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Truck driving is one of the 16 new occupations added to the eligibility list of Express Entry when the new National Occupational Classification system or NOC 2021 came into existence on November 16, 2022. A severe shortage of truck drivers caused by the pandemic layoffs and an aging workforce is the reason why truck driving was added to the list of eligible occupations for Express Entry.
As per the data from 2021 Labour Market Snapshot of Trucking HR Canada, 18000 truck driver positions are lying vacant in Canada as in the second quarter of 2021.
Trucks are a vital component of supply chain in Canada. If this service is disrupted owing to labour shortage or any other reason, it will heavily affect the country’s economy. The trucking and logistics industry moves products worth $850 billion to domestic and export markets. Even before the pandemic, the Forest Products Association of Canada had estimated that the shortage of truck drivers was causing a loss of approximately $450 million to the industry.
One can apply for Canada PR under Truck Driver category, either through Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry.
PNP for Truck drivers
The eligibility requirements for truck drivers are different in different provinces. However, some basic requirements like secondary school-level education, driving skills and appropriate licencing are common. Receiving an invitation from a province will totally depend on the specific needs of that particular province with regard to truck drivers. Some provinces have exclusive immigration programs for truck drivers like the Long-Haul Truck Driver Project of Saskatchewan.
Express Entry for truck drivers in Canada
Express Entry manages applications for immigration under the three federal economic immigration programs of Canada- Federal Skilled Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class. The selection is based on the Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) score, which is awarded on the basis of various factors such as education, language skills, work experience etc.
So, for truck drivers, there are two options to apply under Express Entry. They can apply for a provincial nomination and with increased CRS points, obtain an Express Entry invitation. The second option is directly creating an Express Entry profile specifying which province or territory you want a nomination from. Once you receive a Notification of Interest from that particular province, apply for nomination. It will help you obtain an Express Entry invitation in a subsequent draw.
Do you wish to know if your occupation is eligible for Canada migration? Talk to the Canada migration experts of CanApprove. Contact us now!
