INTRODUCTION
Canada’s transportation and logistics industry is the backbone of its economy, and truck drivers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across the country. With the growing demand for supply chain workers, truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship are becoming more widely available in 2025.
Whether you want to work in large provinces such as Ontario and Alberta or smaller regions, skilled truck drivers are needed nationwide. Many Canadian logistics companies are now offering visa sponsorship to international drivers to fill critical shortages.
Truck driving in Canada is not only a stable career but also a pathway to permanent residency, offering high salaries, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to settle with your family.
Can I Immigrate to Canada as a Truck Driver?
Yes! Truck drivers are classified as essential workers and fall under NOC Code 73300 (Transport Truck Drivers). This means there are dedicated immigration pathways for drivers, such as:
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Express Entry System (Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class): With the right experience and language skills, truck drivers can apply for permanent residency.
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Provinces such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta have specific PNP streams for truck drivers due to local labor shortages.
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Allows employers to bring in foreign truck drivers on temporary work permits with LMIA approval.
What You Need to Know About Visa Sponsorship for Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
Employers across Canada are actively hiring foreign truck drivers and sponsoring their visas. Visa sponsorship means:
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The employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
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They provide you with a valid job offer and employment contract.
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You apply for a work permit with their support.
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Some employers also assist with relocation costs and training for Canadian driving licenses.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for visa sponsorship as a truck driver, you generally need:
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A valid truck driving license from your home country.
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Eligibility to obtain a Canadian Class 1/Driver’s License.
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At least one year of commercial driving experience.
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Clean driving record.
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Basic English or French language proficiency (for safety and communication).
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Truck driver jobs are an excellent pathway to permanent residency in Canada. With experience, you can apply through:
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Express Entry after gaining Canadian work experience.
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PNP nominations, which give additional points for PR.
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Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) if working in Atlantic provinces.
Application Process
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Search for trucking companies in Canada that sponsor foreign workers.
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Apply via job portals, logistics companies, or recruitment agencies.
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Secure a job offer and LMIA-backed sponsorship.
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Apply for a Canadian work permit.
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Prepare to relocate and undergo licensing conversion to Canadian Class 1.
Responsibilities of Truck Drivers in Canada
Truck drivers in Canada have key responsibilities such as:
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Transporting goods across provinces or cross-border routes.
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Operating long-haul trucks safely.
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Loading and unloading cargo.
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Inspecting and maintaining vehicles.
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Following traffic laws and safety regulations.
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Keeping accurate logbooks and delivery records.
How Many Hours Can I Work as a Truck Driver?
Truck drivers in Canada generally work 40–60 hours per week, depending on routes. Long-haul drivers may spend days or weeks on the road, while short-haul drivers often work standard hours with more home time.
Canadian law limits driving hours to 13 hours per day, followed by mandatory rest breaks to ensure safety.
Average Salaries of Truck Drivers in Canada
Salaries vary by province, route type (local vs. long-haul), and experience:
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Entry-level truck drivers: CAD 40,000 – CAD 55,000 per year.
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Experienced long-haul drivers: CAD 60,000 – CAD 80,000 per year.
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Specialized transport (hazardous goods, oversized loads): CAD 75,000 – CAD 100,000+.
Highest Paying Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
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Long-Haul Truck Drivers – CAD 70,000 – 100,000.
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Oilfield Truck Drivers (Alberta, Saskatchewan) – CAD 80,000 – 110,000.
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Tanker Truck Drivers (fuel/chemicals) – CAD 75,000 – 100,000.
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Heavy Haul/Oversized Load Drivers – CAD 80,000 – 120,000.
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Ice Road Truck Drivers (seasonal) – CAD 90,000 – 120,000.
Most In-Demand Truck Driver Jobs in Canada
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Long-Haul Drivers.
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Tanker/Fuel Transport Drivers.
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Heavy Equipment Haulers.
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Refrigerated Goods Drivers.
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Local Delivery Drivers (for e-commerce growth).
How to Find and Apply for Truck Driver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
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Research provinces facing high truck driver shortages (e.g., Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba).
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Apply through Canadian job portals like Indeed Canada, Job Bank, Workopolis, and Trucking HR Canada.
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Connect with large logistics companies such as Bison Transport, Challenger, and TransX.
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Use recruitment agencies specializing in transport workers.
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Tailor your resume to highlight your driving experience, licenses, and safety record.
How Do I Get a Work Visa Sponsorship in Canada as a Truck Driver?
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Get a job offer from a Canadian trucking company.
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Employer applies for LMIA.
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Apply for your work permit after LMIA approval.
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Convert your home country license to a Canadian Class 1 driver’s license.
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Start work and build your path to permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a Canadian license to work as a truck driver?
Yes, you need a Canadian Class 1 license, but employers often help with the conversion process.
2. Can I bring my family if I get a truck driver job in Canada?
Yes, visa sponsorship often allows dependents to join, with spouses eligible for open work permits.
3. Which provinces hire the most truck drivers?
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario are top recruiters.
4. Do truck drivers in Canada earn overtime pay?
Yes, many companies pay overtime rates after standard working hours.
5. Are truck driver jobs permanent in Canada?
Yes, many employers help drivers transition from temporary work permits to permanent residency.
Conclusion: Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
With high demand, excellent salaries, and visa sponsorship opportunities, truck driver jobs in Canada in 2025 provide an attractive career path for international workers. Not only do they offer job security and financial stability, but they also open the door to permanent residency for you and your family.
If you’re an experienced truck driver looking to build a future in Canada, now is the best time to explore this opportunity.
Reviewed by Regt Hitarget
on
August 20, 2025
Rating:
