and crop type. Ontario and British Columbia tend to offer the highest wages. Your employer covers return airfare and housing under SAWP. The work permit application fee is CAD 155. Processing takes roughly 2 to 8 weeks once your employer submits the LMIA.
Some experienced agricultural workers use SAWP experience to later pursue permanent residency application pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry Canada. An immigration lawyer or immigration attorney can assess whether your farm work history counts toward points in these systems.
Farm Work Visa Options in the USA for 2027
The United States uses the H-2A Visa for temporary agricultural workers. This is an employer sponsored visa, meaning you need a US employer to petition for you before you apply.
Who Can Apply
- Workers from any country the US designates as eligible for H-2A (over 80 countries qualify in 2027).
- Your employer files Form I-129 with USCIS on your behalf.
- You attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in your country.
Earnings and Fees
H-2A workers earn the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which varies by state. In 2027, rates range from USD 14.30 in some Southern states to USD 20.45 in Washington and California. Your employer pays your inbound travel and provides free housing. The DS-160 visa application fee is USD 190. Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days after your employer files the petition.
The H-2A visa does not lead directly to a green card application, but some workers transition to other skilled worker visa categories with employer support. If you want to explore long-term options, speak with a licensed immigration attorney about visa sponsorship jobs that include a jobs with relocation package and a path to permanent status.
Canada vs USA: A Quick Comparison
- Visa fee: Canada CAD 155 vs USA USD 190.
- Hourly wage: Canada CAD 15.60 to CAD 20.00 vs USA USD 14.30 to USD 20.45.
- Processing time: Canada 2 to 8 weeks vs USA 30 to 60 days.
- Path to permanent residency: Canada offers routes through Express Entry Canada and the Provincial Nominee Program. The US H-2A visa does not directly convert to a green card application.
- Housing: Both countries require employers to provide free housing under their respective programs.
If long-term immigration is your goal, Canada offers more practical routes from agricultural work to permanent residency than the USA does in 2027.
You can review official H-2A program details on the US Department of Labor H-2A page. For Canada, visit the Government of Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program page.
Practical Steps to Apply
- Search for visa sponsorship jobs with Canadian or US farm employers registered with the relevant government program.
- Ask your employer about salary negotiation tips before signing your contract, since wages can vary by crop and region.
- Gather documents early: passport, proof of work experience, and medical clearance if required.
- Submit your work permit application only after your employer completes their filing.
- Track your application status online using your government portal account.
Visit the official government or programme website to apply, and consult a licensed immigration adviser if you need personalised help.
Can I switch from a farm work visa to permanent residency in Canada?
Yes. If you have Canadian farm work experience, you may qualify under the Provincial Nominee Program or accumulate points for Express Entry Canada. You will need to meet language, experience, and education requirements. An immigration lawyer can review your specific profile and advise on the strongest pathway.
Does the US H-2A visa allow me to bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can apply for H-4 dependent visas. They cannot work on H-4 status, but they can live with you in the US during your contract period.
How do I find employers who offer visa sponsorship jobs for farm work?
In Canada, check the LMIA-approved employer list on the Government of Canada website. In the US, the Department of Labor publishes a list of approved H-2A job orders. These lists are updated regularly and show open positions, wages, and employer contact details.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees, and scholarship deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements on official government or institution websites before applying.
