For immigrants with visa sponsorship, truck driver jobs in Canada may include permanent, full-time, overtime, weekend, day, night, or evening duties. This depends on the job demands and individual preferences. Listed below are prerequisites for getting a truck driver job in Canada.
High school diploma (optional but preferred)
Expertise in heavy-duty driving (optional but preferred)
Basic or functional knowledge of English language
Relevant certificates, licenses, memberships, courses, and other credentials
Class 1 or A drivers license
Air brake endorsement (necessary for truck drivers driving trucks with air brakes)
Safety and security clearances such as, basic security clearance, criminal background check, driving record check (abstract), medical examination, and drug test
Basic information about transportation and travel
Willingness to travel throughout Canada and the United States and at any time of the day, evening, or night, including overnight routes
Other: Legal permit to work in Canada
Required Skills:
Ability to handle and drive straight trucks or ADTs for the transportation of products and supplies, even through long distances
Amenability to a two-person team operation, especially in the event of long drives or convoys
Competency in ensuring proper loading and unloading of cargoes, and guaranteeing safe delivery to their destinations
Ability to arrange trip routes, schedules, and logistics.
Adaptation to long and/or short journeys
Basic or fundamental knowledge in using atlases, notepads, and other planning tools to plan trips.
Swift communication of information to the central dispatcher and other drivers through road-safe communicators and other devices
Adaptation to changes in working conditions that may result from transporting hazardous items
Regular and proper inspection of the vehicle’s condition as well as other equipment
Top Provincial Immigration Programs in Canada for Truck Drivers
Here is the rundown of the leading immigration programs for a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada. They have been segmented into the various provinces so you can choose which best suits you.
British Columbia
The British Columbia province, characterized by mild winter and astonishing views is home to many immigrants due to competitive wages and high standard of living. Its growing and diverse economy serves as home to many individuals and businesses which have heightened the demand for long-haul drivers to transport items to commercial areas.The province offers full-time jobs in long-haul trucking with over 400 openings on the job bank. This is the gold standard for candidates in British Columbia’s entry-level and semi-skilled category. Long-haul drivers also have the option of permanent residence in the province. Learn more about immigration in British Columbia by visiting their website at https://www.immigration.ca/british-columbia-immigration/.
Quebec
The Quebec provincial immigration program offers the most job opportunities for truck drivers. The program currently has 837 truck driving job openings available for immigrants. Immigrants are only meant to undergo a two-step immigration process. Access information regarding Quebec registration through this link https://www.immigration.ca/en/quebecimmigrationprovincial.html.
Ontario
Being Canada’s most populous province, Ontario houses many manufacturing stores and plays home to abundant natural resources. This makes her a preferred choice for immigrants who want to earn during their short or long stays. Access Ontario immigration program at https://www.immigration.ca/en/ontario-immigration.html.
Alberta
Alberta immigration program favors immigrants who have skills to fit into in-demand jobs or are planning to start or buy a business in the province. Owning over 500 job openings on the employment bank, long-haul truckers are in high-demand under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. The Alberta Opportunity Stream and Alberta Express Entry are presently running and are open to truck drivers.The program also allows for nominations to be done to live permanently in the province.Learn more about this immigration program atAlberta Advantage Immigration Program | Alberta.ca
Manitoba
With ground-breaking records in attracting skilled immigrants, Manitoba provides a gateway to western Canada. Through its many immigration streams, the provincial program has offered many temporary immigrants full time jobs and opportunities. Visit the Manitoba immigration official website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/manitoba-immigration.html to discover more.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The program opens its hands to immigrants that can fill in high-demand labor market vacancies such as short and long haul truck driving.Owing to a rise in job vacancy demand, the Labour Market Outlook 2025 report in Newfoundland and Labrador has highlighted the truck driving sector as an occupation that will require significant immigration to meet its rising demand of labor. Learn more about this immigration at Immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador – Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (gov.nl.ca)
Saskatchewan
The program and its initiatives provide skilled immigrants the pathway to settle in the province and become permanent residents. For people already working in Canada on a work permit, the immigration program has a separate long-haul truck drivers sub-category. Choosing this occupation also qualifies you for the province’s express entry and occupations in-demand categories. Learn more about this immigration program atSaskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Application | Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) | Government of Saskatchewan
Nova Scotia
This immigration program majorly favors francophone countries with competitive salaries in the sector. Transport Truck Drivers are one of two target jobs in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program’s Occupations In-Demand Stream. This provides a clear road to permanent residence for drivers.You can get a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada, through this program. Employers however, can only employ foreign workers to fill positions which they have been unable to fill with permanent residents or citizens.Find out how here– Immigrate Here (novascotiaimmigration.com)
Wages for Truck Drivers in Canada
Truck drivers’ have in recent times enjoyed competitive salaries in Canada. The median wage of an average truck drive is only lower than the national average by a few notes. According to job bank and Statistics Canada data, the median wage of truck drivers is slightly lower than the national average, but it can soar to more than $8 over that average, to $32 per hour, in several circumstances.The average salary for a truck driver in Canada is $25.82. Wages for truck drivers in Canada are projected to climb as labor market demand rises in the future years, as is expected.
Final Words
Working as either a short or long-haul driver in Canada opens you to many opportunities while earning an average of $55,000CAD. If you are contemplating truck driver jobs with visa sponsorship in Canada for immigrants, then you are on the right page. Explore the many opportunities and programs highlighted.