Do you have truck-driving skills or any driving skills at all? It is time for you to go brush up on those skills and start searching for jobs in Canada that will also come with a visa sponsorship in 2025. The transportation industry all over the world is one of the most important thriving industries currently and with ecommerce businesses popping up in every corner, truck-drivers are the hottest piece of cake in the job market.
In Canada, the demand for skilled truck-drivers has risen over the past few years and there has been a shortage of qualified individuals available to fill up the gap. This shortage has opened up opportunities for foreign workers to secure truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship. As a foreigner with these highly coveted skills, you have the advantage of working experience which you can use to land your dream job and migrate to Canada for on a fully sponsored visa.
The Different Types of Truck Driving Jobs in Canada and Their Salary Expectations
- Long-Haul Truck Driving: This involves cross-province or cross-country deliveries and requires extended time on the road, often covering thousands of kilometers. Salary expectation is between CAD 55,000–CAD 80,000 per year.
- Short-Haul Truck Driving: Includes local or regional deliveries and allows drivers to return home daily or weekly. Salary expectation range is from CAD 45,000–CAD 65,000 per year.
- Specialized Truck Driving: This involves jobs such as tanker truck driving, refrigerated truck driving, or oversized load transportation. Salary ranges between CAD 60,000–CAD 90,000 per year.
- Delivery Truck Driving: This has become quite common in recent times due to the rise in online businesses, and it involves delivering goods to stores, businesses, or homes, often within a city or region. Expected compensation is between CAD 35,000–CAD 50,000 per year.
Why You Should Consider Truck Driving Jobs in Canada
The trucking industry in Canada has consistently faced a labor shortage, particularly in long-haul driving, creating ample opportunities for skilled foreign drivers. This also means that skilled truck drivers in Canada can earn attractive wages, with annual salaries ranging from CAD 50,000 to CAD 80,000, depending on experience, location, and job type.
Employers in Canada most often provide visa sponsorship to foreign truck drivers under various immigration pathways and this can lead to permanent residency opportunities through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Express Entry System.
Job Requirements for Truck Drivers in Canada
The requirements for securing a visa sponsorship job in Canada as a truck driver in another country are not very steep and are listed below:
- Educational Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and any additional certifications for specialized driving (e.g., hazardous materials).
- Driver’s License: A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is mandatory. Foreign licenses may need to be converted to a Canadian CDL.
- A minimum of 2–5 years of truck driving experience is often required.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English or French for effective communication.
- Other requirements include a clean driving record, the ability to pass medical exams and drug tests and basic knowledge of Canadian road regulations.
Immigration and Visa Sponsorship Programs for Truck Drivers
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employers can hire foreign truck drivers through the TFWP, which allows foreign nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis. The employer must secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the need for a foreign worker.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Many provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba, have streams for truck drivers under the PNP, providing a pathway to permanent residency.
3. Express Entry
Truck drivers with sufficient work experience and language proficiency can qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) under Express Entry.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
For truck drivers seeking jobs in Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick), the AIP offers a streamlined pathway with employer sponsorship.
How to Apply for Truck Driving Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
To successfully secure a job, you will need to put in effort into finding the right job that suits your needs and getting your visa to enable you migrate. The following tips can help you with the entire process and increase your chances of success:
- Search for Job: Make use of online job portals and resources such as Job Bank Canada, Indeed, Glassdoor and LinkedIn.
- Contact Recruitment Agencies: There are some specialized agencies like Hays Recruitment and Work Global Canada that connect truck drivers with employers offering visa sponsorship.
- Direct Application: Reach out to trucking companies directly. Many large companies, such as Bison Transport and Challenger Motor Freight, hire foreign drivers and provide visa sponsorship.
- Prepare Your Resume and Documents: After reaching out to potential employers, you should create a professional resume tailored to truck driving jobs. Prepare copies of your driver’s license and certifications and have documents showing evidence of experience (e.g., reference letters).
- Secure an LMIA Job Offer: Ensure the employer provides an LMIA-supported job offer, a crucial requirement for most work permits.
Top Provinces for Truck Driving Jobs
- Ontario: Offers a wide range of trucking opportunities, especially in logistics hubs like Toronto and Mississauga.
- Alberta: High demand for drivers in the oil and gas industry.
- British Columbia: Opportunities in cross-border trucking and regional transport.
- Manitoba: Known for its long-haul trucking routes.
- Quebec: High demand for bilingual truck drivers.
Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs in Canada
- Health Benefits: Many employers offer health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision care.
- Retirement Plans; Some companies provide retirement savings plans or pension contributions.
- Job Security: The high demand for truck drivers ensures stable employment opportunities.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Drivers can choose between long-haul, regional, or local routes to suit their preferences.
In conclusion, getting the opportunity to migrate as a truck driver with visa sponsorship in 2025 can be the beginning of a beautiful career but could also come with unique challenges such as the long working hours associated with the job, and the time away from family. Adapting to different weather conditions may also take a little while and you will have to meet very strict delivery deadlines.
These jobs are an excellent opportunity for skilled foreign drivers seeking stable employment and a pathway to residency. With competitive salaries, strong demand, and supportive immigration programs, Canada’s trucking industry is an attractive option in 2025. By meeting the job requirements, exploring visa options, and applying strategically, you can secure a rewarding career in Canada’s transportation sector.