Canada has a shortage of many semi-skilled occupations; one of these occupations are long-haul truck drivers. There is an ever-growing demand for international workers to join the transportation industry in Canada. According to the Conference Board of Canada, the Canadian truck transportation sector alone is expected to require at least 153,000 additional workers by 2021 and an average of 14,100 in 2020. Canadian trucking firms report that it is difficult to find workers for most positions in the trucking industry. These positions include:
- Truck drivers (Class 1/AZ and 3/D)
- Truck/Transport Mechanics
- Transport Trailer Technician
- Parts Technician
- Shunt Drivers
- Truck Cargo Workers
- Trucking Dispatchers
- Trucking Freight Claims
- Trucking Foreman
The Canadian Provincial Governments have responded to the truck driver shortage with special immigration streams that make it possible for experienced truck drivers to work and live in Canada. Popular streams, pilots and programs include the Saskatchewan Long-Haul Truck Driver Project, Ontario’s In-Demand Skills Stream and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Learn more about how you can move to Canada as a truck driver through these immigration streams below:
Saskatchewan Immigration Nomination Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan is centrally located in Canada and connected to world logistics systems that allow local products to be exported worldwide. The province is committed to improving the effectiveness of the transportation system to meet the growing demands of international clients.
Trucking firms in Saskatchewan can freely hire foreign transport truck drivers through the Saskatchewan Long-Haul Truck Driver Project, managed by the Saskatchewan Immigration Nomination Program (SINP).
Eligibility
Foreign transport truck drivers with temporary foreign work permits must work for trucking firms in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months and receive offers for permanent employment before they can apply for permanent residency through the Saskatchewan Immigration Nomination Program (SINP).
Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario is Canada’s second-largest and most populous province. In 2013, the province was Canada’s largest provincial exporter and importer of vehicle parts, mechanical equipment, electrical machinery, plastic products, and pharmaceuticals.
“We’re opening up our Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program to allow for trucking companies to find drivers that want to come from another country. We will help get them on the pathway to permanent residency, and more importantly, fill a labor shortage need in our own community here in the north,” Economic Development and Job Creation Minister, Todd Smith, told CTV News.
Eligibility
The In-Demand Skills Stream managed through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program makes it easy for foreign transport truck drivers, both within or outside Canada, with valid job offers from trucking firms to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Foreign truck drivers must apply online and include proof of their job offer to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Canada’s smaller, remote seaside provinces have introduced an employer-driven program, namely the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, to assist employers within these four provinces to hire foreign nationals for jobs they have been unable to fill locally. One of these highly in-demand jobs is transport truck drivers.
Eligibility
To immigrate to Canada through the pilot, foreign truck drivers must obtain a job offer from an employer in one of the four Atlantic Provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
How we can help you immigrate to Canada as a Truck Driver
Credit: Ontario Government
We know that the Canadian immigration process can feel overwhelming and quite confusing to wrap your head around all the details: policies, documents, the many programs, and their individual deadlines.
We at MDC simplify the Canadian immigration process by handling your application on your behalf and assisting you during the entire process. Our immigration lawyers are experts in Canadian immigration and have assisted thousands of people move to Canada. We can answer all your questions about moving to Canada as a truck driver in 2020. Apply today and schedule a call with us.
