Canada seems to have a relatively low unemployment rate as per recent statistics but there’s a decline in labor when it comes to the trucking industry. While this may seem like bad news on the flip side, it is good news, especially for Africans and foreigners from around the world who are looking for a good work/live country to immigrate to.
If you are considering working as a truck driver in Canada, your dream is not out of reach yet. In fact, it is very much possible that programs like Temporary Foreign Worker Permit (TFWP) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) facilitate this process, making it streamlined for foreigners to qualify for jobs in the country.
Not to worry, this article has got you covered with the basic information you need to equip yourself to secure a truck driver job in Canada with visa Sponsorship whether you are an African or from outside Canada.
Why Choose to Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in Canada?
It’s perfectly fine to want to reconsider your decision to apply for truck driver jobs in Canada. While Canada is a top destination for job seekers from around the world, is it really worth applying to work in the country? Well, here are some reasons why:
1. High Demand
When demand is high it is usually a good signal and in this case, it means more job opportunities, better chances of getting hired, and of course, juicy benefits. As a foreigner, applying for truck driver jobs comes in handy as there are a plethora of openings out there for you.
Canada is a vast country and companies are always in need of foreign talents to handle truck driving tasks and transporting goods to its trade partners across borders.
2. Attractive Salary
Because it is a high-demand job it attracts attractive salaries and juicy benefits. You may want to consider this as one reason why you should choose truck driving as a career path. Online resources show that on average, truck drivers make between $45,000 to $75,000 per year.
Hold up! How much salary you make will depend on your level of experience and the truck driving role. Generally speaking, long-haul drivers can earn more, especially with bonuses and overtime.
3. Road to Permanent Residency
If there’s any reason why foreign workers opt for truck driving jobs in Canada it is because of the possibility of securing permanent residency. Truck drivers under programs like the Provincial Nominee Program can settle in Canada permanently and from there build a long-term life far from their home country.
4. Job Security
Canada is faced with an aging workforce and as such the logistics sector is booming which in turn means stable long-term employment for truck drivers. So long as you’re skilled, reliable, willing to work, and have the necessary qualifications, you can hardly ever run out of job opportunities.
5. Enhances Work-Life Balance
Contrary to what many people think of truck driving jobs, many openings do offer flexible schedules, local routes, and benefits that support a balance between work and personal life. This way, you don’t have to worry about being away from your family for too long or not prioritizing personal goals.
Top Provinces in Canada Actively Hiring Truck Drivers with Visa Sponsorship
At the time of writing, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick are the top provinces in Canada where you can seek employment for truck driving jobs with visa sponsorship because there are a plethora of these opportunities in any of the aforementioned provinces than anywhere else in Canada.
Check out the table below for more information:
| Province | Company/Employer Offering Truck Driver Jobs With Visa Sponsorship | Salary Range (CAD) |
| Alberta | Western Midstream Rival Trucking PNT Ltd. | Anywhere from $155,000/per annum $39-$41/per hr Not specified |
| British Columbia | Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. Fleetway Trucking Ltd. TipTop Transport | Anywhere between $95,000-$135,000/per annum $27.15-$28.85/per hr $32.50/per hr |
| Ontario | Willowlee Sod Farm Gordon Food Service Royal Homes | $23-$26/per hr Anywhere from $30.20/per hr Anywhere from $28-$31/per hr |
| Saskatchewan | Rockridge X-Press Inc. Raikot Transportation TipTop Transportation | Anywhere from $80,000-$83,000/per annum Anywhere from $72,000-101,738/per annum $32.50/per hr |
| Manitoba | Gurminder Gill Daven Trucking Ltd. | Anywhere from $28/per hr Anywhere from $43,427 to $85,000/per annum |
| New Brunswick | Arms Trans Inc. | Anywhere between $95,000-$110,000/per yr |
How Can I Get Sponsorship from Canada?
This might just be the juiciest part of this article and perhaps, it is what you’ve been waiting for. Well, here are a few things you need to do to boost your chances of landing a visa-sponsored work visa by a Canadian employer:
1. Understand visa options
There are different work visas and getting familiar with their respective eligibility requirements is the best thing to do to know which suits your abroad needs. It will help you perform the job hunt and visa sponsorship process seamlessly.
2. Networking
There’s a high chance that you have come across this tip before. And as simple as it sounds, it is true. You don’t need anyone to tell you building connections through networking events and online platforms can be profitable in the long run.
Talk about open doors to job opportunities which among them might even be your dream job with a visa sponsorship.
3. Research companies
It is not enough to network with the right people. You also need to research the right companies that are hiring and not only that, ones that are known for sponsoring foreign workers, especially in the field you are in.
Search for them using popular job boards and websites like Indeed, and Glassdoor to keep track of job openings regularly.
4. Develop valuable skills
Getting sponsorship from Canada may seem like a myth because of how hard it has gotten, but what is best is to develop valuable skills that are in high demand in the Canadian job market only when it is likely you can get a visa-sponsored job.
At the moment, tech and construction get the most attention so you may want to acquire skills in these fields as they are appealing to potential employers.
5. Language proficiency
Remember you are going to work in an English and French-speaking country so there is a need for you to learn to be fluent in the language. If you can speak, write, and understand the English and French language very well you can increase your success rate.
6. Educational background
This is as important as improving your language proficiency. You may need to obtain relevant education and qualifications that best match the job you are applying for. This way, employers will know you’re capable of the role.
7. Gain experience
Whether locally or overseas, experience caps your effort in looking for a visa-sponsored job coupled with a solid educational background. In whatever field you find yourself, demonstrate your level of competence to Canadian employers.
8. Customize application
Last but not least, your resume and cover letter tell the full story about you so be sure to craft a stellar application that elaborates on how well your skills and experiences align with the company’s requirements.
Application Requirements for Truck Driver Visa Sponsorship Job
Before you apply for a truck driver visa-sponsored job make sure you have ticked the boxes of the following requirements green to increase your success rate. The criteria for truck driver jobs in Canada are as follows:
1. A valid and clean commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required from the applicant’s home country.
2. The applicant is expected to have a minimum of 1-2 years of verified long-haul or heavy-duty driving.
3. Fluency in the English or French language should be prioritized since communication would be done in either of these languages depending on the employer.
4. Applicants must provide a clean driving record and a police clearance certificate to prove they have a clean criminal record.
5. It is required to provide a valid passport and a solid CV, and sometimes, depending on the employer, you may be asked to provide reference letters from previous employers.
6. A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or proof of employer sponsorship will be required.
7. Applicants must pass a prerequisite medical examination proving that they are in good health and are fit for the job role, driving long hours.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Truck Driver Job in Canada from Abroad
Applying for a truck driver job in Canada from abroad, especially one with visa sponsorship, can be a meticulous process but the truth is that it is not as complicated as many people believe it to be. That said, here is a simple step process to put you ahead of a hundred other applicants in search of the same opportunities.
1. Verify Eligibility
What commercial driver’s license is the employer asking for? How many years of experience is required for the job role? Are tests like IELTS or CELPIP required? These are things you should verify to know what you are expected to fulfill before you even apply.
2. Secure a Job Offer
If you satisfy the requirements, then you are already halfway in. Canadian employers may need to provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment to hire foreign workers. Meanwhile, to find visa-sponsored jobs, platforms like Job Bank Can., Indeed Ca., and LinkedIn are ideal.
3. Choose an Immigration Pathway
At this point, you should know the immigration pathway that suits your purpose of going to Canada. There’s the Express Entry System which is subdivided into the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), for skilled trade workers such as truck drivers and the other, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), for individuals with Canadian work experience.
It doesn’t end, there is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This immigration program only applies to provinces like the ones we mentioned earlier with demand for truck drivers from outside Canada.
More so, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), as the name suggests allows employers to hire foreign workers temporarily. A valid job offer and a positive LMIA are key basics that are typically required to be considered for this immigration program.
4. Prepare and Submit Your Application
Do not forgo this step for anything else as it is very crucial. Missing any important document or detail can cost you everything and you don’t want that for yourself.
Put together the documents you are asked to provide like a valid passport, language test results, educational credentials, proof of work experience, police clearance results, and medical examination test results. You don’t have anything to worry about once you’ve accurately arranged them.
5. Await Processing and Decision
Now you’ve sent your application, the next is to remain patient and track the process. Background checks and verification of documents will be carried out so you’ll need to bear this period as it can take from a few weeks to some months depending on the program and individual circumstances.
Wrap Up
Visa-sponsored jobs are a steal but then you need to act fast because thousands of other applicants are looking forward to seizing the golden opportunity with both hands.
And if you are looking for a skilled job with few degree requirements, a truck driver job may be a good option for you at least, the pay is good especially in provinces actively hiring foreign workers.
You’ve got to understand that the process is not a get-rich-quick scheme so analyze your needs before you think of moving and check if truly immigrating from your country is worth it.
Now that you are equipped with the right information on provinces looking to hire you, salary expectations, application requirements, varying visa pathways, and steps to apply, getting a truck driver job shouldn’t be seen as distant but an achievable dream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can foreign workers get a truck driving job in Canada?
Of course, yes! This is possible through the TFWP program as discussed earlier where foreign truck workers can obtain a Canada work permit to stay and work in the country for a period.
Can I use my Nigerian driving license to apply for truck driver jobs in Canada?
Yes, so long as it is valid and from your home country which in this case is Nigeria, you can probably use it to work for a short time. Some employers may make provision for you to receive training over there with a valid driver’s license recognizable around the world should you opt for a different country to work in.
How many hours do truck drivers work in Canada?
A recent update by the National Safety Code upholds up to 13 hours within a 24-hour day. This is designed to promote safety on roads for everyone.