Introduction
Canada is currently facing a significant shortage of qualified truck drivers, and this demand is expected to increase through 2025 and beyond. With its expansive geography and growing trade and logistics sectors, the Canadian economy relies heavily on a robust trucking industry. As a result, employers across multiple provinces—particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario—are actively hiring foreign truck drivers and offering visa sponsorship to meet labor demands. For international candidates looking for a rewarding and stable job in Canada, this is a unique opportunity to enter the workforce with the backing of reputable employers.
Truck driving in Canada is more than just operating a vehicle—it plays a critical role in maintaining national and international supply chains. Foreign nationals who meet the requirements and obtain the necessary credentials may not only be eligible for work permits but can also potentially transition to permanent residency (PR) through pathways such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Express Entry. With competitive wages, health benefits, and pathways to bring dependents, truck driver jobs in Canada are among the most attractive blue-collar roles available to immigrants in 2025.
This guide aims to provide a complete overview of truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship, including entry-level roles, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and the best websites to find job opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced international driver or someone entering the industry, this article will help you understand how to navigate the application process, meet regulatory standards, and secure a legally sponsored job in one of the world’s most immigrant-friendly countries.
Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants
Below is a table of common entry-level or in-demand truck driver positions available in Canada for foreign workers in 2025, many of which come with visa sponsorship.
| Job Title | Location | Average Salary (CAD/year) | License Required | Visa Sponsorship Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Haul Truck Driver | Alberta, Ontario | $55,000 – $75,000 | Class 1/A | Yes |
| Delivery Truck Driver | British Columbia | $40,000 – $52,000 | Class 5 | Sometimes |
| Logging Truck Driver | Saskatchewan, Manitoba | $60,000 – $70,000 | Class 1 | Yes |
| Tanker Truck Driver | Alberta | $65,000 – $85,000 | Class 1 with Endorsement | Yes |
| Construction Truck Driver | Ontario, Quebec | $48,000 – $60,000 | DZ (Class 3) | Sometimes |
| Waste Collection Truck Driver | Nova Scotia, PEI | $42,000 – $55,000 | Class 3 or 5 | Rare |
| Refrigerated Freight Driver | Across Canada | $58,000 – $72,000 | Class 1 | Yes |
| Local Courier Truck Driver | Urban Areas | $38,000 – $50,000 | Class 5 | Rare |
Note: Long-haul truck drivers are the most in-demand and frequently sponsored roles, especially under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Application Requirements and Documents
To work legally as a truck driver in Canada under visa sponsorship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide a comprehensive set of documents.
Basic Requirements
- Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
- The employer must be approved to hire foreign workers and may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Valid Driver’s License
- International drivers typically need a Class 1 (or equivalent) commercial driver’s license.
- You must be willing to convert your license to a provincial equivalent upon arrival.
- Experience
- Most employers require at least 1–2 years of verifiable truck driving experience.
- Language Proficiency
- English or French proficiency is required (usually CLB level 4–5).
- Clean Criminal Record
- Background checks are mandatory, especially for cross-border (Canada–USA) drivers.
- Medical Fitness
- You must pass a mandatory medical examination to confirm your fitness for long hours of driving.
Key Documents
- Valid Passport
- Educational Credential Assessment (if applicable)
- Commercial Driver’s License from your home country
- Driver’s Abstract/Record from previous employers or licensing authority
- Language Test Results (IELTS General Training or CELPIP for English; TEF for French)
- LMIA-Approved Job Offer Letter from a Canadian employer
- Work Permit Application (IMM forms) or Express Entry Profile Number
- Medical Examination Report
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Resume in Canadian format
Employment Websites to Find Opportunities
Here are the top websites where foreign truck drivers can find jobs in Canada that offer visa sponsorship:
1. Job Bank Canada
- Official government site
- Use filters like “LMIA approved” or “visa sponsorship available”
2. Indeed Canada
- Enter keywords like “truck driver with visa sponsorship”
- Allows sorting by salary and location
3. Workopolis
- Canadian job board featuring transportation roles
- Check job details for sponsorship info
4. CanadaVisa Job Board
- Designed for immigrants seeking sponsorship opportunities
- Frequent listings for long-haul drivers
5. Trucking HR Canada
- Industry-specific portal for logistics professionals
- Offers career guidance and job links
6. Glassdoor Canada
- Search “truck driver LMIA” to find companies open to sponsorship
- Read reviews about employers
7. HiredTruckDrivers.com
- A niche site that connects licensed truckers with North American companies
- Check for relocation and immigration assistance listings
8. Provincial Immigration Portals
- Each province (e.g., Alberta, Nova Scotia) has immigration sites listing employer-specific PNPs
- Truck drivers are in high demand under streams like Alberta Opportunity Stream, SINP (Saskatchewan), and AIPP (Atlantic provinces)
Conclusion
Canada continues to face a nationwide shortage of qualified truck drivers, creating an excellent opportunity for foreign workers seeking employment through visa sponsorship in 2025. With competitive salaries, benefits, and a clear path to permanent residency, truck driving is a stable and rewarding career option for newcomers. Positions like long-haul and tanker drivers are in particularly high demand, and employers are actively using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Provincial Nominee Programs to fill these roles.
To successfully work as a truck driver in Canada, foreign applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, have the necessary credentials, and prepare a complete set of application documents. Navigating the immigration and job process can be complex, but with careful research and the right support, candidates can achieve both short-term employment and long-term settlement goals.
We encourage interested individuals to start their search early, use verified job boards, and apply to employers authorized to hire foreign nationals. Truck driving is more than a job—it can be your gateway to a new life in Canada.