Truck Driver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2025/2026

If you’re a qualified truck driver thinking about working in Canada, this might be one of the best times to make your move. The country is currently facing a serious shortage of long-haul and commercial drivers, and many employers are actively looking outside of Canada to fill these roles. That’s where you come in—if you have solid driving experience, the right license, and a good attitude, you have a real chance of being hired with visa sponsorship.

But let’s be honest—it’s not as simple as just applying for a job online. There are steps to follow, documents you’ll need, and specific companies that are legally allowed to sponsor you. This guide will give you a clear understanding of how visa sponsorship works for truck drivers in Canada, which companies are hiring, and what you can expect from the process.

Why Canada Needs Foreign Truck Drivers

Canada’s economy depends heavily on transportation. Trucks are used to move goods across long distances, especially between provinces and to the United States. As older drivers retire and fewer young Canadians take up the profession, the country faces a growing shortage. According to government data, Canada needs over 50,000 new truck drivers by 2026 to keep up with demand.

Because of this shortage, many employers have turned to international recruitment. The government has also opened pathways that make it easier for trucking companies to hire qualified drivers from other countries under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and in some cases, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

What Visa Sponsorship Means for Truck Drivers

Visa sponsorship means that a Canadian employer is willing to help you legally move to Canada for work. In this case, they’ll apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)—a document that proves they couldn’t find a local worker for the job. Once approved, this LMIA allows you to apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Not every employer is allowed to sponsor, and not every truck driving job qualifies. But if you find a company with a positive LMIA and a valid job offer, you’re on the right track.

In some cases, you may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency after gaining Canadian work experience. Several provinces include truck driving in their immigration streams, which means this job can be a long-term pathway—not just a temporary opportunity.

Basic Requirements to Qualify

Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic requirements most Canadian employers look for:

• Minimum 2 years of verified truck driving experience (usually in long-haul or commercial driving)

• A valid foreign commercial driving license

• Ability to pass a Canadian medical and drug test

• Basic knowledge of English or French

• Clean driving record and no criminal history

• Willingness to drive long distances or relocate within Canada

Once hired, you’ll be expected to pass the Canadian Class 1 or Class AZ driver’s license test, depending on the province. Some employers help with training, while others expect you to complete the process on your own before starting full duties.

Top Provinces Hiring Foreign Truck Drivers

While truck driver jobs are available across Canada, some provinces are more active in sponsoring foreign workers:

Alberta

With a growing energy and agriculture industry, Alberta offers high wages and steady demand for truckers. Companies here often hire foreign drivers through LMIA and offer long-term work permits.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan runs its own Provincial Nominee Program, and truck driving is one of the key occupations on its list. If you secure a job offer here, the province can nominate you for permanent residency.

Manitoba

Manitoba actively supports foreign truck drivers through the Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway. Employers work directly with immigration to bring in skilled drivers under a streamlined process.

New Brunswick

This eastern province has hosted multiple overseas recruitment campaigns and regularly hires truck drivers with full sponsorship and settlement support.

Canadian Companies That Hire Foreign Truck Drivers

The following companies have previously hired international drivers and are known to sponsor foreign workers under LMIA or PNPs. Always verify current job postings and confirm sponsorship directly with the employer.

• Westcan Bulk Transport (Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia)

• Day & Ross (New Brunswick, Ontario, Western Canada)

• Canada Cartage (nationwide)

• Bison Transport (Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario)

• Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. (Manitoba)

• TransX Group of Companies (across Canada)

• Challenger Motor Freight (Ontario and beyond)

You can find openings by searching on platforms like Indeed Canada, Job Bank Canada, or directly on company websites.

Use keywords like:

“Truck driver LMIA”, “Visa sponsorship truck driving Canada”, “foreign truck driver Canada”, “long haul driver work permit”.

What You Can Expect After Getting the Job

Once you receive a job offer and the employer gets LMIA approval, you’ll apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application is online, and you’ll need to submit:

• LMIA and job offer letter

• Passport and medical test results

• Police clearance certificate

• Driving license and record

• Language test results (if required)

Processing time can take 2 to 5 months depending on your country of residence and the type of permit. After approval, you’ll receive a work visa and be allowed to enter Canada as a temporary foreign worker.

Once in Canada, you’ll usually start with orientation and training. Then, you’ll be assigned to a route or trucking schedule based on your employer’s needs.

Can You Become a Permanent Resident Later?

Yes. Many truck drivers use their Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency through programs like:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Most provinces nominate experienced truck drivers

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) – If you gain one year of Canadian work experience

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) – Available in selected small communities

Some employers even support this transition and provide help with paperwork. If your long-term goal is to settle in Canada with your family, this is one of the most practical routes.

Final Tips Before You Apply

• Do not pay agents who promise jobs—always deal directly with licensed employers

• Verify that the employer is LMIA-approved

• Prepare your documents early, especially your driving records and license translations

• Improve your English level if needed, as some provinces require proof of language ability

• Research the province you’re moving to—driving conditions, cost of living, and licensing steps vary

• Stay organized—keep all your job offer, LMIA, and application paperwork in one place

Canada genuinely needs skilled truck drivers, and the path to working—and even settling—there is open for those who meet the requirements. With the right documents, solid work experience, and a little patience, you can secure a job that not only brings you to Canada but also gives you a chance to build a stable, long-term future.

Don’t wait for the “perfect” offer or try to rush the process. Focus on applying to real companies, understand the steps, and make sure every part of your application is strong. Thousands of truck drivers have already made the move successfully—and if you’re serious, you could be next.