How to Immigrate to Canada as a Transport Worker

For seasoned truck drivers eyeing a fresh start in Canada, you’re in excellent company. Canada stands as a prime destination for those seeking a future in the transportation industry. Your wealth of truck driving experience is a valuable asset in the Canadian job market. In this blog post, we will take a look at the path to successful immigration to Canada as a truck driver. We will delve into essential documents for permanent residency, application requisites, and insights into the Canadian job landscape for truck drivers. If making Canada your new home is your goal, read on to discover more.

Thriving in High-Demand Truck Driving Careers

Truck driving careers are currently in high demand in Canada, rendering it an ideal destination for experienced truck drivers seeking a fresh chapter in their lives. At present, the vacancy rate in the truck transportation industry hovers around 8%, equating to approximately 55,600 job openings nationwide.

What’s even more promising is that between 2019 and 2023, 36,000 workers are expected to retire, and an additional 136,600 will leave their jobs for various reasons. This highlights a significant need for skilled truck drivers in the years to come.

Recognizing the critical role of the trucking and logistics sector, the Canadian government is taking measures to address the driver shortage. The introduction of new NOC codes will soon classify truck drivers as skilled workers, creating more opportunities for immigrants with truck driving expertise. This underscores Canada’s active effort to attract and support skilled truck drivers to meet the industry’s growing demands.

1. Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)

Becoming a truck driver in Canada can vary depending on the province you intend to settle in. Each province has its own set of prerequisites and guidelines for immigration through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). Your likelihood of being nominated hinges on the specific needs of each province.

To enhance your chances of nomination, it is crucial to stay updated on the requirements of the province and keep an eye on job postings in your areas of interest. Certain provinces, such as Saskatchewan, offer specialized programs for truck drivers, like the Saskatchewan Long-Haul Truck Driver Project, complete with various incentives and benefits.

A successful nomination through the PNP grants you Canadian permanent residency, unlocking a multitude of opportunities and benefits, including healthcare and education for you and your family. Stay informed about the unique requirements of each province to transform your dream of becoming a truck driver in Canada into reality.

2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) provides an excellent option for truck drivers seeking employment in Canada. This program permits Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals, granting you temporary status and potential Canadian permanent residency down the road.

In some cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be necessary for the TFWP. An LMIA evaluates the impact of hiring a foreign national in Canada, ensuring no qualified Canadians are available to fill the job position before offering it to a foreign worker.

The TFWP not only issues a work permit but also allows your spouse to apply for an open work permit, streamlining the transition to a new life in Canada.

3. Express Entry

Express Entry stands as the go-to online system for skilled workers aspiring to secure Canadian permanent residency. It is the swiftest and most efficient way to apply for permanent residency. Through Express Entry, the Canadian government oversees three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

For Express Entry eligibility criteria, you need to construct an online profile and provide details regarding your education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is calculated based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

The CRS score remains dynamic as new candidates join the pool and others enhance their qualifications. Note that education holds less significance in the NOC cut-off for truck drivers, meaning that even with a lower level of education, you can still attain a competitive CRS score.

To estimate your CRS score, utilize a free CRS calculator to gauge your standing and boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

There are also two options to apply for Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) as a truck driver under Express Entry.

Option 1

To heighten your prospects of immigrating to Canada as a truck driver, research job vacancies and the specific needs of each province. Reach out to the province or territory of your interest and inquire about their Express Entry stream for truck drivers. Create an Express Entry profile to showcase your province’s nomination. The nomination process is electronic, positioning you strategically for permanent residency as a skilled truck driver in Canada.

Option 2

To maximize your chances of immigrating to Canada as a truck driver, create an Express Entry profile and specify your desired province or territory. Once your profile is complete, await a notification of interest from the province. When you receive this notification, directly contact the province to inquire about their Express Entry category-based selection for truck drivers and commence the application process. This option fosters direct interaction with the province and positions you for permanent residency as a skilled truck driver in Canada.

The Allure of Trucking in Canada

Opting for a trucking career in Canada presents an array of advantages. Firstly, the competitive salary, averaging around $55,000 annually, ensures a stable and comfortable income.

Furthermore, trucking in Canada offers variety and autonomy. You can opt to handle local, regional, national, or cross-border deliveries, enabling you to explore diverse routes and discover new places.

Moreover, trucking schedules can be flexible, catering to your preferred timetable and lifestyle. The industry is ever-evolving, providing ample opportunities for career advancement.

The demand for truckers in Canada is poised to continue its growth, guaranteeing a stable job market for years to come. With the retiring workforce and an increased reliance on truck transportation, there’s an abundance of opportunities for skilled and dedicated truck drivers.

Connect with Immigrationway

If you have queries or require guidance throughout the immigration process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Immigrationway. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, offering the support you need to successfully immigrate to Canada as a truck driver. Contact us today to embark on your journey to a new life in Canada.