How to Immigrate to Canada as a Truck Driver
Canada is currently attempting to fill the worker-to-retiree ratio by welcoming 431,645 newcomers in 2022 and an astounding 447,055 new immigrants in 2023.
In 2024, 451,000 foreign nationals are projected to enter the labor market and strengthen the Canadian economy.
Why Should You Consider Truck Driving in Canada?
If you are a skilled and experienced driver wondering how to become a truck driver in Canada, you are on the right path. Did you know that there will be 119,900 new job openings from 2019 to 2028, leaving 96,600 new job seekers to fill these trucker positions?
In a country with a trucker shortage, you will earn a decent wage and have the opportunity to thrive, which will increase the demand for your skills as a transport driver.
In this article, we outline the steps necessary to become a truck driver in Canada, as well as the programs that will give you and your family the start you need to live and work in the country.
NOC (truck drivers: NOC 7511)
How Can I Become a Truck Driver in Canada?
Step 1: Be familiar with your NOC and employment requirements
Prior to applying, you should ideally have a job offer with the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC). There are over a hundred immigration programs and visas to choose from in Canada, which simplifies the process considerably.
To work in the trucking industry in the North, you must understand the necessary qualifications. According to Canada Job Bank, the requirements for truck drivers in Canada are as follows:
- You should have graduated from high school.
- You can anticipate receiving on-the-job training.
- You must have completed a three-month driving course from a designated school or college.
- For a truck with a straight body, a Class 3 or D license may be required.
- For longer combination vehicles, a Class 1 or A license may be required.
- Air brake endorsements may be required to operate vehicles with air brakes.
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification may be required if you intend to transport hazardous, dangerous goods.
Any other licenses that may be necessary, depending on the type of truck.
According to Canada Job Bank, the table below depicts the Canadian provinces that regulate the truck driver profession:
Please note that the requirements may vary by province, and that your eligibility will depend on the province’s requirements, or your skill set gap. Before submitting an application, we advise you to determine whether the occupation is regulated in the chosen province.
Location | Job title | Regulation | Regulatory body |
Alberta | Oil And Gas Transportation Services | Regulated | Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office, Government of Alberta |
British Columbia | Driver (oil And Gas Industry) | Regulated | Worksafe BC |
Ontario | Propane Truck Operator | Regulated | Technical Standards and Safety Authority |
Ontario | Tractor-trailer Commercial Driver | Regulated | Ontario College of Trades |
Québec | Line Truck Driver | Regulated | Emploi Québec |
Québec | Truck Driver | Regulated | Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec |
Step 2: Research Provincial Employment Prospects
You should avoid moving to a province that lacks employment opportunities in your industry. Avoid this by conducting the necessary research on the provinces where truckers are needed to fill labor market gaps. Before deciding to settle in a province, you would also need to be familiar with its current economic and social climate.
Additionally, we strongly suggest that you investigate the program requirements. Keep in mind that the program requirements and employment requirements are two distinct aspects; the applicant must satisfy both sets of criteria.
Step 3: Which immigration programs are accessible to truck drivers?
In the event that you meet the requirements for both the program and the trucker job for which you are applying, you would be required to select a province or territory of your choosing, or the province in which you have secured a job offer.
Your next step would be to investigate the truck driver programs that are available.
The following programs are available to truck drivers who wish to live and work in Canada:
- The Express Entry System is a points-based online system with three immigration options that are highly accommodating to the diverse needs and situations of immigrants. The following programs fall under the Express Entry system:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Due to the point-based nature of the system, candidates with the most points will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) before they can directly apply to Express Entry programs. Let’s examine how to apply for the Provincial Nomination Program via Express Entry.
- Provincial Nomination Provincial (PNP): Immigrants who wish to become truck drivers in Canada must demonstrate the required skill set, education, and work experience under this program. Your chances of being nominated under the PNP will depend on the province’s skilled worker shortage. Moreover, we urge candidates to confirm the availability of employment opportunities prior to settling down.
There are two ways to apply for the PNP as a truck driver under Express Entry:
Option 1: Contact the province or territory from which you wish to receive a nomination under their Express Entry stream. If your skills are a match, the province or territory will send you a nomination. If you do not already have an Express Entry profile, you should create one to demonstrate that you have been nominated. Electronic nomination will occur through your account.
Option 2: Create an Express Entry profile indicating the provinces or territories from which you seek a nomination. In the event that you receive a notification of interest, you can contact the province directly to apply to their stream. Electronic nomination will occur through your account.
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This employer-driven program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals who can fill a province’s or territory’s skill shortage. Employers are encouraged to first explore the local Canadian market for talent before looking abroad to fill vacancies. The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is evidence that your employer is authorized to hire an immigrant as a temporary foreign worker.
We recognize that this is a lot to take in, so we’ve made it possible for you to contact our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to assist you throughout the immigration process.
Application procedure
You have now confirmed your eligibility for the program and job you are applying for. Now, see the steps below to apply for your trucking job, regardless of the program you select:
First, locate your NOC (truck drivers: NOC 7511)
Step 2: Verify Your Qualifications
Step 3: Obtain a Job Offer and Find Employment
Step 4: Determine Which Type of Work Permit Is Necessary
Step 5: Compile All Supporting Documents and Complete All Required Fields
Is truck driving a viable profession in Canada?
Absolutely. Truckers can earn between $16.00 and $33.08 per hour; this allows for a comfortable lifestyle and allows truckers to build a secure future for themselves and their families.
We urge applicants to accurately fill out their forms and provide the necessary supporting documentation to validate the information on their applications. Failure to do so will result in a delay in processing times and the return of your application.
The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at +1 613.222.7154 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.
