Guide to Working in Canada as a Truck Driver

Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) remain eligible for the Express Entry system under Federal Skilled Worker/Trades categories.
Note: A Certificate of Qualification (CoQ) previously offered up to 50 bonus CRS points, but IRCC has removed truck drivers from CoQ eligibility due to lack of equivalent trade certification.
Some Express Entry draws now focus on “Transport Occupations,” which may increase chances for NOC 73300 candidates.

Several Canadian provinces offer dedicated PNP streams specifically for truck drivers:

Saskatchewan – Long-Haul Truck Driver Project

Requirements:
- Currently working in Saskatchewan for at least 6 months under a valid temporary work permit (LMIA-based), with the same employer.
- A full-time permanent job offer in NOC 7511 (long-haul truck driver) from an approved trucking firm.
- CLB 4 language proficiency.
- Saskatchewan Class 1A driver’s license.
No Express Entry profile needed. If approved, you’ll receive a provincial nomination and have six months to submit a federal PR application, typically processed within ~18 months.

Nova Scotia – Occupations in Demand Stream

Must have:
- Permanent full-time job offer in Nova Scotia.
- 1 year of relevant experience, high school diploma, required training/accreditation.
- CLB 4, be aged 21–55, and demonstrate settlement funds.

Ontario – In-Demand Skills Stream

Requirements:
- Full-time permanent job offer in Ontario.
- At least 9 months of work experience with an Ontario driver’s license.
- CLB 4, high school diploma or equivalent (ECA needed), and intention to reside in Ontario.

Manitoba – Skilled Worker Streams (Employer Direct or Overseas)

Must have:
- 3 years of truck-driving experience in last 5 years (verifiable via documents).
- Secondary education, CLB 5, sufficient funds to settle, and an interview.

British Columbia – Entry-Level & Semi-Skilled (ELSS)

Truck drivers under NOC 73300 may apply if they:
- Have a full-time job offer, CLB 4, high school education, two years of experience in last 3 years, and intend to live in BC.

While not a PNP, this employer-driven PR pathway is open to truck drivers (NOC C) in Atlantic provinces.
Requires a job offer from an approved employer—no LMIA needed.
Community insight: “The Atlantic Immigration Pilot might be useful… NOC C jobs (long-haul truck drivers) are eligible… If you secure a job with a trucking company in the Atlantic Provinces approved under AIP, you should be able to apply.”

Employers can hire international truck drivers through LMIA-supported work permits.
Gaining Canadian work experience can improve eligibility for Express Entry or PNP pathways.

CoQ no longer applies—update
PNPs offer a powerful CRS boost, especially useful if your score is low.
Stay updated, as eligibility details and targeted streams evolve frequently.