Truck Drivers Soon Eligible for Ontario Nominee Program Under In-Demand Skills Stream
Ontario Program for Truck Drivers Coming Soon
This is welcome news for foreign workers in the trucking industry across Ontario. In its 2019 budget, the provincial government announced plans to expand eligible occupations under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream. As part of this expansion, Ontario will include transport truck drivers and personal support workers.
Why Ontario Is Expanding Immigration for Truck Drivers
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) praised the government’s decision. The association highlighted the trucking sector’s vital role in keeping Ontario’s economy moving.
More importantly, the province faces a growing driver shortage. According to the Conference Board of Canada, Ontario could face a shortfall of nearly 14,000 truck drivers by 2024 if demand remains unmet. Therefore, the province sees immigration as a key solution.
Trucking Industry Gains Priority Status
Ontario, often described as “open for business,” has placed strong emphasis on attracting experienced foreign truck drivers. By doing so, the province aims to maintain smooth and reliable freight transportation across supply chains.
In addition, Ontario will allow the trucking sector to participate in a pilot program designed to attract skilled immigrants to smaller and rural communities. This move supports both regional growth and labour market needs.
NOC Classification and Federal Support
The occupation of transport truck driver falls under NOC Skill Level C. Earlier this year, the federal government increased Ontario’s provincial nomination allocation.
While announcing this increase, officials confirmed that these additional spaces would not slow down processing times at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Provincial Nominee Program.
Furthermore, the federal government later indicated that an extra 2,000 provincial nominations may open for other job categories as well.
Other Skill Level C Occupations
Skill Level C occupations include intermediate jobs that usually require a high school diploma or job-specific training. Examples include:
- Industrial butchers
- Food and beverage servers
These roles, along with truck drivers, help address essential labour shortages.
Ontario PNP Application Process
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program follows a clear three-step process:
- Qualify under the eligible stream
- Receive a nomination from the Ontario government
- Apply for permanent residence with the federal government
With trucking now included, foreign truck drivers gain a new and practical pathway toward permanent residence in Canada.
Get in touch with SPS Canada
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
