“Is it possible to get Truck Driver PR in Canada?”
Yes, it is possible. Canada has been facing a historic labour shortage for many years. While some industries have an overabundance of workers, others desperately seek to fill critical positions. Canada’s trucking industry has been hit especially hard by labour shortages.
Trucker drivers are crucial in keeping supply chains moving and businesses functioning. For this reason, trucking companies are always looking for more drivers.
Are Truck Drivers In-Demand in Canada?
The job prospects for truck drivers in Canada in 2025 are promising. From 2022 to 2031, new job openings for transport truck drivers are expected to total 161,700, while 144,400 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. This suggests a continued demand for truck drivers in Canada.
The Canadian government has attempted to fill these openings by allowing foreign truckers to come to Canada and obtain permanent residence through the Express Entry system. This guide will examine how to use Express Entry for truck drivers.
- Saskatchewan Long-Haul Truck Driver Project: This program is for long-haul truck drivers with a valid Canadian work permit and a full-time job offer.
- New Brunswick Skilled Workers Stream for Truck Drivers (NOC 73300): This stream is for truck drivers with a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in NOC TEER 73300, with at least six months in New Brunswick.
- Many provinces in Canada, such as British Columbia and Alberta, offer permanent residence for truck drivers through their respective PNPs.
- A positive LMIA allows these drivers to apply for a work permit, which can later be used to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or provincial nominee programs.
- Truck drivers in Canada must have completed high school, on-the-job training, and an accredited driver’s training course.
Express Entry for Truck Drivers in Canada
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its National Occupational Classification system last year to improve the organization of jobs. The update includes a new NOC “TEER” system with trucking occupations such as transport truck drivers under NOC 73300.
This truck driver’s TEER code falls under the Express Entry system’s TEER 3 category. So if you were wondering, “Can a truck driver get PR in Canada through Express Entry?” The answer is yes. This NOC system update offers a route for truck driver PR in Canada using the Express Entry system’s Federal Skilled Worker Program.
How to Get Truck Driver PR in Canada Through Express Entry?
You might wonder, “Will truck driver get PR in Canada?” under the Express Entry system. The recent NOC update considers a truck driver skilled worker eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
A foreign truck driver can apply for trucking PR in Canada through Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class program.
Let’s examine both these programs and how they can be used for truck driver immigration in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is an Express Entry program that caters to professionals with work experience in Canada. Foreign truck drivers who have completed at least one year of full-time work in a NOC 73300 role in Canada and have scored a minimum of CLB 5 in a language proficiency exam are eligible to apply for this program.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker is another Express Entry program designed to bring skilled professionals to Canada. Foreign truck drivers can apply to this program if they have completed at least one year of full-time work in a NOC 73300 role outside Canada and have scored a minimum of CLB 7 in a language proficiency exam.
This program awards applicants points based on their background and experience, so truckers with additional work experience, educational qualifications, and high language proficiency exams stand a greater chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
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How to Get Truck Driver PR in Canada Through a PNP?
So, “Can a truck driver get PR in Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs”? The answer is yes. Numerous Canadian provinces offer immigration programs that foreign truck drivers may be eligible for. This includes:
British Columbia
Truck drivers can apply for British Columbia’s Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled (ELSS) program as their truck driver NOC code Canada fits the program’s requirements. Those who wish to apply must also meet additional requirements. This includes:
- Intending to live in British Columbia
- Presenting an economic benefit to British Columbia
- Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
- Possessing a valid Canadian immigration status
- Possessing a signed full-time job offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Possessing a high school diploma
Possessing a minimum of two years of work experience in long-haul trucking in the past three years
Ontario
Ontario offers PR for trucker drivers under its In-Demand Skills program. Those who wish to apply for truck driver PR in Ontario must meet the following requirements:
- Intending to live in Ontario
- Possessing a signed full-time job offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) and have received an invitation to apply
- Possessing a minimum of nine months of full-time work experience in Ontario in the three years preceding their application
- Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
- Possessing a high school diploma
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan offers a particular immigration program that awards PR for truck drivers in Canada. The SINP Long-Haul Truck Driver Program is open to truckers who meet the following requirements:
- Possessing a Canadian work permit that is valid for a minimum of six months and was obtained after receiving a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment
- Being employed by a trucking firm that has received the Saskatchewan Government’s approval
- Possessing a full-time job offer for a permanent position
- Possessing a Class 1A license for the Saskatchewan province
- Possessing a valid job approval letter under the provincial nominee program.
- Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers immigration for professionals with truck drivers NOC code 73300 through its NB Skilled Workers Stream. Truckers can apply for this program if they meet the following requirements:
- Intending to reside in New Brunswick
- Possessing a minimum of 24 months of full-time work experience in a NOC TEER 73300 job with at least six months of continuous work in New Brunswick.
- Possessing a valid New Brunswick Driver’s license
- Possessing a valid Canadian work permit
- Possessing a signed full-time job offer letter from a New Brunswick employer
Scoring a minimum of CLB 4 in a language proficiency exam
Other PNPs
Many other Canadian provinces also offer PR for truck drivers in Canada. You can find information on these Provincial Nominee Programs here: PNP for Truck Drivers in Canada
LMIA Work Permit to PR
Another truck driver to permanent residency Canada route is using a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) based work permit. This is a particular procedure that Canadian employers must follow to hire foreign workers.
A Canadian employer completes this process to demonstrate that they are hiring a foreign worker because there are no Canadian workers available to fill the position. If the employer receives a positive LMIA, they can hire a foreign trucker and help them apply for a work permit.
In some cases, getting an LMIA job offer is enough to allow a truck driver to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the provincial nominee programs. In other cases, they can use their work permit to gain work experience in Canada and then apply for permanent residence through one of the Express Entry truck driver routes.
Basic Truck Driver Requirements in Canada
You must ensure you possess the basic requirements to work as a qualified truck driver in Canada before attempting to perform this role. These requirements include:
- Completing high school
- Completing on-the-job training
- Completing an accredited driver’s training course that is up to three months in length at a vocational school or community college
- Possessing a Class 3 or D license if you will be driving straight-body trucks
- Possessing a Class 1 or A license if you will be driving long combination vehicles
- Possessing a brake endorsement if you will be operating a vehicle with air brakes
- Possessing transportation of dangerous goods certification if you will be transporting dangerous products
- Possessing special licenses or certificates if you will be driving articulated trucks
Benefits of Being a Truck Driver in Canada
There are many enticing benefits associated with being a truck driver in Canada. This includes:
Getting Permanent ResidenceYou can apply for Canadian permanent residence through one of the routes mentioned above. This allows you to stay there indefinitely and settle in one of the greatest countries in the world.
High Salary
Truckers make an average of $46,000 per year in Canada. This is much higher than truck drivers’ salaries in most other countries.
Extra Insurance
Truck drivers may receive extra insurance while working in Canada. This includes health insurance coverage from their employer and the Canadian government.
Paid Vacation
Many Canadian trucking companies offer their drivers paid time off. This means you can take a certain number of days off from work without losing pay each year.
Job Security
Truck drivers are essential workers in Canada, so you can be sure there will always be a high demand for workers in your occupation if you choose this field.
Getting Paid to Travel
Truck drivers get paid while travelling long distances on the road. This allows you to build up high savings and get to explore Canada’s natural beauty at the same time.
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Need help?
If you’re interested in pursuing any truck driver permanent residency routes described above, please contact Elaar Immigration. Our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants can assess your skills and background and help you create an application for the program that offers you the highest chance of succeeding. Start your career as a successful truck driver in Canada with Elaar Immigration’s assistance.
