Truck Driving & Farm Worker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship 2025
Canada has some of the most persistent labour shortages in the trucking, agriculture, and healthcare aide sectors. Unlike many countries, Canada actively operates government-backed programs to bring in overseas workers for these roles — often with a clear path to permanent residency. This guide covers the key programs and how to apply.
Browse sponsored roles: Search our job board for visa-sponsored jobs in Canada across all sectors.
1. Truck Driving Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Canada has a well-documented truck driver shortage. The Canadian Trucking Alliance estimates a shortfall of 55,000+ truck drivers, with the gap expected to grow to 100,000+ by 2030 if unaddressed. As a result, many Canadian carriers actively pursue LMIA sponsorship for overseas drivers.
NOC codes for truck drivers
- Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300): Long-haul and inter-city trucking. This is the most commonly sponsored truck driver category
- Heavy Equipment Operators (NOC 73400): Construction and mining equipment
- Delivery and Courier Service Drivers (NOC 74100): Local delivery drivers
Salary for truck drivers in Canada
- Long-haul truck driver: CAD $55,000–$90,000/year depending on route, experience, and province
- Owner-operator: Can earn CAD $80,000–$150,000/year gross
- Alberta/Saskatchewan: Often higher than other provinces due to oil and gas activity
How LMIA sponsorship works for truckers
- Find a Canadian carrier willing to sponsor. Trucking companies that operate cross-border routes or have high turnover are most likely to pursue LMIA
- The carrier applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — proving they tried to hire Canadian drivers first
- Once LMIA is approved, you apply for a work permit
- You must have a valid Class 1 (AZ) licence — most provinces will require a knowledge test and road test before issuing a Canadian licence
- Licence recognition: Some provinces have mutual recognition agreements with countries like the US, UK, and Australia that simplify the conversion process
Where to find truck driving jobs with LMIA sponsorship
- Job Bank Canada — Truck Drivers — Official government board. Check job postings that mention LMIA or work permit sponsorship
- Indeed Canada — Truck Driver Visa Sponsorship
- Contact Canadian trucking associations directly: The Canadian Trucking Alliance and provincial associations maintain lists of member companies
- Trucking staffing agencies that specialise in international recruitment: Hutch Staffing, DriveForce
2. Farm Worker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a bilateral agreement between Canada and participating countries, specifically for agricultural workers:
- Eligible countries: Mexico, and Caribbean countries including Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
- Duration: Up to 8 months (January–December)
- What it covers: Planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops and vegetables; animal husbandry; greenhouse work
- How to apply: Workers do not apply individually. Recruitment is done through government-designated agencies in the sending country. Contact your country's labour ministry for the official recruitment contact
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) — Agricultural Stream
For farm workers from countries not covered by SAWP:
- Employer applies for a LMIA specifically for agricultural positions
- Lower LMIA fee for agricultural positions: CAD $150 (vs $1,000 for other positions)
- Positions include greenhouse workers, mushroom pickers, orchard workers, livestock handlers
- Accommodation: Many agricultural employers provide on-farm housing, often deducted from wages at regulated rates
Salary for farm workers in Canada
- Agricultural worker: CAD $15–$22/hour depending on province and role
- Farm supervisor: CAD $20–$30/hour
- All workers: Must be paid at least the provincial minimum wage
PR pathway for farm workers
Recognising the chronic agricultural labour shortage, the Canadian government has introduced special PR pathways for farm workers:
- Agri-Food Immigration Pilot: Targets workers in specific food processing and farming roles with a pathway to PR after 1 year of Canadian experience
- Provincial Nominee Programs: Several provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) have agricultural worker streams within their PNPs
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Many farming communities participate, offering PR to workers willing to settle permanently in rural areas
3. Healthcare Aide Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Long-term care and home care are facing acute shortages across Canada, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal support workers (PSWs), home health aides, and healthcare assistants are in strong demand with employer sponsorship available.
NOC codes for healthcare aides
- Home Support Workers and Related Occupations (NOC 44101): Home care, personal support work
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102): Hospital and long-term care facility support
Salary for healthcare aides
- PSW/Healthcare aide: CAD $17–$25/hour depending on province
- Ontario PSW: Government-funded wage enhancement brought many to CAD $22–$25/hour
How to find healthcare aide jobs with sponsorship
- Job Bank Canada — Search NOC 44101 or 33102 with "work permit" or "LMIA"
- Long-term care home chains (Revera, Sienna Senior Living, ParaMed) that regularly use LMIA sponsorship
- Provincial healthcare worker recruitment initiatives — Ontario, BC, and Quebec have run specific international recruitment campaigns
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Can truck drivers apply for Express Entry?
Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry. However, the CRS score required for an invitation is typically high. The Canadian Experience Class (after 1 year of Canadian work) is often the better route for truck drivers already working in Canada on a work permit.
Do I need a Canadian driving licence before arriving?
No — you can begin the conversion process after arriving in Canada. Some provinces allow you to drive on your foreign licence for up to 3 months. For Class 1 (AZ/air brake), you will typically need to pass a knowledge test and road test in the Canadian province where you'll be working.
Are farm workers entitled to the same labour rights as Canadian citizens?
Yes. Under Canadian law, all workers — regardless of immigration status — are entitled to minimum wage, rest periods, safe working conditions, and freedom from exploitation. The Agricultural Workers Alliance and UFCW Canada provide support to farm workers experiencing workplace issues.