Advertisements

Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship (2025 Guide for Foreign Drivers)

    Advertisements

    Canada runs on trucks. Every year, millions of tons of goods move across the country, and without enough drivers behind the wheel, shelves stay empty and industries slow down. That’s why truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship have become one of the fastest-growing pathways for foreign workers to enter the country.

    If you’re a licensed truck driver outside Canada—Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Eastern Europe—your skills are in demand. Canadian companies are actively hiring foreign drivers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and many are willing to sponsor visas.

    This guide gives you everything you need to know: requirements, visa pathways, top provinces and companies, salaries, and how to apply.

    Requirements for Nigerian and Foreign-Trained Truck Drivers Applying for Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

    Before applying, make sure you meet both employer and immigration requirements.

    Requirement What It Means for Nigerian / Foreign Truck Drivers
    Education Minimum: WAEC/NECO certificate. No degree required, but literacy and numeracy matter for logbooks and safety.
    Driver’s License Must hold a valid Nigerian Class E or D licence (or foreign equivalent). In Canada, you’ll need to pass a Class 1/A licence test. No direct Nigerian licence exchange exists.
    Experience At least 1–2 years of verifiable truck driving experience (long-haul preferred). Employer references required.
    English Proficiency Minimum CLB 4 in IELTS General Training (Listening 4.5, Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0).
    Background Check Nigerians must provide a Police Character Certificate (PCC); other countries require equivalent.
    Medical Exam Conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician; tests eyesight, hearing, and overall fitness.
    Job Offer + Sponsorship Must secure a job offer from an LMIA-approved Canadian employer (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
    Passport Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.

    Full immigration requirements: IRCC – Work in Canada.

    Visa Pathways for Truck Drivers in Canada

    Truck drivers usually come in through LMIA-based sponsorships, but there are several immigration routes:

    Program Best For Pathway to PR? Link
    Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Truck drivers with LMIA job offers Yes (can later apply for PR) TFWP
    Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta Yes – faster PR route PNP Programs
    Express Entry (via PNP) Drivers nominated by provinces under NOC 73300 Yes Express Entry

    Top Provinces Hiring Truck Drivers with Visa Sponsorship

    Some provinces face more severe truck driver shortages and actively recruit foreigners:

    Province Demand Level Notes
    Saskatchewan Very high PNP actively recruits long-haul drivers
    Alberta High Oilfield and long-haul trucking demand
    Manitoba High Central hub for trucking companies
    Ontario Moderate Many LMIA-approved employers
    British Columbia Growing Port + cross-border trucking demand

    In 2024, Trucking HR Canada reported over 20,000 open truck driver jobs nationwide.

    Top Trucking Companies in Canada Sponsoring Foreign Drivers

    Company Province Visa Sponsorship Careers Page
    H&R Transport Alberta / Saskatchewan Yes (LMIA) H&R Careers
    Canada Cartage Nationwide Yes Canada Cartage Jobs
    Bison Transport Manitoba / Alberta Yes Bison Careers
    Challenger Motor Freight Ontario Yes Challenger Careers
    Westcan Bulk Transport Western Canada Yes Westcan Jobs

    ⚠️ Not all positions are LMIA-approved. Always confirm sponsorship availability before applying.

    Salary and Benefits for Truck Drivers in Canada

    Role Average Hourly Wage Annual Salary
    Long-haul truck driver $24–$32/hr $50,000–$70,000
    Specialized transport (oilfield, dangerous goods) $28–$36/hr $60,000–$80,000
    Entry-level truck driver $20–$25/hr $45,000–$55,000

    Extra Benefits for Foreign Drivers:

    • Overtime pay.
    • Health insurance (employer-provided).
    • Housing or relocation assistance in rural provinces.
    • Pathway to PR after 1–2 years.

    How to Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

    Here’s the step-by-step roadmap:

    1. Prepare Your Documents
      • WAEC/NECO, resume, driver’s licence, IELTS General, PCC, medical.
    2. Search for LMIA-Approved Employers
    3. Apply Directly to Trucking Companies
      • See company links above.
    4. Employer Files for LMIA
      • Proves no Canadian can fill the role.
    5. Apply for Work Permit
      • Submit to IRCC with LMIA approval + job offer.
    6. Move to Canada
      • Start work. After 1 year, apply for PR through PNP or Express Entry.

    Sounds good so far, right? But let’s be real—life on Canadian highways isn’t all maple syrup and smooth rides. Here’s what you’ll need to brace for.

    Challenges for Foreign Truck Drivers in Canada

    • Harsh winters: Driving in snow and icy conditions.
    • LMIA delays: Employers may take months to process.
    • High relocation costs: Visa, IELTS, medicals, and travel.
    • Licence conversion: Nigerian and many foreign licences aren’t directly exchangeable; retesting is required.

    FAQs About Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

    You’ve got questions—every driver does before packing up for Canada. Let’s cut through the noise and get you straight answers.

    1. Can Nigerian truck drivers apply for jobs in Canada?

    Yes. Nigerian truck drivers are eligible with WAEC/NECO, a valid licence, IELTS CLB 4+, police clearance, and a job offer from an LMIA-approved employer.

    2. Can Nigerian driver’s licences be used in Canada?

    Not directly. You must pass a Class 1/A Canadian truck licence test. Nigeria does not have a licence exchange agreement.

    3. Do Nigerian truck drivers need IELTS?

    Yes. Minimum CLB 4 in IELTS General Training is required for most immigration pathways.

    4. How much do truck drivers earn in Canada?

    Between CAD $50,000–$80,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

    5. Which provinces hire the most foreign truck drivers?

    Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario.

    6. Can Nigerian truck drivers bring their families?

    Yes. Sponsored drivers can bring spouses (open work permit) and children (study permits).

    7. How long does the sponsorship process take?

    6 months–2 years depending on LMIA, work permit, and PR application timelines.

    8. Is Canada really short of truck drivers?

    Yes. Over 20,000 positions are currently unfilled, making trucking one of the most in-demand jobs.

    9. Do Nigerian drivers need TRCN or other professional council membership?

    No. Truck driving doesn’t require TRCN. However, proof of FRSC-certified training in Nigeria can strengthen applications.

    10. Can truck drivers get permanent residency in Canada?

    Yes. After working with an LMIA-based permit, you can apply for PR through a PNP or Express Entry pathway.

    So you’ve seen the requirements, the salaries, the provinces, and even the hurdles. Now comes the million-dollar question: how do you actually put yourself in the driver’s seat?

    Conclusion

    Canada’s trucking industry is short on drivers—and that’s your chance. With truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship, foreign-trained drivers can move legally, earn competitive salaries, bring their families, and gain permanent residency.

    Your next steps:

    1. Prepare your documents (WAEC/NECO, licence, IELTS, PCC, medical).
    2. Search LMIA-approved jobs on Job Bank Canada.
    3. Apply directly to trucking companies like Bison, H&R, or Challenger.
    4. After a year of work, apply for PR through a Provincial Nominee Program.

    The demand is real. The visas are available. The only question: are you ready to take the driver’s seat?

    You May Also Like