Can I wwoof/volunteer as a tourist on a farm?
As a visitor in Canada, you are allowed to work on a farm in Canada:
- only for room and board
- only on non-commercial farms
- only to a maximum of 4 weeks per farm
For any work on commercial farms and/or for periods longer than 4 weeks, a valid work permit is mandatory. In most cases, this can be done through the Working Holiday work permit.
Even if someone claims they’ve worked on a farm for a longer period without a permit, it doesn’t mean the work was legal. In reality, that person would be working illegally, something that can lead to serious consequences for both the worker and the farm if discovered.
Moreover, in the event of an accident during illegal work, health insurance providers are likely to reject any claims.
“For instance, if a tourist wishes to stay on a family farm and work part time just for room and board for a short period (i.e., one to four weeks), this person would not be considered a worker.
Work on a farm that is expected to extend beyond four weeks would require a work permit.”
What does non-commercial mean?
In general, non-commercial farms are those that do not earn income from external sources—whether from tourists, product sales, or services. In other words, they must not operate with the intention of making a profit, but instead aim to be self-sufficient. Simply put, this type of setup is often referred to as a hobby farm or family farm.
What is commercial?
The farm makes money from the outside. The following examples where you are not allowed to work as a tourist:
- a guest ranch or B&B that accommodates tourists for money,
- a horse ranch where people pay to learn to ride
- a small ranch, but which offers trail rides for tourists for money
- a large farm that harvests fruits and vegetables and sells them on the market
- a horse breeding farm, dog breeding farm
- a dairy farm
- a winery
- etc.
What is WWOOFing?
WWOOF stands for “World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.” Through this program, the volunteer, known as a “WWOOFer”, has the chance to live and work on a farm while learning about organic farming practices and sustainable living.
In exchange for simple, hands-on work, WWOOFers receive free accommodation and three meals a day. Typical tasks may include weeding, harvesting crops, milking cows, mucking out horse stables, or feeding animals. Overall, it’s a great way to experience rural life, meet new people, and gain practical farming experience in a unique cultural setting.
How many hours do I have to work?
For board and lodging you help the farm with the daily routine. Usually it is 4-6 hours a day to help on with farm chores. However, some travelers report being asked to work 40 hours per week, which crosses the line into full-time employment. In such cases, the farm should legally be paying wages, as the arrangement goes beyond the standard volunteer exchange.
Unfortunately, many Work and Travel participants are either unaware of this or choose not to address it, which can lead to exploitation. As a result, some find themselves overworked and undervalued, treated more like ‘slaves’. It’s important, therefore, to know your rights, set clear expectations before you arrive, and speak up if the arrangement becomes unfair.
My farm family wants me to take care of the children too
To be clear, this is a real job as an au pair, nanny, or babysitter, and it therefore requires a valid work permit, along with a medical exam if you will be working with children. If, however, you work without a permit and without completing the required medical exam, then it is considered illegal employment. As a result, both you and the farm could face serious consequences from immigration authorities.
Legal considerations and important for entry as a tourist!
- It’s not a job: WWOOFing is a voluntary exchange, not paid employment
- You should enter as a tourist and emphasize that your main reason for travel is tourism, you have to have other plans for most of your time in Canada. E.g. travel, visits to family and friends.
- Be cautious at the border: if you mention the word “work”, even in the context of unpaid “farm work”, the border officer may interpret it as unauthorized employment and could refuse you entry.
>Here< are the official instructions that government officials must follow and check.