Canada relies heavily on the trucking industry to keep its economy moving. The vast expanse of the country, with its cities, towns, and remote regions, necessitates the constant movement of goods. Whether it’s delivering consumer products, raw materials, or agricultural goods, truck drivers are the backbone of Canada’s supply chain. With the demand for qualified and experienced truck drivers consistently high, this career has become an attractive option for those looking to move to Canada.
Truck Driving Careers In-Demand
In Canada, the road to economic success is paved with opportunities for skilled truck drivers. The nation’s vast expanse, diverse industries, and thriving economy heavily depend on the trucking and logistics sector to efficiently move goods from coast to coast. According to recent statistics and updates on immigration policies, the demand for truck drivers in Canada has never been higher, making it a promising career choice for those considering relocation.
Statistics from Statistics Canada reveal a compelling picture of the demand for truck drivers. The vacancy rate in the truck transportation sector currently stands at approximately 8%, translating to a staggering 55,600 job vacancies for truck drivers scattered across Canada. This substantial number underscores the critical need for skilled professionals to keep the nation’s supply chain moving smoothly.
In addition to the existing vacancies, Canada faces an impending labor shortage. The labor supply forecast indicates that nearly 36,000 truck drivers are expected to retire between 2019 and 2023, and an additional 136,600 drivers are projected to leave their jobs for non-retirement reasons during this period. These statistics paint a clear picture of an imminent workforce gap in the trucking and logistics sector. To address this, the Canadian government is taking proactive steps to welcome skilled drivers from around the world.
Top 5 Companies That Need a Truck Driver with Visa Sponsorship in Canada
For those looking to start their truck driving career in Canada, securing a job with a reputable employer that offers visa sponsorship is crucial. Below are five prominent companies in Canada that are actively hiring truck drivers and providing visa sponsorship, along with details on payment, benefits, and the application process.
1. Bison Transport
Company Overview
Bison Transport is one of Canada’s largest and most respected transportation companies, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They have a strong reputation for safety, innovation, and operational excellence and are known for hiring skilled international drivers.
- Positions Available: Long-Haul Truck Driver, Regional Truck Driver
- Pay: Starting at $25 per hour, with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental coverage, pension plan, paid vacation, and access to ongoing training programs.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit Bison Transport’s careers page on their official website.
- Step 2: Search for available truck driving positions and select the role that best fits your qualifications.
- Step 3: Complete the online application form, attaching your resume and any required documentation, such as your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Step 4: If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview and further assessment.
Visa Sponsorship Details
Bison Transport assists with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), including helping successful candidates obtain an LMIA and supporting the visa application process.
2. Challenger Motor Freight Inc.
Company Overview
Based in Cambridge, Ontario, Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services. The company offers a variety of opportunities for truck drivers, including international routes and regional operations.
- Positions Available: Cross-Border Truck Driver, Dedicated Route Driver
- Pay: $24 to $28 per hour, depending on experience and type of route.
- Benefits: Competitive wages, extended health benefits, RRSP matching, and access to advanced driving technology.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Go to the Challenger Motor Freight careers portal.
- Step 2: Browse through open positions, ensuring that the job listing indicates visa sponsorship eligibility.
- Step 3: Fill in the application form with your contact details, work experience, and attach your resume.
- Step 4: Challenger Motor Freight may conduct a virtual interview to assess your driving skills and experience.
Visa Sponsorship Details
Challenger Motor Freight works closely with Canadian immigration services to sponsor truck drivers through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), depending on the province’s specific labor needs.
3. Manitoulin Transport
Company Overview
Manitoulin Transport, headquartered in Gore Bay, Ontario, is one of the leading names in transportation and logistics in Canada. With operations extending throughout North America, they offer numerous opportunities for truck drivers, including visa sponsorship.
- Positions Available: Long-Haul Driver, Local Delivery Driver
- Pay: $26 per hour with additional allowances for long-haul trips.
- Benefits: Medical and dental insurance, profit-sharing programs, company-sponsored training programs, and retirement savings plans.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit Manitoulin Transport’s official website and navigate to their careers section.
- Step 2: Choose the truck driving position that matches your qualifications and click on “Apply Now”.
- Step 3: Submit your application along with a detailed resume, highlighting your driving experience and qualifications.
- Step 4: Manitoulin may require an in-person driving assessment as part of the interview process.
Visa Sponsorship Details
Manitoulin Transport provides sponsorship through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). They also assist drivers in acquiring the necessary documents for a work permit, including LMIA support.
4. TransX Group of Companies
Company Overview
The TransX Group of Companies, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a leading transportation provider with a strong focus on cross-border and long-haul services. They have a track record of supporting skilled foreign drivers with visa sponsorship.
- Positions Available: Long-Haul Driver, Cross-Border Truck Driver
- Pay: $25 to $30 per hour, with additional bonuses for mileage and performance.
- Benefits: Full benefits package, including health, dental, paid time off, and flexible schedules.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit the TransX careers page.
- Step 2: Search for truck driving opportunities and review the job descriptions to find a suitable match.
- Step 3: Apply online by filling out the application form and providing all necessary documents, including a valid Commercial Driver’s License.
- Step 4: If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview and required to pass a road test.
Visa Sponsorship Details
TransX supports visa sponsorship under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and provides guidance throughout the immigration process, including helping candidates gather necessary documentation for work permits.
5. Mullen Group
Company Overview
Mullen Group is a major provider of specialized transportation and related services in Canada, with headquarters in Okotoks, Alberta. They operate a large fleet of trucks and offer numerous positions for truck drivers, particularly those with long-haul and specialized freight experience.
- Positions Available: Heavy Haul Truck Driver, Regional Transport Driver
- Pay: $27 to $32 per hour, depending on the route and type of haul.
- Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits, life insurance, training programs, and opportunities for career advancement within the company.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Access the Mullen Group career portal via their official website.
- Step 2: Review the list of available truck driving jobs and select the role that best suits your experience.
- Step 3: Complete the online application form and attach a current resume detailing your experience and skills.
- Step 4: Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview, and a driving assessment will be conducted.
Visa Sponsorship Details
Mullen Group offers visa sponsorship through both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The company works with immigration officials to ensure a smooth process for obtaining work permits and residency status.
How to Relocate to Canada as a Truck Driver
If you’re aspiring to relocate to Canada as a truck driver, there are several pathways available:
1. Canada’s Express Entry
Canada, known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, offers a streamlined and efficient way for skilled workers to make their dream of living and working in the “Great White North” a reality. At the heart of this process lies the Express Entry system, an online platform designed by the Canadian government to manage applications from skilled workers aspiring to become Canadian permanent residents. Express Entry operates under three main federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: Tailored for individuals with specific skills and experience that are in demand in Canada. It assesses candidates based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: Designed for skilled tradespersons, this program recognizes the importance of workers in maintaining Canada’s economic momentum. Eligibility criteria include qualifications in specific trades and having either a job offer or certification.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Ideal for individuals who have already gained Canadian work experience, this program provides a pathway to permanent residence for those who have successfully integrated into the Canadian workforce.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Once eligible candidates submit their applications, they are entered into the Express Entry pool, where they receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is a numerical representation of their qualifications and attributes, calculated based on factors like education, language proficiency, skills, work experience, and more.
To help candidates gauge their eligibility and potential for success, a free CRS calculator is available. The higher the CRS score, the better the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry
Truck drivers seeking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry have two options to explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
- Option 1: Direct Nomination
After researching job vacancies and provincial needs, candidates can directly reach out to the province or territory they wish to receive a nomination from via their respective Express Entry stream. If the candidate’s skill set aligns with the province’s requirements, they may receive a nomination. Subsequently, the nominee creates an Express Entry profile to reflect this nomination, which is then electronically processed. - Option 2: Notification of Interest
Candidates can also create an Express Entry profile, specifying the province or territory they are interested in. If a province expresses interest in the candidate’s profile, a notification of interest is sent. At that point, the candidate can directly contact the province and initiate the application process for the respective PNP stream.
3. Non-Express Entry – Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs)
Becoming a truck driver in Canada offers not only the promise of a rewarding career but also the chance to call one of the world’s most welcoming countries home. While Express Entry is a popular immigration pathway, there’s another route that can lead to Canadian permanent residency—Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs). PNPs are province-specific immigration programs that cater to the unique needs and demands of each Canadian province. For truck drivers, PNPs present a promising opportunity worth exploring.
Province-Specific Programs for Truck Drivers
The PNP route for truck drivers is highly specific to each province, and your chances of nomination depend on the local demand for truck drivers. Provinces across Canada face unique challenges in the trucking industry based on their economic activities and geographical characteristics.
For example, Saskatchewan has developed the Long-Haul Truck Driver Project. This program aims to attract candidates with a valid offer of employment from a Saskatchewan trucking company and who have been employed with that company for at least six months prior to application. Successful nomination under this program leads to Canadian permanent residency.
4. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) acts as a bridge that connects Canadian employers with skilled foreign workers, addressing labor needs across the country while providing temporary status and, potentially, a path to Canadian Permanent Residency.
The TFWP is instrumental in allowing Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals when there is a shortage of available Canadian workers. This program addresses immediate labor gaps while giving foreign workers an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience that could eventually lead to permanent residency.
The Role of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
In many cases, Canadian employers hiring under the TFWP are required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA is a crucial document that evaluates the potential impact of hiring a foreign national on the Canadian labor market, ensuring that it will not negatively affect the employment opportunities of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Spouse Work Permits
The TFWP offers additional benefits to the families of foreign workers. Spouses of foreign workers in skilled occupations are eligible to apply for open work permits, allowing them to seek employment in Canada without the need for a specific job offer. This greatly facilitates the transition to life in Canada for the entire family.
The Application Process
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility to work as a truck driver in Canada, you’re one step closer to joining Canada’s thriving trucking industry. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand and navigate the application process effectively:
Step 1: Find Your NOC Code
To begin your application, you’ll need to identify your occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Truck drivers fall under NOC code 7511, specifically designated for Transport Truck Drivers. This code helps categorize your occupation and facilitates the immigration process.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Double-check your eligibility for the specific program and position you’re applying for. Review the requirements for truck drivers in Canada, including educational qualifications, driving skills, and any other prerequisites relevant to your chosen province or territory.
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Securing a job offer from a Canadian trucking company is a critical step in your journey. Research the job market for truck drivers and identify potential employers. Utilize online job boards, network with industry professionals, and reach out to companies directly to secure an offer.
Step 4: Determine the Type of Work Permit Required
Truck drivers typically require a Temporary Work Permit to start working in Canada. Understanding the specific type of work permit, its duration, and any associated conditions is essential. Some work permits may require an LMIA, depending on the job and location.
Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents
Completing your application involves gathering all necessary supporting documents. These may include:
- A valid passport
- A job offer letter
- Proof of qualifications and driving experience
- Educational certificates
- Language proficiency test results (if applicable)
Conclusion
Whether you choose the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Canada offers a variety of immigration pathways tailored to your unique circumstances. These options not only provide you with the opportunity to become a valued member of the Canadian workforce but also lay the foundation for permanent residency in a diverse and welcoming country.
Truck driving in Canada is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to experience the vast beauty of the country, contribute to its thriving economy, and build a new life for yourself and your family. With the right guidance and preparation, you can successfully navigate the application process and secure a rewarding career in one of Canada’s most critical industries.