Truck driver jobs in Canada are on the rise and employers are constantly looking for skilled, experienced and qualified individuals to fill these positions. With the passage of time, these jobs have become more attractive and lucrative. This also means that employers are increasingly looking for professionals from around the world who are driven and motivated. They require their employees to have the necessary qualifications and experience in order to successfully perform the duties of a truck driver in Canada. For qualified candidates, these jobs can be the launchpad for an exciting and rewarding career.
In this article, we discuss what it takes to land a truck driver job in Canada with a visa sponsorship. We will give an overview of the job market, explore trucking regulations in Canada and provide detailed information on the visa application process. Lastly, we will outline the ways to make the visa application process smoother, as well as tips to increase your chances of success.
Overview Of The Truck Driver Job Market In Canada
Canada’s truck driving job market is growing, thanks to the country’s robust and expanding economy. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) estimates that the industry needs up to 25,000 new professional truck drivers each year to meet the demands of the growing industry. A report from Statistics Canada found that the transportation and warehousing sector employed close to 859,000 employees in 2017—an increase of 3.2% from 2016.
In addition, Canada is seeing a shortage of skilled truck drivers due to retirement of the current drivers and the decrease in young people entering the industry. The CTA’s Chairman David Bradley has noted that “the average age of the truck driver in Canada today is 48.” These reasons are leading to increased opportunities for truck drivers to fill these vacant positions in the market.
The Canadian Trucking Alliance has provided additional data on the trucking industry in Canada, noting that over 80% of the goods in Canada are transported by professional truck drivers. Further, Statistics Canada reported that the truck transportation subsector employed over 284,000 people in 2017, with the sector generating revenue of over $43 billion in the same year.
Trucking Regulations In Canada
In order for applicants to obtain a visa sponsorship for truck driver jobs in Canada, they must first comply with Canada’s transportation regulations. Canada has specific rules and regulations that govern the safety, efficiency, and environmental protection of the trucking industry. These include the Hours of Service (HoS) regulations, which enforce the number of working hours a truck driver can have before they are required to take a break. These regulations help to ensure that drivers are not overworked, and their health and safety is not compromised.
In addition, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) has developed a National Safety Code (NSC) to establish uniform and consistent safety standards, rules, and practices across Canada. This includes enforcing safety rules in regards to the design and assembly of trucks and truck components, as well as the distribution, documentation, inspection, and maintenance of trucks. By complying with the NSC, truck drivers are able to ensure that the vehicles they drive are safe to operate.
Once applicants have met the federal requirements, they must look to the provincial standards. Each province in Canada has its own set of requirements that must be met in order for truck drivers to legally operate within the designated region. These requirements vary from province to province, with each having different safety regulations and specific qualifications and skills needed to obtain a license.
Visas Sponsorship For Truck Driver Jobs In Canada
Once you have established your credentials as a truck driver and fulfill the aforementioned requirements, you may be eligible for a visa sponsorship to work in Canada. A visa sponsorship allows you to immigrate to Canada and work as a truck driver. It also provides you the opportunity to financially support yourself and your family while you live and work in Canada.
There are two types of visa sponsorships that are available to professionals looking to work in Canada: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Permanent Residence (PR) Program.
The TFWP is specific to skilled foreign workers who are looking to gain temporary employment in Canada. This program allows employers in Canada to hire foreign nationals for specific positions that cannot be filled by Canadians. Successful applicants for the TFWP are granted a temporary permit to enter and remain in Canada for a determined period of time. This permit is generally valid for up to two years, with extensions available depending on the specific job requirements.
Permanent Residence (PR) Program
The PR Program is designed for skilled workers from around the world who want to make Canada their permanent home. There are several pathways within the PR Program that offer permanent residency in Canada. In order to obtain a visa sponsorship, applicants must demonstrate that they are eligible for one of the PR pathways, such as Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program and Canadian Experience Class.
Applying For A Truck Driver Visa Sponsorship In Canada
Now that you understand the Canadian truck driving job market and the visa sponsoring process, you are ready to proceed with your application. The first step is to locate and contact a Canadian trucking company that is looking to hire truck drivers. To do this, you should research the Canadian trucking market and contact companies directly or through a recruitment company.
Once you have found a company that is willing to sponsor your visa, you should speak to the hiring manager to discuss their employment requirements. This will help you to determine if you are eligible for the role and will help to identify the specific documents that you need to submit in order to apply for the visa sponsorship.
The Process Of Obtaining A Truck Driver Visa Sponsorship
Once you have found the perfect job, made contact with the hiring company and received confirmation of your application, you can begin preparing for your visa sponsorship. Here is an outline of the steps that are required:
1. Prepare the documents: Depending on the visa type you are applying for, you will need to produce documents that establish your eligibility to work in Canada. For the TFWP, applicants must provide a valid work permit, copies of educational certificates, a valid passport, proof of passing a medical exam and evidence of relevant experience. For the PR Program, applicants must provide evidence of language proficiency, copies of educational diplomas, a valid passport and proof of funds.
2. Submit the documents: Once all the required documents have been prepared, applicants can proceed to submit their visa application. The documents should be sent to the relevant Canadian embassy or visa office in the home country of the applicant.
3. Await the verdict: The visa processing times differ depending on the visa type, the location of the visa office, and the specific documents that have been provided. Generally, it takes around 3-4 months for processing of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program sponsored visas and around 6-12 months for the Permanent Resident Program sponsored visas.
4. Prepare for arrival: Once the applicant has received confirmation of their visa sponsorship, they should begin gathering the necessary documentation to enter Canada. This includes a valid passport, valid medical exam, proof of funds, and the pertinent documentation related to the specific visa.
5. Enter Canada: After preparing the documents, the applicant should arrange their paperwork with the embassy and Centre for Immigration, then arrange for their flight to Canada. Keep in mind, the applicant must show all their required documentation upon entry in Canada.
6. Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN): Upon arrival in Canada, the applicant must obtain a SIN, which is a nine-digit number that allows the applicant to work in Canada and access certain benefits. In order to obtain a SIN, the applicant must visit a Service Canada office and bring the required identification documents.
Tips To Make The Visa Process Smoother
The visa process can be a long and complicated process, but there are some steps that can be taken to make it go more smoothly. Here are some tips to help make the visa process easier:
1. Ensure proper documentation: It is important to ensure that all the necessary documents are included in the visa application. Any missing or inaccurate information can lead to major delays or even rejection of the visa application.
2. Use a recruitment agency: Working with a recruitment agency can help to streamline the visa application process. As a result, recruitment agencies are worth considering as they have a better understanding of the regulations, processes and required documents.
3. Contact the visa office: If the applicant is facing any issues, they should contact the relevant visa office to obtain advice and further guidance on the application process.
4. Follow up on the application: It is important to continually follow up on the visa application in order to ensure that the processing is going smoothly.
Conclusion
Truck driver jobs in Canada are on the rise and employers are constantly looking for qualified individuals with the experience and skills to fill these vacancies. As a result, obtaining a work visa for trucking in Canada has become increasingly attractive and lucrative for many professionals. The visa process can be daunting, but by following the steps outlined in this article, applicants will be well on their way to obtaining a truck driver visa sponsorship in Canada. It is important to remember that the visa application process can be time-consuming, so ensure you have all the required documents, contact experienced teams and follow up on your visa application.