
The U.S. transportation industry is experiencing a critical shortage of truck drivers, with over 80,000 open positions and projections of this number exceeding 160,000 by 2030 (according to the American Trucking Associations). This gap presents a huge opportunity for international drivers to migrate and work legally in the U.S. through employer-sponsored visas.
If you’re a skilled truck driver from overseas, now is the best time to explore your chances of landing a U.S. truck driving job with visa sponsorship.
What Do Truck Drivers in the U.S. Do?
Truck drivers in the U.S. are essential for the economy, transporting goods from ports to warehouses, retailers, and customers across vast distances.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs in the U.S.:
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Long-haul (Over-the-Road) Drivers
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Regional Drivers
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Local Delivery Drivers
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Tanker Truck Drivers
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Refrigerated Freight Drivers
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Hazmat Drivers
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Flatbed Truck Drivers
Can Foreigners Work as Truck Drivers in the U.S.?
Yes! However, U.S. immigration laws are strict, and not all trucking companies offer visa sponsorship. But many employers now actively sponsor qualified foreign drivers using employment-based visa programs like:
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H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa
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EB-3 Permanent Work Visa
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TN Visa (for Canadian and Mexican drivers)
U.S. Visa Options for Foreign Truck Drivers
1. H-2B Visa – Temporary Work Visa
This visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for seasonal or peak-load non-agricultural jobs, including truck driving.
Key Features:
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Valid for up to 1 year (renewable for up to 3 years)
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Requires employer sponsorship
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Employer must obtain Temporary Labor Certification (TLC)
Not all trucking jobs qualify, but certain companies hire seasonal haulers.
2. EB-3 Visa – Permanent Residency (Green Card)
The EB-3 visa is for skilled or unskilled workers with a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them for a green card.
Best for: Long-term career truck drivers
Requirements:
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Full-time job offer
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Labor certification (PERM)
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No specific educational requirement
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Employer must prove U.S. labor shortage
This is the best option for truck drivers seeking permanent U.S. residency.
3. TN Visa – For Canadians and Mexicans
If you’re from Canada or Mexico, you may be eligible under NAFTA (now USMCA) via a TN Visa to work as a truck driver.
Note: Job must require cross-border transportation and employer sponsorship.
Requirements to Work as a Truck Driver in the U.S.
To be eligible for visa-sponsored truck driver jobs in the U.S., you typically need:
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) | Either obtained in the U.S. or converted from your home license (some training may be required) |
Experience | At least 1–2 years of verifiable commercial driving |
English Proficiency | Functional English required |
Clean Driving Record | No serious traffic violations or criminal history |
Medical Certification | Must pass DOT physical exam |
Passport & Visa Eligibility | Valid documents for travel and sponsorship |
Truck Driver Salary in the U.S. (2025 Estimates)
Job Type | Average Salary (Per Year) |
---|---|
Long-Haul Driver | $60,000 – $85,000 |
Local Delivery Driver | $45,000 – $60,000 |
Tanker Truck Driver | $70,000 – $95,000 |
Hazmat Driver | $75,000 – $100,000 |
Owner-Operator | $100,000 – $250,000+ |
Note: Salaries vary based on state, experience, type of freight, and company bonuses.
Top U.S. Companies Hiring Truck Drivers with Visa Sponsorship
While not all companies sponsor foreign drivers, a growing number are doing so through partnerships with immigration firms or foreign recruitment agencies.
Company | Notes |
---|---|
Midwest Freight Systems | Hires international drivers via EB-3 |
Roehl Transport | Offers paid CDL training and visa assistance |
USA Truck | Actively partners with recruitment agencies |
PAM Transport | Offers sponsorship via H-2B and EB-3 |
Schneider National | Sometimes sponsors TN Visa for Canadian/Mexican drivers |
Martin Brower | Has history of international hiring |
TransForce Group | Offers visa support in selected locations |
Contact HR departments directly to inquire about sponsorship programs.
Best States for Truck Driving Jobs in the U.S.
State | Job Opportunities | Average Pay |
---|---|---|
Texas | Very High | $65,000 – $90,000 |
California | High | $60,000 – $85,000 |
Florida | High | $55,000 – $80,000 |
Illinois | High | $60,000 – $90,000 |
Pennsylvania | High | $58,000 – $88,000 |
How to Apply for Truck Driver Jobs in the U.S. with Sponsorship
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
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Updated resume/CV (in U.S. format)
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Valid passport
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Valid or convertible commercial driver’s license (CDL)
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Driving history
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Police clearance
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Medical exam report
Step 2: Find a Sponsoring Employer
Search on platforms like:
Website | Link |
---|---|
Indeed USA | www.indeed.com |
SimplyHired | www.simplyhired.com |
Glassdoor | www.glassdoor.com |
Jooble | www.jooble.org |
EB3.jobs | www.eb3.jobs |
CDL Jobs | www.cdljobs.com |
Use keywords like:
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“truck driver jobs with visa sponsorship”
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“CDL EB3 visa sponsorship”
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“H-2B truck driving jobs USA”
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Once selected, the employer will:
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Apply for H-2B or PERM certification (for EB-3)
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Provide job offer letter
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Guide you through the visa application process
Step 4: Apply for Your Visa
Submit your visa application to the U.S. consulate in your country, depending on the visa type.
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H-2B: Submit DS-160, schedule visa interview
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EB-3: Wait for I-140 approval, file DS-260 for Green Card
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TN Visa: Apply at border (Canada/Mexico only)
Can You Get a Green Card as a Truck Driver?
Yes! EB-3 visa is a direct pathway to U.S. permanent residency, making it one of the best long-term options.
Steps:
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Employer files PERM labor certification
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Files Form I-140
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Upon approval, you file DS-260 or adjust status from within the U.S.
Avoid Job Scams
Warning Signs:
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Asked to pay for a job offer or visa
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No written contract or verified company
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Unrealistic salary promises
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Recruitment via WhatsApp or Telegram without official credentials
Only apply through legitimate companies, and consult an immigration lawyer or agent if unsure.
FAQs – U.S. Truck Driver Jobs for Foreigners
Q: Do I need a U.S. CDL?
A: Yes. Most states require foreign drivers to take a short training course and pass a U.S. CDL test.
Q: Is English mandatory?
A: Yes. Basic spoken and written English is needed to pass CDL tests and communicate safely.
Q: How long does the EB-3 process take?
A: Typically 12–24 months, depending on your home country and visa category.
Q: Can my family join me?
A: Yes. Under EB-3, spouses and children under 21 are eligible for green cards.
Conclusion
Drive Toward Your U.S. Dream in 2025
If you’re a skilled truck driver with a passion for the open road, the U.S. is actively looking for professionals like you. With thousands of jobs, visa sponsorship options, and pathways to permanent residency, you can build a better future for yourself and your family.
Ready to Apply?
Need help with:
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Resume writing for U.S. employers?
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EB-3 or H-2B visa application guidance?
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Connecting with verified sponsors?
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