Truck driving is one of the most important jobs in Canada’s economy. Without truck drivers, the shelves in supermarkets would be empty, factories would run out of raw materials, and many communities—especially those in remote areas—would be cut off from essential supplies. This profession is the backbone of Canada’s supply chain, connecting farms to markets, ports to warehouses, and manufacturers to customers.
Why Canada Needs More Truck Drivers
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, covering nearly 10 million square kilometers. Cities, towns, and rural areas are spread far apart, and transporting goods over such long distances is no small task. While trains and airplanes play their role, trucks remain the most flexible and widely used method for delivering goods directly to businesses and homes.
The demand for truck drivers is at a historic high. According to 2025 data from Statistics Canada, the truck transportation sector currently has over 60,000 job vacancies nationwide. This shortage is driven by two main factors:
- Retirement of older drivers: Many experienced drivers are reaching retirement age, leaving thousands of positions unfilled.
- Growth in trade and e-commerce: More online shopping means more deliveries, which means more trucks on the road.
Industry forecasts predict that between now and 2030, Canada will need more than 150,000 new drivers to keep up with demand. This means trucking is expected to remain an important and reliable employment option over the next decade
Wages and Benefits
Truck driving in Canada is not only in demand but can also provide competitive wages and benefits compared to other skilled trades. While wages vary by province, region, and type of driving, most long-haul truck drivers earn between CAD $70,000 and $100,000 per year. Many employers also offer:
- Sign-on bonuses (some as high as CAD $5,000)
- Paid accommodation for overnight trips
- Retirement savings plans
- Extended health insurance for the driver and family
In provinces with a severe shortage of drivers, companies may even provide relocation assistance and help with immigration paperwork to attract international talent.
Opportunities Across Canada
Truck drivers are needed in every province, but some regions have particularly high demand:
- Ontario & Quebec – Canada’s manufacturing hubs, with heavy freight traffic year-round.
- British Columbia – High demand for drivers who can navigate mountainous terrain and busy ports.
- Saskatchewan & Manitoba – Agricultural transport is a big part of the economy here, especially during harvest seasons.
- Alberta – Oil, gas, and construction industries require a steady flow of equipment and materials.
Each region offers different experiences—from delivering goods in bustling cities to long-haul cross-country trips through scenic landscapes.
Lifestyle and Work Conditions
Truck driving can be a lifestyle as much as a job. Long-haul drivers often spend days or weeks away from home, traveling across provinces or even between Canada and the United States. This is why the job suits people who:
- Enjoy traveling and seeing new places.
- Prefer working independently rather than in an office.
- Are comfortable managing their own schedules on the road.
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, local and regional driving jobs are also available, where you return home daily or weekly.
Why It’s Attractive to Immigrants
For immigrants, truck driving can serve as a practical entry point to living and working in Canada because:
- A university degree is not required.
- The skills are transferable across provinces.
- It qualifies for several immigration programs, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Employers are often willing to provide a job offer and LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) to help with work permit applications.
How to Relocate to Canada as a Truck Driver
Relocating to Canada as a truck driver is not just about finding a job—it’s about understanding the immigration system, choosing the right pathway, and meeting the licensing requirements to start working legally. Canada offers multiple immigration pathways for experienced truck drivers, helping foreign workers settle in and meet the country’s urgent need for drivers.
Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you relocate successfully.
Canada’s Express Entry System
Express Entry remains one of the quickest routes to move to Canada. While it’s often associated with high-skill jobs like IT or engineering, truck driving is also eligible because it is classified as a skilled trade under Canada’s immigration rules.
Express Entry operates under three main programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For workers with skills that are in demand in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – This is the main category for truck drivers, as it recognizes the importance of practical skills over formal education.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For those who already have Canadian work experience and want permanent residency.
Once you create an Express Entry profile, you are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and whether you have a valid job offer. A strong score greatly increases your likelihood of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Note: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which may strengthen your application.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
If your CRS score isn’t high enough for Express Entry, you can still apply through a Provincial Nominee Program. Each province in Canada has its own PNP, allowing them to select immigrants who meet their labor market needs.
For truck drivers, some provinces are especially attractive:
- Saskatchewan – Has a long-haul truck driver program for experienced drivers with a job offer.
- Manitoba – Offers nomination if you have worked there temporarily and have a job offer.
- British Columbia – Includes truck driving in its semi-skilled worker program for certain regions.
There are two ways to get nominated under a PNP:
- Direct Nomination – Apply directly to the province if you have a job offer from an employer in that province.
- Notification of Interest – Create an Express Entry profile and indicate the province where you want to live. If they like your profile, they’ll invite you to apply.
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your profile, which greatly improves the likelihood of receiving an invitation for permanent residency.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
If you want to start working first and apply for permanent residency later, the TFWP is a good option. Under this program, Canadian employers can hire foreign truck drivers if they can’t find Canadians to fill the role.
Employers must usually get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove there’s a genuine shortage. After approval, you can proceed to request a Temporary Work Permit. After gaining a year or more of Canadian work experience, you can switch to permanent residency through Express Entry or a PNP.
Advantages of TFWP include:
- Faster entry into Canada.
- The opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which makes your PR application stronger.
- Some employers help with relocation costs, housing, and licensing.
Work Permits and Licensing Requirements
Even with a job offer, you must have the right license to work as a truck driver in Canada. Most provinces require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with different classes depending on the type of truck and cargo. If you are moving from another country, you may need to:
- The possibility of entering Canada more quickly.
- Gaining valuable Canadian work experience that may later support permanent residency applications.
- In some cases, receiving employer assistance with relocation, housing, or licensing.
Some provinces allow foreign license exchange if your home country has a licensing agreement with Canada, but this is not always the case.
Why This Pathway is Attractive to Immigrants
Relocating to Canada as a truck driver appeals to many because:
- The role often provides competitive earnings and employment benefits
- In addition, immigration programs sometimes allow eligible family members to join—spouses may qualify for work permits.
- Children may access public education.
Requirements to Work as a Truck Driver in Canada
Before you can start a truck driving job in Canada—whether as a temporary worker or a permanent resident—you must meet certain requirements. These include education, driving skills, licensing, work experience, and in some cases, health and background checks. Meeting these requirements ensures you can work legally, safely, and in line with Canadian laws.
Below is a full breakdown of what you’ll need.
Educational Requirements
One key benefit of truck driving in Canada is that it doesn’t require a university qualification. The basic educational requirement is:
- Completion of secondary school (high school diploma) or an equivalent qualification from your home country.
If you studied outside Canada, your education may need to be verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), especially if you are applying through Express Entry. This process confirms that your qualification is equal to a Canadian high school diploma.
While formal education is minimal, employers may prefer drivers who have completed professional truck driving training programs. These courses teach you advanced driving techniques, safety rules, and how to handle specialized vehicles.
Driving Skills and Experience
Truck driving in Canada requires a high level of skill, especially for long-haul routes that involve challenging weather conditions like snowstorms, icy roads, or mountain driving. Employers usually look for:
- At least 1–2 years of verifiable truck driving experience (in your home country or internationally).
- Ability to operate manual and automatic transmission trucks.
- Knowledge of road safety rules, both in cities and on highways.
If you’ve worked as a driver in another country, make sure you gather employment reference letters, logbooks, or other proof of your driving history. These documents will be very useful when applying for jobs and work permits.
Licensing Requirements
You cannot drive commercial trucks in Canada with just your regular car license. You will need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but the class you need depends on the type of truck:
- Class 1 (or equivalent in some provinces) – For driving long combination vehicles like tractor-trailers.
- Class 3 or D – For smaller trucks or straight-body trucks.
Some provinces also require an Air Brake Endorsement (Z) if your truck uses air brakes.
Important:
- If you’re coming through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, your employer might help you get your Canadian license once you arrive.
- In some cases, if your home country has a licensing agreement with Canada (for example, the U.S.), you may exchange your license without re-testing. Most international drivers, however, will need to take both a written test and a road test in Canada.
Language Requirements
Even though truck driving is a hands-on job, you must be able to communicate in English or French for safety and legal purposes. You’ll need to:
- Read road signs and instructions.
- Communicate with dispatchers, customers, and border officials.
- Fill out trip reports, inspection forms, and delivery documents.
Applicants using Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program may have to complete a language exam like:
- IELTS General Training (for English)
- CELPIP General (for English)
- TEF Canada (for French)
A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 4–5 is often enough for truck driving applications, but higher scores improve your chances in immigration draws.
Health and Safety Requirements
Truck drivers must be physically able to handle the demands of long hours, loading/unloading, and operating heavy vehicles. This means you may need to pass:
- A health check is required to confirm you’re medically fit to operate a truck.
- Vision and hearing tests for road safety.
If you have certain health conditions that affect your driving ability (like severe vision problems or uncontrolled seizures), you may be disqualified from getting a commercial license.
Background and Legal Requirements
Employers and licensing authorities may require:
- A clean criminal record check.
- A driver’s abstract showing your past driving history and any violations.
Some companies will still hire you if you have minor infractions, but serious offences like impaired driving can make it very hard to get licensed or hired.
Additional Requirements from Employers
Apart from government regulations, employers often have their own requirements, such as:
- Willingness to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to travel long distances, sometimes across provinces or into the United States.
- Knowledge of using GPS, logbook software, or other trucking technology.
In some cases, employers will provide on-the-job training to help you adapt to Canadian driving rules and equipment.
The Application Process to Work as a Truck Driver in Canada
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the requirements, the next step is to go through the application process. This process can vary depending on whether you are applying for a permanent residency pathway (such as Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program) or a temporary work pathway (such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program).
Here’s an easy-to-follow step-by-step process to guide you through a successful application.
Step 1: Find Your NOC Code
In Canada, jobs are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Truck driving falls under NOC code 73300 (Transport Truck Drivers).
You must use this code when:
- Submitting an application to immigration programs such as Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.
- Searching for job listings that match your skills.
- Filling out work permit or LMIA applications.
Tip: If your job title is slightly different in your home country (e.g., “lorry driver”), match your duties to the NOC description to ensure eligibility.
Step 2: Research Job Opportunities
Start by searching for Canadian employers who are willing to hire foreign truck drivers. Some of the best places to look include:
- Job Bank Canada (official government site)
- Indeed.ca and Workopolis.com
- Industry-specific boards like TruckingJobs.ca
- Provincial job portals (e.g., Saskatchewan Jobs, Manitoba Jobs)
Look for job postings that mention LMIA sponsorship or assistance with work permits, as these employers are more likely to hire from overseas.
Step 3: Secure a Valid Job Offer
For most immigration pathways, especially the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you’ll need a written job offer from a Canadian employer. This letter should include:
- Your job title and NOC code.
- Work location and schedule.
- Salary and benefits.
- Whether the employer will provide relocation assistance or training.
A strong job offer can also boost your CRS score under Express Entry, increasing your chances of permanent residency.
Step 4: Check Which Work Permit You Need
Depending on your situation, you may need one of the following:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit – tied to one employer, based on an LMIA.
- Open Work Permit – allows you to work for any employer (often for spouses of workers).
If you’re applying under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, your employer must first get an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before you can apply for your work permit.
Step 5: Gather All Required Documents
You’ll need to prepare:
- A valid passport.
- Job offer letter.
- Proof of work experience (letters from previous employers, logbooks, etc.).
- Education certificates (high school diploma or equivalent).
- Proof of language proficiency (if required).
- Medical exam results.
- Police clearance certificate.
Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all documents ready, as Canadian immigration often requests both.
Step 6: Apply for Immigration or a Work Permit
- For Express Entry or PNP applicants: Complete your online submission through the IRCC portal, attach the necessary documents, and pay the application fees.
- If going through TFWP: Apply for your work permit after your employer receives an LMIA.
Processing times vary—from a few weeks to several months—depending on the program, your country of residence, and the number of applications being processed.
Step 7: Travel and Start Work
Once your visa or work permit is approved:
- Book your flight to Canada.
- Arrange temporary or permanent housing.
- Contact your employer to confirm your start date.
- If you don’t yet have a Canadian commercial license, schedule your tests as soon as possible after arrival.
Your employer may also provide orientation sessions to help you adapt to Canadian workplace culture, road rules, and safety regulations.
Conclusion
Truck driving in Canada provides steady employment opportunities, potential immigration pathways, and the ability to establish long-term stability in a country known for its structured immigration system.
Whether you choose the Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, or Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the process is achievable with the right preparation.