If you’ve ever dreamed of working in Canada as a truck driver, you're not alone. With its strong economy, booming logistics industry, and growing need for skilled workers, Canada is constantly in search of qualified truck drivers from outside the country—including from Africa. The best part? Many Canadian companies are willing to offer free work permits to the right candidates, helping you relocate without spending money on agents or third-party services.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Canadian truck driving job with visa sponsorship, from job requirements and where to find job openings to how the work permit process works and how to increase your chances of success.
Why Canada Is Hiring Foreign Truck Drivers
Canada's trucking industry is experiencing a major driver shortage. With over 20,000 driver positions left unfilled, the country is depending on foreign workers to help fill the gap. This demand is especially strong in provinces like Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, where long-haul transportation is a critical part of the economy.
Due to this high demand, many employers are turning to international recruitment and are ready to sponsor work permits for skilled drivers. For African job seekers, this is a golden opportunity to secure stable employment, earn in Canadian dollars, and possibly transition to permanent residency over time.
Eligibility Requirements for Truck Driving Jobs in Canada
Before applying, you need to ensure you meet the basic requirements. While each employer may have specific preferences, here are the common qualifications:
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Valid Driving License: You should hold a valid commercial driver’s license from your country. In some cases, employers will assist you in converting your license to a Canadian Class 1 or Class AZ license.
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Clean Driving Record: A good driving history with no serious accidents or traffic violations.
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Medical Fitness: You must be in good health and able to pass a medical exam required by Canadian transportation laws.
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Language Proficiency: Basic English or French is often required. Though you may not need IELTS, you should be able to communicate clearly.
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Experience: Many employers require at least 1–2 years of truck driving experience, preferably with long-haul or heavy-duty trucks.
What Type of Truck Driving Jobs Are Available?
Truck drivers in Canada can work in various sectors, depending on the employer and region. Some of the most common roles include:
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Long-haul drivers (across provinces)
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Local delivery drivers (within a city or region)
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Refrigerated goods transportation
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Fuel and tanker truck drivers
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Logging truck drivers (in forest-rich provinces)
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Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators
The most in-demand roles are long-haul and cross-border trucking jobs that often require drivers to be on the road for days at a time.
Top Canadian Companies Offering Free Work Permits to Truck Drivers
Many employers are designated under Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows them to legally sponsor foreign workers. Some notable companies that frequently offer sponsorships include:
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Canada Cartage
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Challenger Motor Freight
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Bison Transport
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Manitoulin Transport
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Trimac Transportation
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Westcan Bulk Transport
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TransX Group
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Kindersley Transport
These companies usually post job openings on their websites or on popular Canadian job boards. Once hired, they may help process your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is the first step toward a sponsored work permit.
What Is an LMIA and Why It’s Important
The LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that an employer in Canada must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It proves that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the position. A positive LMIA makes you eligible for a work permit supported by your employer.
Once your LMIA is approved, you can apply for your work permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. The good news is many truck driving employers handle the LMIA process for you at no cost, especially when you apply directly and not through an agent.
How to Apply for a Canadian Truck Driving Job from Africa
Here’s a step-by-step process to guide your application journey:
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Prepare Your Documents
Update your CV to match Canadian standards, emphasizing your truck driving experience, licenses, and language skills. Prepare scanned copies of your license, passport, and any training certificates. -
Search for Verified Job Listings
Use trusted platforms such as:
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Job Bank Canada (www.jobbank.gc.ca)
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Indeed Canada (www.indeed.ca)
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Workopolis
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LinkedIn
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Employers' own websites
Be sure to search for keywords like “Truck driver LMIA”, “Visa sponsorship truck driver Canada”, or “Class 1 truck driver foreign workers.”
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Apply Directly to Employers
Send your CV and cover letter directly to companies. Avoid agents that charge money, as many reputable companies do not require you to pay for job offers or work permits. -
Attend Online Interviews
If shortlisted, you’ll be scheduled for an online interview. Employers may assess your understanding of the job, communication skills, and willingness to relocate. -
Employer Applies for LMIA
Once you’re selected, the employer submits an LMIA application to the Canadian government. Processing time can take a few weeks. -
Apply for Your Work Permit
After receiving a positive LMIA, you can apply for a work permit. You’ll submit documents like:
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Job offer letter
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LMIA number
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Passport and biometrics
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Medical exam results
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Police clearance (if required)
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Travel to Canada
After approval, you'll receive your visa and can book your ticket to Canada. Some employers even assist with flight costs and initial accommodation.
Average Salary of Truck Drivers in Canada
Truck driving is a well-paid job in Canada. On average, truck drivers earn between CAD 25 to CAD 35 per hour, depending on the region and experience. Long-haul drivers can earn up to CAD 70,000–100,000 annually. Some employers also offer overtime pay, bonuses, health insurance, and retirement savings plans.
Provinces like Alberta and British Columbia tend to offer higher wages due to longer distances and more challenging routes. Additionally, working for companies involved in mining, oil & gas, or forestry may lead to even better pay.
Can You Bring Your Family With You?
Yes, depending on the type of work permit issued and the employer’s support, you may be eligible to bring your spouse and children. Your spouse can apply for an open work permit, and your children may be enrolled in Canadian schools tuition-free. This makes truck driving not just a job opportunity, but a possible gateway to a new life for your whole family.
Permanent Residency Pathways for Truck Drivers
One of the best parts about working as a truck driver in Canada is that many jobs qualify for immigration streams that can lead to permanent residency. These include:
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Many provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia have specific pathways for transport workers. -
Express Entry (through Canadian Experience Class)
After gaining one year of Canadian work experience, you may become eligible for the Express Entry program. -
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
If your job is in a designated rural area, you may qualify under RNIP.
Permanent residency means you and your family can stay in Canada permanently, access health care, education, and eventually apply for citizenship.
Red Flags: Avoid Scams and Fake Job Offers
Unfortunately, the demand for Canadian jobs has created room for fraudulent agents. Always be cautious and avoid the following:
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Agents asking you to pay for a job offer or LMIA
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Emails with poor grammar or unofficial email addresses
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Websites that don’t link to real company names or registered business numbers
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Lack of company interviews before job offers
Remember, real Canadian employers do not ask you to pay money to get a work permit. Always double-check company details on Job Bank or LinkedIn.
Bonus Tips to Stand Out in Your Application
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Take an online driving safety course and include the certificate in your application.
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Learn basic logistics and delivery terms used in North America.
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Join truck driver forums or Facebook groups that share legit opportunities.
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Get your CV reviewed by someone familiar with Canadian formatting.
Final Thoughts
Canada is opening its doors to skilled, hard-working truck drivers from Africa, and this could be your chance to build a new life abroad. With thousands of jobs available and visa sponsorship being offered by many employers, you don’t need an agent or a fortune to make your dream come true.
Start applying now, be consistent, and stay informed. Whether you're from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or any other African country, the road to a truck driving job in Canada is wide open—literally and figuratively.
If you're serious about relocating through a visa-sponsored truck driving job, bookmark this blog and keep checking our latest updates on WorkVisaAfrica. We’re committed to sharing the most recent, legitimate, and life-changing opportunities available for African job seekers.
Let us know in the comments if you'd like us to list currently hiring Canadian companies for truck drivers, or if you need help with crafting your Canadian-style resume. Good luck!