One of the most in-demand professions in Canada is and always will be that of the long-distance truck driver. Given the country’s vast expanse, with towns, villages, and communities scattered across its landscape, moving goods from the east coast to the west coast—and everywhere in between—will always be a high priority. This is why the Canadian Department of Immigration has prioritized bringing in foreign truck drivers. A shortage of truckers can significantly impact the economy, making truck driver jobs in Canada for foreigners one of the best pathways to permanent residency.
If you explore the Canada Job Bank, you’ll find over 2,500 vacancies listed for truck drivers alone. This presents a fantastic opportunity for great pay, excellent benefits, and a job that offers breathtaking, ever-changing office views. So, what are you waiting for?
Provinces with Immigration Programs for Truck Drivers
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
Skills Immigration – Entry-level and Semi-specialized Category: Long-distance truck drivers are specifically listed as a profession under this immigration stream. To apply for permanent residence, you must work full-time for your employer for nine consecutive months. During this period, you must meet the following requirements:
- Meet minimum language and education requirements—Canadian Language Benchmark test level 4 and the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Qualify for the job offered to you; your truck operating license will suffice.
- Show that you can support yourself and your dependents using paychecks or bank statements.
- Have legal immigration status in Canada, meaning your temporary foreign work permit must be valid.
- Earn a wage in line with B.C. wage rates for the occupation, which is around $25 an hour.
- Your employer must be eligible and willing to support your application, requiring a labor market impact assessment, which should be straightforward given the demand for your occupation.
Northwest Territories Nominee Program
Employer Driver Flow: Once you secure a job offer as a truck driver from an employer in the Northwest Territories (NWT), you must work for the same employer for at least six months and meet your license requirements. After this period, you will be eligible for permanent residency. Basic education, language, and eligibility requirements must also be met. Choosing the Northwest Territories as your base means a peaceful place to return to after long weeks on the road. In winter, you can enjoy the stunning Northern Lights, while summer offers up to 18 hours of sunshine.
Yukon Nominee Program
Critical Impact Worker Stream: The Yukon Territory, like the NWT, has a high demand for long-distance truck drivers. Goods must travel from southern provinces to these beautiful territories, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking truck driver jobs in Canada for foreigners. Unlike the NWT, there is no minimum work requirement; you only need a job offer from a Yukon employer and proof of meeting the minimum language, education, and eligibility requirements for immigration. Ensure your Temporary Work Abroad Permit is always up to date until you become a permanent resident.
Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program
Occupations in Demand Stream: In Nova Scotia, you can apply for permanent residency right away if you meet these requirements:
- Have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in either NOC 3413 (Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 (Transport truck drivers).
- Have one year of work experience related to the job.
- Be between 21 and 55 years old.
- Hold a high school diploma.
- Possess the appropriate training, skills, and/or accreditation for the job.
- Prove language ability equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4, even if your first language is English or French.
- Show sufficient financial resources to settle in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia is Atlantic Canada’s most populous province, with trucking being a significant part of its economy. The port of Halifax, Canada’s largest east coast port, makes this province a prime location for truck driver jobs in Canada.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is another option for truck drivers seeking permanent residency in Canada with a job offer in Nova Scotia. This pilot program also accommodates job offers in New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, or Prince Edward Island. The eligibility requirements are similar to those of provincial nomination programs but offer a quicker route due to shorter processing times.
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
Skilled Worker Stream: Similar to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick offers permanent residency to those with a valid job offer from an employer in the province. The province boasts competitive salaries for long-haul truck drivers, ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 a year, along with numerous opportunities for delivery truck drivers.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
In-Demand Skills Stream: Foreign workers with job offers in specific in-demand occupations, including trucking, can apply for permanent residency in Ontario. You will need nine months of work experience in Ontario before being eligible for this stream. Language and education requirements align with those in Nova Scotia and other provinces. Additionally, you must have legal status to live in Ontario and demonstrate your intention to settle there full-time.
In conclusion, if you are looking for truck driver jobs in Canada, the opportunities are abundant across various provinces, each offering unique immigration pathways to permanent residency. Don’t miss out on the chance to build a rewarding career while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Canada!