Recent research suggests that Canada’s trucking industry will have 48,000 fewer long-haul truckers by 2024.
This is great news to truck drivers, as it creates an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to immigrate to Canada to do this type of work.
The Canadian transport industry is still in high demand, with many long-haul truck driver jobs available.
Canada’s government also supports all of these developments, providing eligible foreign workers with work visas to allow them to work as truck drivers in Canada.
VISA Sponsorship of Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
Truck drivers will be happy to hear that this could open up a new opportunity to work in Canada.
It is clear that Canada’s transportation industry faces high demand, and there is a shortage of long-haul truck driver positions.
These developments are supported and supported by Canada’s government. It provides work permits for qualified foreign workers who want to be truck drivers in Canada.
Requirements to be a Truck Driver in Canada (with Visa Sponsorship)
Let’s take an in-depth look at the requirements to become a truck driver in Canada. This will allow you to understand what it takes to be a truck driver in Canada.
These include:
- Canada’s truck drivers work full-time on weekends, night shifts and overtime days, night, and evening shifts.
- The job doesn’t require a high school diploma.
- Although it can be beneficial to drive with a heavy load, it is not essential.
- Communicating in basic and functional English is essential.
- This position requires memberships and certificates as well as licenses and courses.
- You will need a valid driver’s license (Class 1, A, or Class 1) along with your Air Brake Endorsement (Z), and your Air Brake (Z) Endorsement.
- Types of equipment and trucking: Tractor-trailer: Tractor Flatbed, Tractor Highway or Refrigerated Truck (4.600kgplus), or 10,000 lbs with three or more axles
- Security and safety: You will need a basic security clearance and a criminal background check. Also, you must provide a copy your driving record. You must also pass a medical examination and submit to drug testing.
- Information on transportation and travel. Are you available for travel across Canada and the United States. You are willing and able to travel long distances for extended periods of times, day or night.
- Additional requirements: All candidates must be legally able to work in Canada. They must also be willing to cooperate to operate long-haul trucks.
Skills Requirement:
- Ability to drive and operate straight trucks or articulated trucks for the transport of goods and supplies.
- Cargo loading and unloading. Tarping and guaranteeing cargo safety.
- Capability to plan your trip routes.
- Atlases and other planning tools should be available to you to plan your trip.
- Receive information and send it to the central dispatcher.
- Ability to drive in a convoy, or as part of an two-person squad.
- Also, you should be able inspect the vehicle’s condition, including the tires, lights and cold storage.
Top Programs in Canada to Help Truck Driver Jobs
Here’s a list of the top programs that can help you find a job as a truck driver in Canada with visa sponsorship
British Columbia
British Columbia has a provincial program that allows truck drivers to work in Canada. This full-time job in long-haul trucking offers a job in the entry-level and semi skilled categories. There are over 400 jobs on the job bank.
Long-haul drivers are allowed to live permanently in the province. Visit their website to learn more about immigration in British Columbia.
Learn more about immigration in British Columbia by visiting their website at https://www.immigration.ca/british-columbia-immigration/.
Quebec
Quebec is the leader in truck driver opportunities with 837 job ads.
According to the Quebec government’s employment site, truck driver job prospects are “excellent” with their platform.
Access the Quebec website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/quebecimmigrationprovincial.html.
Ontario
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Employer Job Stream In-Demand Skills stream added the NOC code 7511 for truck drivers in July 2019.
This means that truck drivers with a job offer in Ontario can follow a path to permanent residence in Canada.
Learn more about immigration at https://www.immigration.ca/en/ontario-immigration.html.
Alberta
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program has over 500 job opportunities for long-haul truckers.
Truck drivers can apply for both the Alberta Opportunity Stream or Alberta Express Entry.
Manitoba
Employers who wish to hire truck drivers in Manitoba can use the federal Labor Market Assessment for Temporary foreign Workers process.
Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program allows companies to hire outside the LMIA process, provided they meet certain criteria such as compliance with labor laws and recruitment efforts.
Visit the Manitoba immigration website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/manitoba-immigration.html
Newfoundland and Labrador
This province is located in Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador province.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Labor Market Outlook 2025 report highlights truck driving as a job that will need significant immigration to fill the job vacancy.
Trucking companies are eligible employers for the NLPNP’s Express Entry and Skilled Worker streams.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Immigration offers a sub-category for long-haul truck drivers who are already in Canada with a work permit.
This occupation is also eligible for the provincial’s Express Entry or Occupations On-Demand categories. Each draw targets specific occupations.
Nova Scotia
Transport truck drivers (NOC 7511), are two of the target jobs in Nova Scotia Nominee Program’s Occupations On-Demand Stream.
This allows drivers to move into permanent residence.
This program will allow you to apply for a job as a truck driver in Canada with visa sponsorship.
Canada Truck Drivers’ Wages
The hourly wages of truck drivers are now comparable to national and provincial averages.
Statistics Canada and job bank data show that the median salary for truck drivers is slightly less than the national average.
It can rise to as high as $8 per hour in certain circumstances, up to $32 an hour on average.
As is predicted, truck driver wages will rise as the labor market demands for trucks increases in the future.
Conclusion
You’re looking for a job as a truck driver with sponsorship in Canada for foreigners?
These opportunities were highlighted in this article, along with the programs that offer them.
