For international drivers, Canada offers a direct path to employment with visa sponsorship due to a critical national shortage. Long-haul drivers can earn CAD $55,000 to $85,000+ annually, with many employers facilitating the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Securing a job requires converting your license to a Canadian Class 1/A license and navigating a regulated immigration pathway. This 2026 guide details the steps from credential recognition to landing a role with major carriers.
Why Canada Actively Sponsors International Truck Drivers
Canada faces a persistent shortage of over 20,000 commercial drivers, a gap projected to grow by 2026. The federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is frequently used by transport companies to sponsor drivers, particularly for long-haul (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) routes. Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan have trucking explicitly listed in their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) occupations, creating a faster route to permanent residency. Major corridors like the Trans-Canada Highway and cross-border routes to the U.S. via Ontario and British Columbia see the highest demand.
What Are the 2026 Licensing & Visa Requirements?
To drive commercially, you must meet federal and provincial standards. The core requirements are:
- License: A valid home-country commercial license and passing the knowledge and road tests for a Canadian Class 1/A License (for tractor-trailers). This often requires completing Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) in provinces like AB, SK, ON, and BC.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional driving experience. A verifiable Driver’s Abstract (record) is mandatory.
- Certifications: Air Brake (Z) Endorsement and often Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification. A medical examination by a certified Canadian physician is required.
- Language: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in English or French for safety communication and logbooks.
- Visa: A positive LMIA from your employer, leading to a closed work permit.
How to Apply with Visa Sponsorship: A 5-Step Process
Step 1: License Conversion and Certification
Have your home license and experience verified. Enroll in a recognized driving school in Canada to complete MELT and pass your provincial Class 1 road test. This can often be initiated as a visitor but requires legal status.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer with LMIA Support
Apply to carriers with a history of sponsorship. Your formal offer must state the employer will obtain an LMIA to hire you. They must prove the inability to hire a Canadian driver through advertising on the Job Bank and other portals.
Step 3: Employer Obtains the Positive LMIA
Your employer submits the LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), detailing the wage offered (must meet provincial median) and recruitment efforts. Processing takes 1-4 months.
Step 4: Apply for Your Closed Work Permit
With the LMIA number, you apply for your work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including medical and police certificates. An interview may be required.
Step 5: Begin Work and Explore PR Pathways
Once approved, enter Canada and start working. After 12+ months of experience, explore permanent residency via the Federal Skilled Trades Program or a provincial nomination like Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream.
Which Companies Are Actively Sponsoring?
Major national and regional carriers with established LMIA programs include:
- National Carriers: Bison Transport, Trimac Transportation, Sysco Canada.
- Logistics & Retail: TFI International (and its subsidiaries), Canada Cartage, Loblaw Companies Ltd. (transport division).
- Specialized & Oilfield: Mullen Trucking, Eagle Carriers Ltd. (for oilfield work in Alberta).
For current openings, target the Trucking HR Canada job board and corporate career pages.
What is the salary and benefits package?
Salaries are highly mileage and load-dependent. A standard full-time company driver typically earns:
- First Year: CAD $55,000 – $65,000
- Experienced (3+ years): CAD $70,000 – $85,000+
- Owner-Operators: Can net over CAD $100,000 (after expenses).
Standard sponsored benefits include: - Comprehensive Health & Dental Insurance
- RRSP Matching contributions
- Paid Vacation (starting at 2 weeks)
- Safety and Performance Bonuses
- LMIA and Work Permit application fee coverage (varies by employer)
Conclusion:
Truck driver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer competitive salaries, benefits, and career growth opportunities for both new and experienced drivers. The role provides job security, flexible schedules, and a chance to explore Canada while gaining valuable professional experience. With training, visa support, and potential for permanent residency, these jobs are ideal for those seeking a stable and rewarding career abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is long-haul trucking?
Transporting goods across large distances, usually between Canadian provinces or across the border into the United States, is known as long-haul trucking.
What do local and regional trucking entail?
The distribution of goods inside a certain city or geographic area is the main focus of local and regional trucking. Shorter distances are covered than with long-haul trucking.
