Ontario Changes Immigration Laws in View of Truck Driver Shortage

The Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 is introducing new changes for truck drivers in the transport business. This change will come as a cool breeze for Canada’s truck driver shortage problem. Now, the people in this business who are residing in Ontario will have to qualify to be able to apply for getting a permanent resident status in Canada. 

Why the Shortage of Truck Drivers in Canada?

The issue with the shortage of truck drivers has crippled the US and Canada for the past 15 years. The main reasons for the same are:

1. The driver population’s average age is 55 years and due to gradual aging, they are not able to cope with the pressures. 
2. Luring the young generation into this business is a difficult task. 
3. Many drivers face health issues due to spending several days away from home.
4. The difference in taxation in US vs. Canada. 

The Government planned to implement certain methods like raising the pay, granting more “home” time, creating a good work-life and changing the image of the drivers all across, but nothing happened at a fast pace. 

ONIP – Ontario Immigration Nominee Program

The Government came up with ONIP In-Demand Skills Stream, which allows foreign nationals to apply for the in-demand jobs and permanently resides and works in Ontario. The Transport Truck Drivers job got added to this list in July 2019. Now people from both Canada and outside Canada can apply for permanent resident status if they have a valid offer as a Transport Truck Driver in Ontario. 

Eligibility Requirement of the Applicant and the Employer

The ONIP In-Demand Skills Stream complies with certain requirements of a job offer and has come with eligibility criteria for the applicant and the employer. 

An Employer must have the following:

1. A running business for three consecutive years, before they finally submit the application.
2. Business set-up in Ontario, where the candidate will work.
3. Some certain earning requirements:– A minimum of $1,000,000 total gross revenue, if located in Greater Toronto Area, OR, a minimum of $50,000 total gross revenue if located outside the Greater Toronto Area.
4. Some Residential Employee conditions:- Must have at least five full-time employees who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents working in the Greater Toronto Area, OR, at least three full-time workers who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents working outside the Greater Toronto Area. 
5.  Show proof that the recruit (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) was hired after many efforts – applicable for a foreign national living outside Canada or working outside Ontario).
6. Has no overdue orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000. 

An Applicant must have the following:

1. An authentic license needed by the industry and position, which includes a certificate of employer-specific training, a provisional road test, etc.)
2. Must have worked as a Transport Truck Driver for at least nine months in a period of three years’ time.
3. Must be able to speak in English or French, after an approved language test.
4. Must be at least a Secondary School graduate.
5. Hold a legal state in Canada, if he is applying from within Canada.
6. Show some funds to take care of the needs of himself and family members.
7. Must have a strong intention to live and work in Ontario.