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How to Work in Canada as an Uber Driver

July 13, 2023

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  • Sinethemba Phongolo

One of the most preferred methods to earn an income in Canada for new immigrants is to become a driver by registering with Uber Canada. As more and more Canadians opt to no longer own vehicles in favor of the convenience of rideshare services like Uber Canada, the demand for Uber drivers in Canada has risen.

To meet this demand, Uber Canada requirements have become more accommodating, opening up new opportunities for foreign immigrants who want to become Uber drivers in Canada.

How much Uber drivers make in Canada is a question at the forefront of every prospective immigrant driver. The average Uber driver income in Canada answers what immigrant Uber drivers can expect to earn in Canada.

Don’t know where to find and apply for Uber Driver jobs in Canada? Learn how to work in Canada as an Uber Driver if you meet the Uber Driver requirements in Canada!

Does Canada Need Uber Drivers?

Yes, Canada does need Uber drivers. The demand for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is growing in Canada, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. According to a Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report, Uber generated $1.1 billion in revenue in Canada in the first quarter of 2023.

If you meet the requirements and are looking for a flexible and rewarding job, driving for Uber can be a great option.

How Can I Find Uber Driver Jobs in Canada?

To become an Uber driver in Canada, you need to follow a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

In general, the eligibility requirements to become an Uber driver in Canada are consistent across all provinces except for certain individual criteria e.g., age. Make sure you meet the following minimum general eligibility requirements if you want to become an Uber driver in Canada:

  • You must at least be 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver's license
  • A minimum of one year of driving experience
  • Your driving record must be clean
  • Have a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements (model year, vehicle type, and condition)
  • Have a Safety Standards Certificate
  • You have proof of insurance and registration

Step 2: Apply to Uber Canada

Once you have confirmed your eligibility requirements, you can apply to become an Uber driver in Canada. To do this, you will need to:

Sign up Online

Visit the Uber Canada website and create an account. You will be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number. You must also upload a photo of yourself and your driver's license.

Do a Minimum Driver Requirements Check

Your vehicle must meet the minimum requirements to drive or deliver with Uber in Canada. This includes:

  • A 4-door vehicle with doors that open independently
  • No cosmetic damage
  • No visible commercial branding
  • The vehicle must not be salvaged or rebuilt
  • Installation of all-weather tires or snow tires (For PTC licensed drivers in the cities of Toronto and Mississauga)
  • Have your vehicle pass an inspection by a licensed mechanic

Procure the Required Documents

The documents needed to support and validate your application include:

  • Driver's license (type of driver’s license will vary from province to province)
  • Proof of work eligibility such as:
    • Birth certificate,
    • Citizenship card,
    • Passport,
    • Permanent PR card,
    • Work permit,
    • Social Insurance Number card or letter,
    • Study permit, etc.
  • Vehicle registration
    • Both sides (Vehicle portion and Plate portion) of the registration document are required
  • Vehicle insurance
    • Ensure your name is visible on the insurance document. If you’re a secondary driver, upload a photo of the insurance policy with your name.

Background screening

There are two safety screenings that you must pass to start driving with Uber in Canada:

  • a Motor Vehicle RecordCheck and
  • a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.

Once you receive approval on your profile for your Driver's License, Vehicle Inspection, and Profile Photo, you will receive an email from Triton, the highly trusted background screening partner in Canada. The email contains a link to complete your screenings. Gather two ID documents (e.g. Health Card and Birth Certificate) to complete your online screening.

Vehicle inspection

To complete your vehicle inspection, there is a 3-step process which includes:

  • Finding an inspection center
    • Find your nearest inspection center and schedule a vehicle inspection.
  • Complete your vehicle inspection
    • Once your vehicle has passed the inspection, the mechanic will give you a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC).
  • Upload your Safety Standards Certificate
    • Upload a clear 'Safety Standards Certificate' photo to your Uber account. You must upload a photo of the document to your Uber profile within 36 days of passing the inspection.

PTC License

You need a Private Transportation Company (PTC) license to work as an Uber driver in Canada. Once you have received your PTC license, which can be as fast as five days, you can then gather your supporting documents and CV and submit your application.

Step 3: Submit Your CV With Supporting Documents

After activating your account, you can submit your CV and other supporting documents (if required). Here are the documents you can submit copies of:

  • Professional profile photo
  • Driver's license
  • Vehicle registration and insurance
  • Criminal record check
  • PTC license
  • Vehicle inspection report

How Can You Work in Canada as an Uber Driver?

You need a work permit to work in Canada as an Uber driver. Depending on your situation and qualifications, you can choose from several work permit options. Here are the most common ones:

Work Permits


A work permit is a document that allows you to work in Canada for a specific employer and period. You need a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet the eligibility criteria to obtain a work permit. There are primarily two types of work permits which include:

  • Open work permit
    • Grant the recipient the right to work for any employer in Canada for a specific period.
  • Employer-specific work permit
    • Enables the prospective immigrant holder to work for a sole Canadian employer for a certain period at a single location.

Learn more about how to get a Canadian work permit in 2023.

Here are the types of work permits you can use to work as an Uber driver in Canada:

Temporary Foreign Work Permit

A Temporary Foreign Work Permit is a work permit that allows you to work for a specific employer in Canada for up to four years. To apply for this type of work permit, you need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

The LMIA is a document showing that the employer has tried to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents before offering the job to a foreign worker.

Find out more about how you can work in Canada.

IEC Working Holiday

The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program is a program that allows young people (18-35 years old) from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. To apply for this program, you must meet the eligibility criteria and apply online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If approved, you will receive an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada.

Find out more about how to apply for a working holiday in Canada.

Bridging Open Work Permit

A Bridging Open Work Permit is a work permit that allows you to work in Canada while waiting to process your permanent residence application. This type of work permit is available to certain applicants who have applied for permanent residence through the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

What is it Like to Be an Uber Driver in Canada?

Work Schedule

Being an Uber driver in Canada can be a rewarding and challenging experience. You can set your schedule, work as much or as little as you want, and earn a fair and competitive wage. One f the most important things to remember if you want to be successful as an Uber driver in Canada is that the more you work the more opportunities you have to earn a better wage.

Travel Opportunities

You also have the opportunity to meet passengers from diverse communities and explore Canada's cities and towns by road.

Development Opportunities

Opportunities for professional development as an Uber driver or employee are much higher in Canada’s populated urban centers, where the national and regional headquarters of Uber are located than in Canada’s lesser-known towns and cities.

Code of Conduct

Adherence to the company's professional code of conduct contributes significantly to your chances of getting a recommendation for professional development.

Why Work in Canada as an Uber Driver?

Some of the reasons why you should consider deciding to become an Uber driver in Canada include:

Fair and Competitive Wage/Salary

Uber drivers in Canada earn a fair and competitive wage/salary. According to the Canada Job Bank. The average annual wage for Uber drivers in Canada is 31,024.5 CAD. Please note that the actual earnings may vary depending on the location, time, and demand.

Meet Passengers from Diverse Communities

As an Uber driver in Canada, you will meet passengers from diverse communities and backgrounds. This can be a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages, and perspectives. Canada is a multicultural country, and you will have the chance to interact with people from all walks of life.

Learn more about multiculturalism in Canada.

Safe and Well-Maintained Roads

Canada is known for its safe and well-maintained roads. You can feel confident and secure driving on Canadian roads. As an Uber driver, you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride while exploring the country.

Opportunities to Explore Canada by Road

Canada has some of the world's most scenic and breathtaking roads. You can explore the country's natural beauty and attractions while making money as an Uber driver .

Commercial Driver Employment Benefits

Uber drivers in Canada are eligible for some employment benefits, such as insurance, discounts, and rewards. Uber also provides 24/7 support and resources for drivers in case of emergencies.

Working as an Uber driver in Canada can be a rewarding and flexible career choice. To work in Canada as an Uber driver, you must meet the eligibility requirements, apply for a work permit, and submit your CV with supporting documents.

Once you have started driving, you can explore Canada's cities and towns, meet passengers from diverse communities, and earn a fair and competitive wage.

FAQs

Which Place in Canada Offers the Best Opportunities for Uber Drivers?

The best places to work as an Uber driver in Canada are the major cities, such as:

  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Montreal

Many of your experiences as an Uber driver in Canada will be determined by where you choose to reside in Canada. For example, Uber drivers in Ontario, Canada’s most populated province, have much higher opportunities to earn a high wage due to the population demand for rides than Uber drivers in one of Canada’s less populated provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

Can you Work as an Uber Driver in Canada Without Experience?

Unfortunately, no. You need at least one year of driving experience to work as an Uber driver in Canada.