Hi folks. New to the forum, looking for as much advice as possible.

I am a 22 year old currently living in Scotland, looking to immigrate to Canada. Basically just looking for advice on all aspects of the move.

I am a qualified & experienced motor trade service manager (Volvo, Land Rover & Jaguar) as well as a UK qualified & experienced Class 1 HGV driver.

I would be looking to move to Alberta (Edmonton) area, although not set in stone.

Ideally would be looking for a job as a long haul HGV driver.

If you have any advice atall, I would appreciate it, and also if you have any questions to help give me advice, please just ask.

Thanks in advance.

Stephen

The wiki section at the top of the page is a good place to start. Also look in at the truckers forum. IEC would be a good option to get into Canada and work. Most trucking companies look for a minimum of 2 years experience.

Hi Stephen,I moved to Canada in 2007 from Edinburgh and Im doing the long haul USA-Canada.As Aviator said most companies require 2yrs experience ,you need to do the canadian Class 1 tests which means paying for driving school ,usually 20hrs maybe more.I came over to Manitoba(MB) on a temporary work permit or TWP ,after 6 months applied for MB Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) who sponsored me for permanent residency or PR.Before I moved here I came over on a recce trip .I visited companies who were hiring that I had contacted previously and I rented a car and drove around abit,it was Calgary and Lethbridge .However I ended up in Winnipeg!There have been new changes to the TWP program which will limit the amount of foreign drivers companies can hire but there is a shortage of drivers.You are 22,so I reckon you have 1yr experience ?Single no kids?

Have a read through the wiki section, and specifically read about the IEC program. Given your age it's the easiest route to a work permit. It gives you 12 months and you can renew it for a further 12 months. In that time you can work out getting yourself onto a more permanent form of a visa, but the IEC is a good way to get your foot in the door.

I have over 3 years experience, can now do hgv in uk at 18 since this new certificate of professional competence bull**** came in. And yes, I'm single with no kids/no ties. Don't mind being away for 2/3/4 weeks at a time. Hopefully that puts me in a reasonable position for employment over there.

3yrs is good and no ties is even better.A lot of drivers from UK came over and didnt make it because they were away from family too long.Trucking companies like you to be away all the time so if you dont have family to get back to they will love that!The job isnt mon to fri ,you will be working most weekends and all types of hours in extreme weather from 40C in summer to -40C in winter.I dont know anything about the IEC or International Experience Canada(Im an old guy) but it looks like a good option for you being so young.
Travel and Work in Canada | Temporary Work Visa For Work Holidays in Canada for Students and Youth | International Experience Canada
Search for companies that are hiring foreign drivers on LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment, used to be called LMO).I know of a few companies that do the LMIAs but not in Edmonton although I have a mate who moved to Edmonton recently,I will ask him if he knows of any companies there hiring.