Canada Truck Driver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship – CA$70K/Year Opportunities

Canada’s vast landscape, strong export economy, and increasing reliance on road freight have created a massive and growing demand for professional truck drivers.

With a persistent labour shortage, Canadian employers are now hiring foreign commercial drivers through visa sponsorship programs, offering competitive salaries, full-time job security, and pathways to permanent residency.

If you have truck driving experience and are open to relocating, this could be one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to build a career in Canada.

Why Canada is Hiring Foreign Truck Drivers

Canada relies heavily on its trucking industry to move goods between cities, provinces, and international borders. Over 70% of Canada’s domestic freight is transported by trucks.

However, with an aging workforce and declining interest in the trade among younger Canadians, there’s a national shortage of qualified drivers — especially in long-haul freight and cross-border logistics.

Key reasons:

• Over 25,000 truck driver vacancies nationwide as of 2025
• Projected shortage of 50,000+ drivers by 2026
• Labour gaps across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada
• High demand for Class 1 (long-haul) and Class 3 (medium-duty) drivers
• Employers increasingly applying for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to hire international candidates

What Is a Truck Driving Job in Canada Like?

Canadian truck driving involves:

• Operating heavy-duty commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, tankers, and flatbeds
• Transporting goods across cities, provinces, or to/from the United States
• Delivering goods such as food, fuel, retail products, construction materials, and more

Types of Trucking Jobs:

1. Long-Haul Trucking – Cross-country or international routes lasting several days
2. Local & Regional Routes – Daily or overnight deliveries within a city or province
3. Specialized Freight – Tankers, hazardous goods, refrigerated cargo, livestock
4. Owner-Operator Roles – For drivers with their own vehicle (experience and capital required)

Hours are regulated by law (e.g., max driving time per day), and employers are legally bound to provide rest periods.

Roles and Responsibilities of Truck Drivers

Each truck driving job comes with clear duties and responsibilities, including:

• Pre-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy
• Operating vehicles safely under varying road and weather conditions
• Planning routes using GPS and logistics software
• Securing cargo and monitoring loading/unloading
• Completing logbooks, fuel usage reports, and mileage logs
• Complying with transportation regulations (provincial and federal)
• Conducting minor roadside vehicle maintenance (tire checks, fluid levels)
• Communicating with dispatchers and clients

Eligibility Requirements to Work as a Truck Driver in Canada

To qualify for truck driving jobs with visa sponsorship, you must meet both job-specific and immigration-specific criteria:

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Minimum 1–2 years of commercial driving experience
• Valid international commercial driver’s license (CDL or equivalent)
• Ability to pass Class 1 or Class 3 road tests in Canada
• Clean driving abstract (no major violations)
• Physically able to handle long driving hours and cargo loading (if required)

Immigration Requirements:

• Must be eligible to apply for a Canadian work permit
• May need to complete IELTS General Training test (if applying for PR)
• Clean criminal record and medical exam clearance
• Must be offered a job from an employer with a positive LMIA
• Some programs require proof of funds for settlement

Types of Licenses and Certifications

Canadian trucking is highly regulated. Foreign drivers must convert or upgrade their license to a provincial commercial license. Most long-haul jobs require:

• Class 1 License (for tractor-trailers and heavy combination vehicles)
• Class 3 License (for medium trucks and large tow trucks)
• Air Brake Endorsement (Z or Q) – required for most heavy vehicles

Employers or driving schools help prepare international workers for written exams, practical road tests, and air brake certifications.

Salary Expectations and Compensation Details

Truck driving in Canada offers very competitive compensation compared to most labour-intensive jobs. Salaries depend on experience, route type, region, and company.

Estimated Annual Salary:

• Entry-Level Drivers: CA$50,000 – CA$60,000
• Experienced Drivers: CA$70,000 – CA$90,000+
• Special Freight (e.g., fuel, oversize loads): Up to CA$100,000/year
• Owner-Operators: Variable (potentially over CA$150,000 gross income)

Common Benefits:

• Paid overtime and mileage bonuses
• Lodging and food allowances for long-haul routes
• Employer-funded medical, dental, and life insurance
• Retirement contribution matching (RRSP)
• Paid training and support for license conversion
• PR sponsorship after 6–12 months with some employers

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration Pathways

1. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

This is the most common route. An employer applies for an LMIA to prove there are no Canadian candidates for the job. If approved:

• You receive a job offer and LMIA letter
• You apply for a closed work permit linked to that employer

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Several provinces nominate truck drivers for permanent residency, including:

• Saskatchewan Long-Haul Truck Driver Project
• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Manitoba PNP – Employer Direct Stream
• BC PNP – Entry Level & Semi-Skilled Stream

3. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

Ideal for applicants working in smaller communities. Several RNIP cities accept truck drivers for PR applications after working for 6 months or more.

Top Trucking Companies Hiring and Sponsoring International Drivers

Here are trusted employers with a strong history of hiring foreign truck drivers:

Bison Transport

• Based in Winnipeg with national routes
• Known for long-haul and cross-border runs
• Structured training and licensing support

TransX Group of Companies

• One of Canada’s largest transportation providers
• Offers PR assistance for eligible long-term employees

Canada Cartage

• Nationwide operations with major logistics clients
• Open to experienced international drivers with Class 1 conversion plans

Manitoulin Group

• Focuses on remote area deliveries and contract logistics
• Often hires drivers for heavy loads and difficult routes

Kindersley Transport

• Saskatchewan-based company hiring for refrigerated and dry freight
• Offers paid onboarding, training, and housing assistance

How to Apply for Truck Driving Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Step 1: Prepare a Canadian-Formatted Resume

Highlight:

• Years of commercial driving experience
• Types of vehicles driven (e.g., 18-wheelers, tankers)
• Long-haul or regional experience
• Accident-free record and safety achievements
• Language skills, certifications, or GPS knowledge

Step 2: Apply to Employers

Search on:

• Job Bank Canada
• Indeed.ca
• Canada Cartage Careers
• Company websites (e.g., TransX, Bison)

Use keywords like:

• “Truck driver LMIA”
• “Long-haul driver with sponsorship”
• “Class 1 driver Canada”

Step 3: Interview & Job Offer

If shortlisted, you may have a video interview. You’ll be asked about:

• Driving routes
• Accident history
• Vehicle handling and safety protocols
• Availability for relocation

If selected, your employer will process the LMIA application.

Step 4: Apply for Your Work Permit

With the LMIA and job offer:

• Submit your work permit application to IRCC
• Upload all supporting documents
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Wait 8–12 weeks for decision

Documents Checklist

• Valid passport
• Current commercial driver’s license
• Driving record or abstract from home country
• Reference letters from past employers
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of medical exam
• LMIA documents (provided by employer)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a Canadian driver’s license before applying?
No, you can apply with your international license. After arrival, you’ll convert to a Class 1 or 3 license based on provincial rules.

Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, in most cases. Your spouse can apply for an open work permit, and your children can study in Canada.

Is there a chance for permanent residency?
Absolutely. Most drivers qualify for PR after 6–12 months via PNP, RNIP, or employer support.

Is the job safe and secure?
Yes. Canadian transport law ensures proper rest breaks, regulated hours, and worker safety compliance.

Can I choose which province to work in?
To some extent. However, visa sponsorship will depend on where the employer is based and which region is facing labour shortages.

Conclusion

Truck driving in Canada is more than a job, it’s a respected profession that offers financial stability, international work experience, and a real chance to build a life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

With visa sponsorship, PR pathways, and salaries exceeding CA$70,000/year, now is the perfect time to act. The road ahead is open and it could lead straight to your future in Canada.