Immigration Points for Truck Driver

Truck drivers are among the most in-demand occupations for immigration to Canada, and are also sought after in Australia, as both countries grapple with significant and growing shortages in their transport and logistics sectors. In Canada, truck drivers (transport truck drivers) fall under NOC 73300, classified as TEER 3, making them eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry. More importantly, IRCC has conducted category-based Express Entry draws specifically targeting transport occupations since 2023, recognizing the critical nature of trucking to Canada's economy and supply chains. These targeted draws have provided dedicated invitation pathways for truck drivers, sometimes with cutoff scores that differ from general draws. The Canadian trucking industry has estimated a shortage of tens of thousands of drivers, a gap that is expected to grow as existing drivers retire and freight volumes increase. This shortage has made truck driving one of the most favorable occupations for immigration, with multiple pathways available beyond Express Entry, including Provincial Nominee Programs and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program as a stepping stone to permanent residence. Provinces with major transportation corridors — Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — have been particularly active in recruiting truck drivers through their PNPs. In Australia, truck drivers fall under ANZSCO 733111 (Truck Driver — General) and may appear on regional or state-specific skilled occupation lists rather than the main MLTSSL. This means that the subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) pathway may not always be available for truck drivers, but the subclass 190 (state-nominated) and subclass 491 (regional) visas often are, depending on state and territory nomination lists. Australia's vast geography and resource-dependent economy create strong demand for truck drivers, particularly for long-haul routes and in regional and remote areas. The transport sector is a cornerstone of Australia's economy, and driver shortages have been identified as a significant challenge by industry bodies. Skills assessment for truck drivers in Australia is conducted by TRA (Trades Recognition Australia) or the relevant assessing authority for transport workers. Both countries require appropriate commercial driving licenses — in Canada, a Class 1 or Class A commercial driver's license; in Australia, the relevant heavy vehicle license class. Salaries for truck drivers typically range from CAD 45,000 to 80,000 in Canada and AUD 55,000 to 90,000 in Australia, with long-haul and specialized transport (such as dangerous goods or oversized loads) commanding premium rates.