If you are thinking about living in Canada, know that the North American country is one of the countries that receive the most immigrants. Incidentally, the Canadian government is currently encouraging more foreigners to choose the country and intends to receive 431,645 new arrivals in 2022, 447,055 new immigrants in 2023, and 451,000 in 2024.
Therefore, if you dream of working as a truck driver in Canada, read the text to the end and see what steps you should take.
List of Truck Driver Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship
- Job Country: Canada
- Industry: Transport, Road, Vehicle, Truck Driver
- Job Type: Transportation
- Knowledge Required: Not High
- Age Limit: No
- Visa Sponsorship
- Salary: $16-33/Hour
Why Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
Why consider being a truck driver in Canada? If you are a skilled and experienced driver and want to become a truck driver in Canada, know that you will have excellent job opportunities in the country according to the Canadian Visa portal that we recommend you access.
For you to have an idea, between 2019 and 2028, it is estimated that at least 119,900 new job openings for truck drivers in Canada will be open. Not to mention that living in Canada is having the opportunity to have a better quality of life, access to health, good education, and job opportunities.
In addition, those who go to work in Canada earn a decent salary and have the possibility of prospering in a country where there is a lack of truck drivers, that is, with a high demand for transport drivers. Check out some detailed steps that explain how to become a truck driver in Canada and which immigration programs are right for you and your family.
How to Work as a Truck Driver in Canada
To work as a truck driver in Canada, you need to follow certain steps. See the main ones below:
Step 1: Know your NOC and employment requirements
Ideally, if you want to ensure you have a job offer to live in Canada, have your National Occupational Classification (NOC) correct and aligned before applying for a job. Don’t worry though, as the country makes it quite simple and there are over 100 Canadian immigration programs and visas for a foreigner to choose from.
To work as a truck driver in Canada, you first need to know the criteria required for the profession. Below are the requirements to be a truck driver in Canada according to the Canada Job Bank:
- Complete high school;
- You will have on-the-job training;
- Have completed a three-month driving course from a designated school or college;
- For a straight-body truck, you may require a Class 3 or D license;
- For longer combination vehicles, you may require a Class 1 or A license;
- It may be necessary to have an air brake endorsement: this allows the driver to operate vehicles with air brakes;
- You may be required to produce a Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification if you are transporting dangerous goods;
- Every other additional licensing may be needed depending on the type of truck.
Please note that requirements may vary for each province and your eligibility depends on what the province requires or how short your skill set is. As a way forward, we advise you to check that the occupation is regulated in your chosen province before applying.
Step 2: Research the Employment Prospects in the Province
Of course, you don’t want to live in Canada in a province that doesn’t have job opportunities in your area. To avoid this, leave laziness aside and do the necessary research on the provinces that have truck driver job opportunities in Canada and want to fill vacancies in the country. Also, get to know more about the economy and society of the province before deciding to move.
As you do your research and deepen your knowledge, also research the requirements of the immigration program you intend to apply for. Keep in mind that program criteria and employment requirements are two different aspects – the candidate must meet both sets of criteria to have a greater chance of success.
Step 3: What immigration programs are available for truck drivers?
Assume you meet the criteria for the Canadian truck driver program and the job you are applying for. You need to select a province or territory of your choice or the province in which you have secured your job offer. Your next step requires you to know what programs are available for truck drivers in Canada.
Below are the programs available to truck drivers who want to live and work in Canada:
The Express Entry System
This is an online points-based system comprising three immigration options that are highly adaptable to the various needs and circumstances of immigrants. Below are the Express Entry system programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
As the system is points-oriented, candidates with the most points will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) before being able to apply directly to the Express Entry programs. See how you can apply for the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) through Express Entry.
Provincial Nomination (PNP)
Under this program, immigrants who wish to become truck drivers in Canada must demonstrate the appropriate skill set, education, and work experience for the role. This program is province-specific, so your chances of being nominated for the PNP will depend on the shortage of skilled workers in the province where you intend to live in Canada.
PNP as a truck driver in Canada through Express Entry
There are two options for becoming a truck driver in Canada through Express Entry. Check out:
Express Entry Profile
Please contact the province or territory from which you would like a nomination in the Express Entry stream. If your skills are a match, the province or territory will send you a nomination, and afterward, you must create an Express Entry profile – if you don’t have one, create one to show you’ve been nominated. The referral will occur electronically through your account.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program ( TFWP)
This employer-led program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals who are able to fill a skills shortage in a province or territory. Before seeking foreign talent, employers are encouraged to first explore the local Canadian market to fill the labor gap.
Successful foreign workers in this program may require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves that their employer is authorized to hire an immigrant as a temporary foreign worker. However, this can be very tricky, so it is best to seek out Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to guide you through your immigration journey.
Summary of the Application Process
Imagine that you have secured eligibility for the program and job you are applying for. Now see the steps below are the steps to apply for your truck driver job in Canada no matter which program you choose:
- Step 1: Find your NOC (Truck Drivers: NOC 7511)
- Step 2: Check your eligibility
- Step 3: Find a job and secure a job offer
- Step 4: Know what type of work permit is required
- Step 5: Gather all supporting documents and fill in all required fields
The idea is to be very careful and correctly fill in the information requested in the forms. Additionally, it is critical to provide the necessary supporting documents that will validate your application information. If errors occur, this results in a delay in processing times and your application will be returned to you.
How much does a truck driver earn in Canada?
A truck driver in Canada earns, on average, between $16.00 and $33.08 Canadian dollars per hour worked, depending on the province. Below are other frequently asked questions that may help you decide to immigrate to Canada and work as a truck driver:
Does Canada need truck drivers?
Yup. Currently, Canada has a shortage of truck drivers and it is estimated that between 2019 and 2028, at least 119,900 new jobs will open in the country.
Is it good to be a truck driver in Canada?
Absolutely. Truck drivers can earn wages between $16.00 and $33.08 per hour in Canada. This allows for a comfortable life in the country, giving truck drivers the opportunity to build a long-term sustainable future for themselves and their families.
How can a foreigner become a truck driver in Canada?
There are several immigration programs that you can use to become a truck driver in Canada. Programs like Express Entry with three other accommodation programs, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Provincial Nominee Program make immigration to Canada quite easy. However, foreign workers must ensure that they have employment lined up with a designated Canadian employer.
IMPORTANT: be very careful and ask for help from professionals when immigrating to Canada. Always look for advisors accredited by the Canadian government, because with so many options and migration paths, the help of qualified and accredited professionals is essential. Good luck!
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