Becoming a Truck Driver in Canada

Do you enjoy driving and spending a long time on the road? If yes, then you should consider becoming a truck driver in Canada. Truck drivers transport finished goods and raw materials from one location to another with the use of a truck. However, there will always be a demand for qualified truck drivers since Canada relies on delivery trucks to transport its goods. 

For instance, British Columbia is a province in Canada that has great demand for truck drivers, as well as in Saskatchewan. Furthermore, there are various truck driving positions to choose from, such as long-haul drivers and logging truck drivers. The average salary of a truck driver will depend on some factors such as the province you work in, your level of experience, and the number of hours you work.

Even though the income is good, there is also room for growth and experience on the job. As a truck driver in Canada, your average salary ranges between $49,000 and $69,000 per year. This pay is adequate for truck driver to live comfortably and a long-term sustainability for themselves and their family.

In this article, you’ll understand what a truck driver is, becoming a truck driver in Canada, and its benefits.

What is a truck driver?

Truck drivers deliver goods and materials by truck, this may be inter-state or internationally. They usually travel to and from retail and distribution centers or manufacturing facilities to deliver various products. Although their work schedule is flexible, oftentimes they may work at any hour of the day or night. Furthermore, this job can be demanding, as drivers are required to spend a lot of time driving on the road.

Ways to Become a Truck Driver in Canada

To become a truck driver in Canada, you will have to apply for several immigration streams. However, these programs make immigrating to Canada as a truck driver simple and easy. Dive in as we discuss these programs such as the Canada Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, and Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

1. Express Entry Program

The Canadian government usually organizes and processes applications for skilled professionals who wish to migrate to Canada and obtain Canadian permanent residence status through the express entry program. Furthermore, this system controls the Federal Skilled Work Program which is one of three major federal economic programs. Candidates need to meet the requirements of FSW to qualify for a spot in the pool of candidates for immigration.

In addition, you must complete an online express entry profile showcasing your skills and qualifications. Then, the express entry system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System to rank you against other applicants in the pool. However, it’s done on a points-based system by considering factors like age, education, work experience (Abroad and Canadian work experience), language proficiency in English and French, family members, and any job offer.

Every two weeks, the IRCC usually holds periodic draws and invites the highest-ranking candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply for a Canadian permanent residence visa.

2. PNPs as Truck Driver Under Express Entry Canada

This is divided into two ways and you can apply using anyone that suits you.

You will contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream. However, you’ll get a nomination via your account which you must accept electronically. If the province/territory accepts to nominate you, then you will create an express entry profile or update an already existing one.

  OR 

You will create an express entry profile and specify your interests provinces and territories. Then, apply to the express entry stream, if you are nominated. Furthermore, you will receive the offer through your account and accept it electronically. If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to your account, they contact them directly. 

However, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the province or territory. Ensure you send an electronic application to IRCC if you receive an invitation to apply (ITA). Additionally, you need to create an express entry online profile and signify that you meet all of the requirements.

3. PNP’s as a Truck Driver. Non-Express Entry (Paper-based process)

You can also apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-express entry stream. This should be done only if you meet the eligibility requirements of the area that nominates you. After this is done, you’ll then submit a paper application for permanent residence to IRCC.

However, application processing times vary and may be longer than through the express entry. This is a great option for truck drivers planning to settle and boost their careers in Canada. Furthermore, you can relocate to a particular Canadian province or territory through the Provincial Nominee Program or non-Express Entry.

There are well-defined PNP streams that are open to some specialized and in-demand jobs. For instance, the major target of Saskatchewan’s Long-Haul truck driver project is to let transportation companies employ immigrant truck drivers. 

Benefits 

1. The good thing about this program is the possibility of getting Canadian permanent residency.
2. This pathway also speeds up your process of relocating to Canada and getting employment opportunities.
3. Furthermore, it will raise your CRS score by 600 points.

However, based on individual provinces or territories, different qualifications may be required for becoming a truck driver in Canada. Although, there are prerequisites like a diploma from a secondary school, proof of the necessary driving skills, and the necessary license. This program is province-specific, therefore your chances of getting a nomination depend on the province’s needs.

4. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

This employer-driven program allows Canadian employers to employ qualified immigrants to fill the skill shortage in a province/territory. However, employers check to be sure that no citizens can fill the labor gap before hiring foreigners. Foreign workers who are successful under this program may require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves that your employer is permitted to employ a temporary foreign worker.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill provincial and territorial labor needs. In addition, the TFWP guarantees the temporary holder status and also the opportunity to obtain a Canadian Permanent Residency. A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could sometimes be required.

An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assessing the impact of hiring a foreign national in Canada. In addition, with skilled occupations, spouses are eligible for work permits making the transition to a new life in Canada easier. 

Foreigners seeking temporary employment in Canada are eligible for the TFWP, a temporary work visa.

The Canadian government established it to allow firms to hire foreign workers if they cannot fill open positions with Canadians. You’re only permitted to work for one employer in Canada. Extensions may be given if you’ve chosen to switch jobs, employment, employers, or other work-related factors.

Eligibility 

For you to qualify for a TFWP, you need to:

1. Have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. Have a valid international passport. 
3. Show your intention to leave Canada after your work permit elapses.
4. Demonstrate your command of the English or French language.
5. Be clear of any criminal history and pose no threat to Canada’s national security.
6. Demonstrate you’ll be able to sustain yourself while in Canada and pay for your and your family members’ return trip. Prove your financial capability.
7. Be strong health-wise.

Your firm must have a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) document, which explains that it could not locate qualified candidates nationwide. If you meet the above requirements, you can submit your TFWP application. 

Visa Requirements for Canadian Truck Drivers

To work as a truck driver in Canada and obtain the necessary visa, you need to have the following documents.

1. Birth certificate.  
2. IELTS certificate. 
3. International passport valid for at least two years. 
4. Driving license of 3 years.
5. Employment letter. 
6. Experience letter. 
7. Truck driving training certificate.
8. Bank statement to prove you can sustain yourself in Canada financially.
9. Income tax returns.
10. Pay stubs for six months.
11. School/education certificates. 
12. Reference letter.
13. WES assessment.

Benefits of Working as a Truck Driver in Canada

1. The government regulates the maximum driving hours per day. 
2. Paid vacation days while traveling. 
3. An annual compensation between $65,000 and $75,000.
4. Due to the high demand, the job is secure. 
5. Additional private insurance is offered by many employers.

Conclusion

Becoming a truck driver in Canada is very beneficial and aside from the good pay, you can grow and sustain your future.