Food packing jobs in Canada (also known as Food Packers, Packaging Operators, or Processors) are entry-level roles in high demand within the agri-food sector, including sorting, weighing, sealing, labeling, and quality-checking items like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, eggs, and prepared foods for retail, export, or distribution. Canada’s robust food industry—valued at CAD 150B+ annually—relies on these positions due to labor shortages, seasonal peaks (e.g., harvest in Ontario/BC), and growth in exports. Major employers include Maple Leaf Foods, Cargill, AG Foods, Fraser Valley Packers, and farms like Armstrong Top Pack. With the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot and TFWP, over 2,000 vacancies are active monthly, many offering visa sponsorship for foreigners from India, Philippines, Mexico, and Caribbean nations. These jobs provide stable entry points, often leading to PR via experience points in Express Entry.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | None required; on-the-job training provided |
| Experience | 0–1 year; freshers welcome, especially for manual tasks |
| Skills | Physical stamina (standing 8+ hours, lifting 10–25 kg), attention to hygiene/quality |
| Language | Basic English/French; food safety cert (e.g., FOODSAFE) a plus |
| Age & Fitness | 18–50 years; medical exam needed for visa (no allergies/skin issues) |
| Other | Valid passport; willingness for shifts in cold/fast-paced environments |
Salary and Benefits (Taxable, Provincial Minimums Apply)
Average pay is CAD 15–21/hour (CAD 30,000–43,000/year full-time), varying by province (higher in AB/ON). Sponsored roles often include extras like housing.
| Benefit | Common Offerings |
|---|---|
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes via LMIA/TFWP; 8–24 months, renewable; leads to PR |
| Accommodation | Subsidized on-site (CAD 100–200/month deducted) |
| Food/Transport | Meals or CAD 200–400 allowance; company shuttle |
| Medical/Insurance | Employer coverage (health/dental); EI eligibility |
| Leave/Perks | 10–15% vacation pay; OT at 1.5x; annual bonuses |
| Working Hours | 40–50 hours/week; rotating shifts, seasonal OT surges |
Growth: Advance to Quality Inspector (CAD 45,000+) after 1 year; transferable to manufacturing/supervisory roles.
Current Job Openings (November 12, 2025)
Over 2,000 listings across platforms; here’s a curated selection of visa-sponsored opportunities:
| Job Title | Company/Location | Salary (CAD/Hour) | Key Details | Apply Link/Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Packer | AG Foods (Various, ON/BC) | 15–18 | Visa sponsorship; packing fruits/veggies; no exp; free housing/meals | AG Foods |
| Vegetable Packer | Armstrong Top Pack Ltd. (BC) | 16–20 | Sponsorship available; sorting/packing produce; full-time; disability-friendly | LMIA Jobs |
| Egg Packing Worker | Various Poultry Farms (AB/ON) | 14–18 | Visa via TFWP; quality checks/lifting cartons; training included | Seasonal Work Visa |
| Fruit Packer | Scotlynn Farms (ON) | 15–20 | Seasonal harvest; LMIA support; accommodation + OT | Unskilled Job |
| Meat Packer | Maple Leaf Foods (MB/SK) | 18–21 | Sponsorship for foreigners; hygiene focus; full benefits | Maple Leaf Foods |
| Dairy Packer | Cargill (AB) | 17–22 | Visa eligible; cold storage work; medical insurance | Job Service Hub |
| General Food Packer | The Elite Job (ON) | 16–19 | Entry-level; sponsorship; teamwork emphasis | Elite Job |
| Packing Associate | Fraser Valley Packers (BC) | 20.46 (fixed) | Rotating shifts; food safety training; no restrictions | Glassdoor |
For more:
- Indeed Canada: 2,000+ food packaging roles; filter “visa sponsorship.”
- Job Bank: 500+ agri-food packer jobs.
- Glassdoor: 49+ packer positions with reviews.
- Jooble: Urgent listings, e.g., Markham ON.
Recent X posts promote sponsored opportunities—e.g., AG Foods roles with quick processing. Search #CanadaFoodJobs for updates.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare CV: 1-page resume with photo, passport details, any manual exp; highlight fitness/hygiene.
- Job Portals: Search “food packing Canada visa” on Indeed, Job Bank, or Workopolis; upload and alert.
- Direct/Company Sites: Apply via AG Foods or Maple Leaf; email CV to hr@agfoods.org.
- Agencies/Programs: Use free recruiters like Maple Career for LMIA help; Agri-Food Pilot for PR path.
- Visa Process: Employer secures LMIA (1–2 months) → IRCC work permit (2–4 weeks); medical/police check required.
Tips and Warnings
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Focus on peak provinces (ON, BC, AB) for more sponsorships | Pay for LMIA/visas—legit employers cover (scams via fake sites) |
| Get free FOODSAFE cert online for edge | Ignore cold chain rules—fines up to CAD 1,000 |
| Network in newcomer Facebook groups for tips | Apply without medical—delays 4–6 weeks |
| Monitor seasonal hires (summer for fruits) on X | Sign without English contract review |