Canada’s vast geography and booming logistics industry make truck drivers essential to the country’s economy. In 2026, transportation and freight companies across provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec continue to face labour shortages in trucking occupations. As a result, many Canadian employers are offering visa sponsorship to qualified foreign truck drivers through employer-supported work permits under programmes such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This guide provides everything you need to know about truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship in 2026 — including job details, visa routes, eligibility criteria, required documents, salary expectations, application steps, challenges, useful tips, FAQs, and a summarised conclusion.
Job Details
Job Country: Canada
Job Title: Truck Driver / Long Haul Truck Driver / Class 1 Driver / Transport Operator
Who Can Apply?: All nationalities (with visa sponsorship)
How to Apply?: Online job boards, recruitment agencies, direct employer applications
Minimum Experience: Typically 2+ years of professional truck driving experience
Visa Sponsorship: Yes — employer-sponsored work permit via LMIA or provincial nomination pathways
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Visa Sponsorship in Canada
Canada requires foreign workers to have a valid work permit to be legally employed. For truck drivers, the common pathway is through:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with LMIA
Under this route, Canadian employers sponsor a truck driver by obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — a confirmation from the government that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. The employer must demonstrate genuine attempts to hire locally before requesting an LMIA. Once approved, the worker applies for a work permit tied to that job.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Some provinces nominate foreign truck drivers for work permits and even permanent residency if the occupation is in demand locally. PNPs streamline the immigration process and can provide faster routes to long-term stay.
Once the permit is issued, you can legally live and work in Canada as a sponsored truck driver and enjoy employee protections under Canadian law.
What Truck Drivers Do
Truck drivers in Canada undertake a variety of tasks, including:
- Operating commercial trucks and tractor-trailers safely over long distances
- Planning delivery routes between provinces or within regions
- Loading and unloading freight and securing cargo
- Inspecting vehicles and maintaining safety compliance
- Managing delivery documentation and communication with dispatch
- Transporting goods across urban and rural areas safely and efficiently
Truck drivers may specialise in long-haul, regional, city delivery, refrigerated freight, heavy equipment transport, or hazardous materials depending on licensing and endorsements.
Eligibility Criteria
Although each employer’s requirements differ, general criteria for sponsored truck driver roles usually include:
Age:
Applicants must be 18 years or older, though many employers prefer 21+.
Licensing:
A valid commercial truck driver’s licence (e.g., Class 1 or equivalent) from your home country is required; sometimes you’ll need to convert this to a Canadian licence.
Experience:
Most jobs ask for 2+ years of professional truck driving experience, especially for long-haul or heavy-duty roles.
Driving Record:
A clean driving abstract (no serious violations) is essential for sponsorship eligibility.
Language Skills:
Basic English or French proficiency is often necessary for safety and communication.
Medical Fitness:
Truck drivers must pass medical fitness requirements as part of the work permit process.
Required Documents
When applying for truck driver jobs with visa sponsorship in Canada, typical documents include:
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Commercial driver’s licence (and international permit if applicable)
- Updated CV / resume with driving history
- Driver’s abstract / clean driving record certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
- Language test results (if required)
- Experience certificates / references
- Job offer and LMIA confirmation from the Canadian employer
Salary Expectations
Truck driving can be a well-paid occupation in Canada, with wages influenced by experience, route type, province, and employer:
Hourly Wage: CAD $22 – $35+
Annual Salary: Approximately CAD $50,000 – $85,000+
Long-haul drivers or those carrying specialised freight may earn more, and benefits like medical coverage, pensions, and bonuses are common.
How to Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in Canada?
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Prepare Your CV & Documents
Create a clear résumé that highlights your driving licence, experience, endorsements, and safety record.
Step 2 — Search Job Listings
Look on Canadian job boards such as Indeed Canada, Job Bank, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and immigration-focused listings for positions offering LMIA or visa support.
Step 3 — Submit Applications
Apply online or via email with your CV and cover letter to employers who indicate sponsorship support.
Step 4 — Employer Screening
Employers may interview you and request additional certifications or details about your licence and experience.
Step 5 — Job Offer & LMIA Application
If selected, the employer initiates the LMIA process. This step can take several weeks.
Step 6 — Work Permit Application
Once the LMIA is approved, submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 7 — Visa Processing & Travel
Upon approval, receive your work permit and plan travel to Canada to start your new truck driving position.