How the Agricultural Stream LMIA Helps Canadian Farms Hire Foreign Workers

 

Running a farm in Canada is no small task. Between unpredictable weather, long hours, and tight margins, farmers already have a lot to manage. On top of that, many Canadian farms struggle to find enough workers to keep up with planting, harvesting, and day-to-day operations.

That’s where the agricultural stream LMIA can make a big difference.

If you’re in the agriculture sector and you’re thinking about hiring foreign workers to help on your farm, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what the agricultural stream LMIA is, how it works, and how you can use it to bring in the workers you need — all in clear, simple language.

What Is the Agricultural Stream LMIA?

Let’s start with the basics.

An LMIA, or Labour Market Impact Assessment, is a document that Canadian employers must get before hiring most foreign workers. The LMIA proves that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian labour market — in other words, it shows that no Canadian workers were available to take the job.

The agricultural stream LMIA is a special type of LMIA created for farms, greenhouses, and ranches. It allows agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers when they can’t find enough Canadians to fill their jobs.

Why Is There a Special Stream for Agriculture?

Agriculture is one of Canada’s most important industries — and also one of the hardest when it comes to hiring.

Farm jobs are often seasonal, physically demanding, and located in rural areas where there may not be a big pool of local workers. That means farms often face worker shortages, especially during harvest season.

The agricultural stream LMIA was designed to help farms address those challenges quickly and efficiently, so they can keep producing the food Canadians rely on.

Who Can Apply for an Agricultural Stream LMIA?

Not every job or employer is eligible under the agricultural stream LMIA. To qualify, you need to meet some specific requirements:

✅ The work you’re offering must be on-farm, primary agriculture work. That means it takes place directly on a farm, greenhouse, or ranch — not in a food processing plant or warehouse.

✅ The job must fall under one of the industries listed on the National Commodities List (NCL). This list includes jobs like fruit and vegetable production, dairy farming, beef and poultry farming, greenhouse crops, apiary work (beekeeping), sod farming, and more.

✅ You must offer at least 30 hours of work per week.

✅ You must pay at least the provincial/territorial minimum wage or prevailing wage for that type of job in your region.

If your business and the job you’re hiring for meet these requirements, you can apply for an agricultural stream LMIA.

How the Process Works

So, how do you actually apply for an agricultural stream LMIA? Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

Before applying, make sure you’re clear on the requirements. You’ll need to include:

  • A detailed job offer

  • The wage you’re offering

  • The number of workers you need

  • Proof that the job qualifies as primary agriculture work

Step 2: Submit to Service Canada

Send your application to Service Canada with the required fee (currently $1000 per worker). Unlike other LMIA streams, the agricultural stream does not require you to advertise the job to Canadians first, since it’s recognized that these jobs are hard to fill.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

If everything in your application is correct, you’ll receive a positive LMIA. This confirms you can move forward with hiring foreign workers.

Step 4: Workers Apply for Work Permits

Once you have the positive LMIA, your foreign workers can use it (along with your job offer) to apply for a Canadian work permit.

Why Choose the Agricultural Stream LMIA?

There are several reasons why the agricultural stream LMIA is the preferred option for Canadian farms:

🌱 It’s faster and more streamlined than other LMIA streams.
🌱 No advertising required, which saves you time and effort.
🌱 Specifically designed for agriculture, so it matches the needs of seasonal and rural farm work.
🌱 Supports your business by helping you avoid labour shortages and keep your farm productive.

Without the agricultural stream LMIA, many Canadian farms would struggle to bring in the help they need during critical times of the year.

Tips for a Smooth Application

Here are some best practices to improve your chances of success when applying for an agricultural stream LMIA:

✅ Double-check your eligibility. Make sure your commodity is listed on the National Commodities List.
✅ Offer competitive wages. Paying the correct wage is required — and it can make your job more appealing.
✅ Apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute; processing times can vary depending on demand.
✅ Keep records. You’ll need to show proof of compliance if asked in the future.

Planning ahead and being thorough can help you avoid delays and get the workers you need, when you need them.

Common Questions

Do I have to provide housing for foreign workers?
Yes — as the employer, you’re responsible for providing affordable, suitable housing for your foreign workers.

Who pays for transportation?
You’re required to cover the cost of round-trip transportation between the worker’s home country and your farm.

How long is the LMIA valid?
The LMIA is generally valid for the length of the job you’ve specified — often up to one year.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s farms are the backbone of our food system. But when there aren’t enough Canadians willing or able to take on farm work, the agricultural stream LMIA gives you a way to keep growing and thriving.

By using this program, you can hire the foreign workers you need to fill crucial roles on your farm. With the right preparation, it’s a straightforward process that benefits both employers and workers.

If you’re struggling to find enough help, don’t let labour shortages hold your farm back. Take advantage of the agricultural stream LMIA, and keep your operation — and your harvest — on track.

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