New Rules Coming: What Migrant Workers in Agriculture & Seafood Need to Know

The Government of Canada has announced that a new program called the Agriculture and Fish Processing Stream will replace some programs, like the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP), which is also known as the “farm work” program. 

The new program may start fully in 2027, but some changes could happen as early as this year. Right now, they are asking for input about these changes. Here’s what we know so far about what they are proposing and how it’s different from the SAWP: 

Name of Program	SAWP	New Agriculture & Fish Processing Stream
Contract Duration	Up to 8 months	Up to 2 years
Work Permit	Closed work permit: the worker can only work with one Employer. Transfers to other farms are only possible with permission.	Stream-specific work permit: the worker will be allowed to change jobs within the agriculture and seafood processing stream. Workers can only be hired by Employers who have an available position which has been approved by the Government of Canada.
Wages & Deductions	Workers are often paid minimum wage. Workers pay utility fees, but don’t pay rent (except in BC).	Some workers' wages may increase, depending on the job and province. A housing deduction of up to 30% of your pay may be added, including utility fees.
Housing	Employer owned housing. No national housing standards.	Employers will continue to be responsible for workers’ housing. Housing must meet 12 basic health and safety standards.
Transportation	Costs of flights are shared between Employers and Workers.	Employers will pay some or all travel costs. Workers may need to pay a portion of flights.
Health Care Access	Employers must pay for private health insurance if workers are not yet covered by the province.	No change.
Permanent Residence (PR)	No direct pathway to PR.	No change.