Long-haul trucking (NOC 73300, transport truck drivers) has had persistent shortages in Canada, and many carriers use LMIAs to hire experienced drivers from abroad.
Pay
Drivers typically earn about CA$25–$32 an hour, or per-mile/per-kilometre rates that work out similarly. Long-haul and specialised loads such as tankers and flatbeds pay more.
Read also: Welder Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship: Certification, Pay and PR Routes
Licensing
- You will need a Canadian Class 1 (most provinces) or AZ (Ontario) licence. Foreign licences are usually not exchanged directly for heavy trucks.
- Ontario, Alberta and several other provinces require Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) for new Class 1/AZ drivers.
- Employers look for 1–2+ years of verifiable heavy-truck experience and a clean driving record.
How Canadian employer sponsorship works: most employers hiring a foreign worker must first get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), proving they could not find a Canadian to do the job. The employer pays the $1,000 LMIA fee and may not recover it from you. From 1 April 2026, low-wage LMIAs still face a 10% workforce cap (up to 15% for some rural employers in participating provinces) and are refused in many cities with unemployment at or above 6%. Rules change often, so check Canada.ca.
Immigration path
Several provinces have nominee streams for truck drivers, often after you have worked for the employer for 6–12 months. That makes trucking one of the more realistic routes to permanent residence for workers without a degree.
How to find real jobs
- Search Job Bank for “transport truck driver”. Many listings say “LMIA approved” or “foreign workers welcome”.
- Check the carrier’s own website and Canadian business registration.
- Ask for the LMIA number once one is issued. It appears on the LMIA decision letter, and you need it for your work permit.
Never pay for an LMIA. It is illegal for employers or recruiters to charge you for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my foreign licence in Canada?
Usually only for a short time as a visitor, and it is generally not valid for commercial heavy trucks. You must get a provincial Class 1/AZ licence.
Do employers pay for MELT training?
Some do, often in return for a work commitment. Get it in writing.
Is truck driving eligible for PR?
Yes, through several provincial nominee streams and Express Entry, depending on your profile.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
