Canada’s trucking industry is under sustained pressure to fill driver roles, particularly in long-haul and Specialised driving positions.
Many companies are turning to foreign workers to fill these gaps — and some of these roles come with visa sponsorship (typically via LMIA).
This gives non-Canadians a viable path to work in Canada, often in stable, high-paying truck driving roles.
Why Canadian Trucking Companies Sponsor Foreign Truck Drivers
- Driver Shortage: Many carriers in Canada rely on foreign workers because local recruitment alone isn’t meeting demand.
- Ageing Workforce: A significant portion of current truck drivers are nearing retirement.
- Strict Recruitment Rules: Employers applying for LMIA must prove they couldn’t fill positions locally, which is often the case for specialized or long-haul roles.
- Long-term Workforce Planning: Some trucking firms use LMIA to bring in experienced foreign drivers who can stay and possibly transition to permanent residence.
Key Visa and Work Permit Pathways for Sponsored Truck Drivers
Several immigration pathways allow truck drivers to work in Canada:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Many visa-sponsorship driving jobs use LMIA under TFWP.
- Express Entry: Drivers who qualify can create a profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or other Express Entry classes.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces nominate drivers through PNP streams defined for in-demand roles.
LMIA Explained: What It Means for Trucking Jobs
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. For a trucking employer to sponsor a foreign driver, they usually need to:
- Prove there are no suitable Canadian workers for the role.
- Advertise the position in Canada and on national job boards for a minimum period.
- Pay wages consistent with what local drivers make.
- Submit a positive LMIA so that a foreign driver can apply for a closed work permit specific to that job.
High-Demand Truck Driver Roles That Offer Sponsorship
Here are some of the truck driving roles where visa sponsorship is most likely:
- Long-haul drivers (cross-country / interprovincial)
- Regional or local truck drivers (shorter routes)
- Heavy-duty Class 1 or A license drivers
- Dump truck or construction site drivers
- Freight or reefer (temperature-controlled cargo) drivers
- Tow truck drivers
- Haul-all / flatbed drivers
- Hazardous materials (hazmat) truck drivers
- Truck driving supervisors or lead drivers
Typical Truck Driving Jobs in Canada: Long-Haul, Regional, Local
Canada’s trucking industry covers a wide range of driving roles, each with different routes, schedules, vehicle types, and sponsorship likelihood. Below are the most common truck driving job categories, along with their respective responsibilities, typical work environments, and the frequency of visa sponsorship opportunities.
Long-Haul Truck Drivers (Cross-Country & International Routes)
Long-haul truckers drive the longest distances—often transporting goods between provinces or across the U.S.–Canada border. These routes can last several days or weeks.
Key Features:
- Trips often exceed 1,000 km.
- Work involves overnight travel, border crossings, and strict logbook compliance.
- High demand makes long-haul roles the most common LMIA-sponsored truck driving jobs.
Why It Offers Sponsorship:
Canadian companies consistently struggle to find enough local drivers willing to do long-distance work.
Regional / Short-Haul Truck Drivers (Within a Province)
Regional or “mid-haul” drivers operate within a specific region—such as within Alberta, British Columbia, or Ontario.
Key Features:
- More predictable schedules compared to long-haul.
- Routes can vary from 200 km to 600 km.
- Usually return home more often.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
Moderate. Some companies sponsor foreigners for regional roles, especially in the prairie provinces.
Local Delivery Truck Drivers (City & Suburban Routes)
Local drivers transport goods within cities or nearby suburbs, often using smaller trucks, box trucks, or vans.
Key Features:
- Daytime routes with same-day return.
- Frequent stops, high customer interaction.
- Common in retail, warehousing, food supply, and e-commerce.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
Lower compared to long-haul, but still possible with large employers like:
- Amazon delivery partners
- Canada Post contractors
- Major logistics companies (Purolator, FedEx, UPS)
Flatbed Truck Drivers (Construction & Industrial Loads)
Flatbed drivers transport large, oversized loads such as steel, lumber, construction materials, and machinery.
Key Features:
- Requires load-securing skills using chains, tarps, and straps.
- Often physically demanding.
- Higher skill level means higher pay.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
High. Many companies sponsor foreign flatbed drivers due to shortages of experienced operators.
- Reefer (Refrigerated) Truck Drivers
Reefer drivers transport temperature-controlled cargo like food, pharmaceuticals, and dairy products.
Key Features:
- Must understand temperature-control systems.
- Demand continues to grow due to Canada’s food supply chain needs.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
High — reefer carriers frequently use LMIA to hire foreign drivers.
Tanker / Fuel Truck Drivers (Hazmat)
Tanker drivers haul hazardous materials, fuel, chemicals, and liquid goods.
Key Features:
- Requires special hazmat certification.
- Very strict safety regulations.
- Higher pay due to specialized skills.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
Moderate–High. Companies often sponsor hazmat drivers because few locals have the certification.
Dump Truck Drivers (Construction & Mining)
Dump truck drivers move gravel, sand, soil, and materials for construction companies and mining sites.
Key Features:
- Primarily provincial or city-based work.
- Can involve operating on rough worksites.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
Moderate. LMIA sponsorship exists especially in mining-heavy provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan).
Heavy Haul / Oversized Load Drivers
These drivers transport extremely large loads using specialized tractors and trailers.
Key Features:
- Requires advanced experience with load planning.
- Often escorted by pilot vehicles.
- Very high responsibility and pay.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
High for experienced foreign drivers due to limited available Canadian operators.
Tow Truck Drivers
Tow truck operators assist in roadside recovery and towing services.
Key Features:
- Often involves emergency call-outs.
- Requires customer service skills and physical strength.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
Lower than long-haul, but possible in rural communities facing driver shortages.
Team Drivers (Two-Driver Long-Haul Teams)
Team driving is common in Canada’s long-distance freight industry—two drivers share shifts to cover extremely long miles without stopping.
Key Features:
- Faster delivery times.
- Very high mileage-based earnings.
- Long hours but excellent income potential.
Sponsorship Likelihood:
Very high. Many companies sponsor team drivers to meet delivery deadlines.
Skill & Certificate Requirements for Sponsored Truck Drivers
To be eligible for many sponsored truck driving roles, you often need:
- A valid commercial driver’s license (e.g., Class 1 / Class A), depending on the role.
- Previous driving experience, particularly for long-haul or specialized roles.
- A clear driving record/background check.
- Medical fitness and possibly a driver’s medical exam.
- Sometimes English (or French) proficiency is required, especially when applying through immigration pathways.
Salary Expectations for Truck Driver Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Compensation depends on the type of job and location:
- According to immigration guides, long-haul truck drivers in Canada can earn around CAD $55,000/year or more.
- In LMIA-sponsored posts found in online forums, rates like $36.00 to $37.50/hour have been mentioned for long-haul driver roles.
Top Provinces Hiring Foreign Truck Drivers in Canada
Some provinces are especially active in hiring foreign truckers through LMIA:
- Saskatchewan — known for logistics and transport roles.
- Alberta — major freight routes and trucking hubs.
- Manitoba — trucking demand and LMIA-friendly carriers.
How to Find and Apply for Sponsored Truck Driver Positions
Here’s a step-by-step plan:
- Search on trusted job boards: Use Job Bank Canada, Indeed (“truck driver LMIA”), LinkedIn.
- Filter for LMIA or “visa sponsorship” roles in your search.
- Prepare your resume, emphasising your driving license class, experience, and safety record.
- Contact trucking companies directly: Ask whether they have LMIA sponsorship available.
- If you receive a job offer, ensure the employer provides a positive LMIA before applying for a visa.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Truck Driver Work Permit
To apply for a visa-sponsored truck driving job, you typically need:
- Valid driver’s license (commercial)
- Resume / CV with work experience
- Educational certificates (if required)
- Driving record (clean driving abstract)
- Medical exam report (if required by employer)
- Proof of LMIA (your employer must give you the LMIA number)
Risks and Red Flags: Vetting Sponsorship-Licensed Employers
When applying, watch out for:
- Employers are not asking for an LMIA number.
- Very vague job descriptions (“driver needed, visa possible”) — always confirm details.
- Companies not on the LMIA-approved sponsor list.
- Low hourly rates that seem too good to be true, or unusually high rates without details.
- Reports of abuse or non-compliance — the TFWP has a tip-line for abuse.
Path from Truck Driver Work Permit to Permanent Residency
Many foreign truck drivers want to know: Can this become permanent? The answer is yes, via:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) — some provinces nominate drivers for PR if they are in demand.
- Express Entry — once you work in Canada under a valid work permit, you may be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
FAQs
Do all trucking jobs offer visa sponsorship?
No — only some employers apply for LMIA and sponsor foreign workers.
How long is the LMIA process?
It varies depending on the employer, the job, and the region.
Is a clean driving record required?
Yes — most LMIA-backed trucking jobs require a clean driving abstract.
Can I work as a driver in Canada and then apply for PR?
Yes, through PNPs or Express Entry, depending on your situation.
Are LMIA sponsorship job postings risky/possibly fraudulent?
Yes — there are scams. Always verify the employer, ask for LMIA numbers, and check reviews or public records.
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