Canada Truck Driver Immigration Pathway 2025: How to Apply and Qualify
Canada’s growing economy continues to rely heavily on its logistics and transportation sector and that means one thing: truck drivers are in high demand. With ongoing labour shortages across provinces, the Canadian government has expanded immigration options that make it easier for foreign truck drivers to move, work, and eventually gain permanent residency.
If you’ve been considering Canada as your next career destination, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Truck Driver Immigration Pathway in 2025 including programmes, eligibility, and the step-by-step process.
Why Canada Needs Truck Drivers in 2025
In 2025, Canada’s transport industry is still facing a significant labour gap. According to recent updates from Transport Canada and the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the country needs tens of thousands of new drivers to maintain supply chains and meet economic demands.
This shortage has made truck driving a high-priority occupation under several federal and provincial immigration programmes opening doors for skilled foreign drivers who want to settle in Canada.
Main Immigration Pathways for Truck Drivers
There isn’t a single “truck driver visa” in Canada. Instead, truckers can qualify through broader immigration programmes that prioritise skilled trades and essential workers. Here are the main options in 2025:
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Most truck drivers immigrate to Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programmes allow provinces to nominate individuals who meet their local labour needs.
Some of the top provinces currently welcoming truck drivers include:
• Saskatchewan – Through the Long-Haul Truck Driver Project under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
• Manitoba – Via the Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway for experienced commercial drivers.
• British Columbia – Under the BC Skills Immigration Stream, especially for NOC 73300 (Transport Truck Drivers).
• Alberta – Under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), with truck driving listed among in-demand occupations.
Why PNPs are great: They often lead directly to permanent residency, and in some cases, you can apply even with a lower CRS score under Express Entry.
2. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker & Skilled Trades)
While not all truck drivers qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or programmes, some do, especially those with strong work experience, language proficiency, and education credentials.
In 2025, Canada’s immigration system continues to run occupation-specific Express Entry draws, meaning truck drivers (under NOC 73300) have a stronger chance of being invited for permanent residence than in previous years.
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
If you don’t yet have Canadian work experience, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a great starting point. It allows employers to hire foreign truck drivers when there’s a proven shortage of local workers.
Once you secure a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you can apply for a work permit. After working in Canada for a year or more, you can transition to permanent residency through a PNP or Express Entry.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you’d like to live in Canada’s eastern provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador the Atlantic Immigration Program offers another pathway.
This programme allows designated employers to hire foreign workers (including truck drivers) and support their move to permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements for Truck Drivers in Canada
To qualify under most programmes, you’ll need to meet these general requirements:
• Valid truck driving experience (usually at least 2 years).
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or equivalent recognised by Canadian standards.
• Clean driving and criminal record.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Language proficiency (English or French): Minimum CLB 4–5 depending on the programme.
• Job offer from a recognised Canadian employer (for most PNPs and TFWP).
Some provinces may require additional steps, such as licensing verification or training programmes, before starting work.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Research provinces where truck drivers are in high demand.
2. Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (LMIA-backed if required).
3. Gather your documents – passport, education credentials, work experience proof, driving licence, and language test results.
4. Apply under the right immigration programme (PNP, TFWP, or Express Entry).
5. Submit your application online via the IRCC portal or provincial website.
6. Wait for nomination or invitation and then apply for permanent residency.
Processing time: 6–12 months on average, depending on the province and programme.
PR Opportunities for Truck Drivers
The best part of this pathway is that it doesn’t stop at a work permit.
Many provinces offer direct PR nomination for long-haul truck drivers after gaining work experience in Canada. With a PNP nomination, you can apply for permanent residence through IRCC and eventually qualify for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Average Salary and Benefits
Truck drivers in Canada earn competitive wages.
• Average salary: CAD $55,000–$75,000 annually.
• Experienced long-haul drivers: Up to CAD $90,000 or more.
• Benefits often include health insurance, overtime pay, and, in some cases, family relocation support.
Conclusion
With demand continuing to rise in 2025, Canada’s truck driver immigration pathway is one of the most practical and reliable routes to permanent residency for skilled workers.
Whether you start with a temporary work permit or apply directly through a provincial programme, your career on the road could easily lead to a new life in Canada complete with stability, family opportunities, and the benefits of permanent residency.
