Why Work as a Truck Driver in Canada?
Truck driving is one of the most in-demand occupations in Canada, as the country relies heavily on the transportation of goods and services across its vast territory. According to Statistics Canada, there were more than 300,000 truck drivers employed in Canada in 2020, and the demand is expected to grow by 25% by 2028. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for truck drivers in Canada, both for local and long-haul routes.
Some of the benefits of working as a truck driver in Canada are:
- Competitive salary: The average salary for a truck driver in Canada was $58,000 in 2020, which is higher than the national average of $54,000. Depending on the experience, location, and type of truck, truck drivers can earn up to $80,000 or more per year.
- Flexible schedule: Truck drivers can choose their own working hours and days, as long as they comply with the safety regulations and the delivery deadlines. This allows them to balance their work and personal life, and enjoy some freedom and autonomy on the road.
- Travel opportunities: Truck drivers can explore different parts of Canada and even the United States, depending on their routes and contracts. They can see the beauty and diversity of the Canadian landscape, from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast, and experience different cultures and cuisines along the way.
- Job security: Truck drivers are essential workers who play a vital role in the Canadian economy and society. They are less likely to be affected by economic downturns or technological disruptions, as their skills and services are always needed and valued.
How to Find Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship?
Finding a truck driver job in Canada with visa sponsorship is not impossible, but it requires some research, preparation, and patience. Here are some steps you can follow to increase your chances of landing a truck driver job in Canada with visa sponsorship:
- Get a valid driver’s license: To work as a truck driver in Canada, you need to have a valid driver’s license from your home country, and preferably a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent. You also need to have a clean driving record, with no major violations or accidents. You may need to convert your driver’s license to a Canadian one, depending on the province or territory where you want to work. You can check the requirements and procedures for each province or territory here.
- Get a job offer from a Canadian employer: To apply for a work permit or a permanent residence in Canada, you need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. You can look for truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship on various online platforms, such as Indeed, Job Bank, or Trucking HR Canada. You can also contact trucking companies directly and ask if they are hiring foreign workers and offering visa sponsorship. Some of the trucking companies that are known to sponsor foreign truck drivers are Bison Transport, Challenger Motor Freight, and TransX Group of Companies.
- Apply for a work permit or a permanent residence: Once you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a work permit or a permanent residence, depending on your eligibility and preference. There are several immigration programs you can use to become a truck driver in Canada, such as:
- Express Entry: Express Entry is a system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. You need to create an online profile and enter your personal information, such as your age, education, work experience, language skills, and job offer. You will then receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and be placed in a pool of candidates. Every few weeks, the Canadian government will invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. You can check the eligibility criteria and the latest CRS cut-off scores here.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): TFWP is a program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for temporary positions that cannot be filled by Canadian workers. You need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the government, which proves that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker. You can then apply for a work permit that is valid for the duration of your contract. You can check the eligibility criteria and the application process here.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): PNP is a program that allows each province or territory in Canada to nominate foreign workers who meet their specific labor market needs. You need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer in the province or territory where you want to work, and meet the eligibility criteria of the specific PNP stream. You can then apply for a provincial nomination, which will boost your CRS score and increase your chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence. You can check the different PNP streams and their requirements here.
Conclusion
Truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship are not easy to find, but they are not impossible either. You need to have a valid driver’s license, a job offer from a Canadian employer, and a work permit or a permanent residence. You also need to be prepared for the challenges and rewards of working as a truck driver in Canada, such as the weather, the regulations, and the lifestyle. If you are determined and motivated, you can achieve your dream of becoming a truck driver in Canada with visa sponsorship, and enjoy the benefits of living and working in one of the best countries in the world.