Are you a foreigner looking to work as a truck driver in the United States? Perhaps you’re already in the country on a work visa and want to switch careers. Or maybe you’re just starting to explore opportunities to become a trucker in America.
Whatever your situation, getting a trucking job in the USA can be a great option for foreigners. The trucking industry is booming, with high demand for drivers across the country. And truck driving jobs tend to pay well and have solid benefits.
But let’s be honest: breaking into the industry as a non-US citizen has its challenges. You’ll need to navigate a bunch of rules, regulations, and paperwork.
That’s why I’ve put together this in-depth guide. It covers everything a foreigner needs to know about getting a truck driving job in the USA.
Ready to hit the open road? Let’s get started.
The Demand for Truck Drivers in the USA
You’ve probably heard that there’s a truck driver shortage in the United States. Well, it’s true – and that’s great news if you’re looking to get hired as a foreigner.
According to the American Trucking Associations, the trucking industry was short a record 80,000 drivers in 2021. That deficit is expected to grow as demand for freight transportation keeps rising.
So why is there such a huge shortage? A few key reasons:
- Aging workforce (the average driver is in their 40s or 50s)
- Long hours and time away from home
- Strict qualification rules
- COVID-related supply chain issues and shutdowns
With turnover rates above 90% at some trucking companies, employers are desperate to find qualified, reliable drivers willing to hit the road.
That’s where foreigners like you come in! Let’s take a look at the steps to get hired as a commercial truck driver in the US.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Truck Drivers in the USA
Before we dive into the specifics of getting hired, it’s important to understand the basic eligibility requirements.
To get a trucking job in the USA, you’ll need:
- A valid work visa or permanent residency (more on this shortly)
- English language proficiency (both written and spoken)
- A valid driver’s license from your home country
- No disqualifying DUI or reckless driving convictions
- Passing grades on written and road driving tests
- Passing a DOT medical exam and drug screening
In addition, most trucking companies require drivers to meet minimum age, education, and experience requirements. These vary but tend to be around:
- At least 21-25 years old (higher for interstate vs. intrastate)
- High school diploma or GED
- Some professional driving experience and safe driving record
If you check all those boxes, you’re eligible for a truck driving career in the USA – provided you can obtain the right type of visa or residency status.
Work Visas and Permanent Residency for Truck Drivers
OK, let’s get into the nitty-gritty on visas and residency rules for foreigners who want to work as truck drivers. While the immigration laws are complex, it basically boils down to three options:
- H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
This is a temporary visa for seasonal, non-agricultural jobs like truck driving. You’ll need a US employer or recruiter to sponsor you before getting approved. The drawback is that you can only work for that employer and for a maximum continuous period of 3 years.
- NAFTA TN Work Visa for Truck Drivers
If you’re a citizen of Mexico or Canada, you may qualify for the TN visa under NAFTA. This allows professional truck drivers to work temporarily in the US for an employer that has already offered a position.
- Permanent Residency (Green Card)
The other route is to pursue permanent residency through an employment- or family-based Green Card path. Having a Green Card makes it much easier to find trucking jobs since you’re not restricted to a single employer or time period.
Let me break down these options in a bit more detail.
Getting an H-2B Temporary Visa for Truck Driving Jobs
The H-2B is the most common visa for foreigners to get jobs as seasonal, non-immigrant workers. It’s valid for up to 3 years at a time and must be sponsored by a US trucking company that will employ you.
While the H-2B is non-immigrant, it’s a “dual intent” visa. This means you can pursue permanent residency during your time as a trucker in the US.
But how can you get this visa for a truck driving job? Here are the basic steps:
- Find a US trucking company willing to sponsor you
- Have the employer submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the DOL
- After LCA approval, submit a petition to USCIS for the H-2B visa
- Schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country
- Receive approval and start your job with the sponsoring trucking company
Some other key details about H-2B visas for truck drivers:
- Visa holders’ spouses and children can enter the US with H-4 visas
- Visa holders cannot seek employment from other trucking companies
- Visa is valid for the period approved, then renewable in 1-3 year increments
- 66,000 H-2B visas available per year, split into semi-annual allotments
Obtaining a TN Visa Under NAFTA for Trucking Jobs
If you’re a citizen of Mexico or Canada, you have another solid option: the TN work visa via NAFTA.
TN status applies to professional truck drivers employed in specific activities like cross-border trade or transportation of cargo. Some key points about the TN visa:
- Valid for 3 years, renewable indefinitely
- Apply at US border or pre-flight review
- Many truck driving jobs qualify for the TN under NAFTA
- Must secure a job offer from a US trucking company first
- No requirements to have Labor Condition Application approved
- Can be self-sponsored or sponsored by US employer
- Spouses/children receive TD status to live with you in the US
While the TN visa has definite perks and is easier to renew, it’s only for Mexican and Canadian citizens. So those from other countries need to explore the H-2B or Green Card options.
Becoming a Permanent Resident to Truck Drive in the USA
The final path for working truck driving jobs in the USA is permanent residency, or a Green Card. There are a few options here:
- Employer-sponsored permanent residency
- Family-based Green Card
- Diversity visa Green Card program
For truck drivers, the employer-sponsored Green Card is probably the most viable route. Here’s a simplified overview of that process:
- Find a US trucking company willing to sponsor you
- They’ll file a labor certification through the DOL
- If approved, company files an immigrant visa petition with USCIS
- Once current visa numbers available, you’ll go through consular processing
- Final approval grants permanent residency to live and work in the US
The family-based Green Card could work too if you have a US citizen spouse, parent, adult child or sibling to sponsor you.
The diversity visa is an annual Green Card lottery that’s an extreme long shot, so your best bet is through an employer or family member.
With a Green Card in hand, you’re free to apply and accept any commercial trucking job in the country. No restrictions!
Next Steps to Becoming a Truck Driver in the USA
So that covers the key visa/residency pathways for foreigners to get trucking jobs in the United States. It’s a fairly long and complex process, but very doable if you map out the right strategy.
What’s next on your checklist? Here are my recommendations for taking action:
👉 Research trucking companies that sponsor foreign workers
👉 Make sure you meet all driver eligibility requirements
👉 Prepare for English language exams and driving tests
👉 Start the visa or residency process as soon as possible
👉 Consider getting training from an accredited truck driving school
Getting approved to work in the US as a foreigner isn’t easy. But if you follow the proper steps, you too can make your dreams a reality driving trucks all across America.
Wrapping Up: Are Trucking Jobs in the USA Right For You?
There you have it: a comprehensive look at how foreigners can get hired for truck driving jobs throughout the United States.
As you can see, it requires quite a bit of legwork on visas, regulations, testing and more. It’s not a quick or simple process by any means. But for folks willing to put in the effort, trucking can be an excellent career path.
Not only are CDL truck drivers in extremely high demand across the US, but the pay and benefits tend to be good (especially for long-haul truckers).
So take some time to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing an American trucking career:
Reasons to Consider Truck Driving Jobs in the USA:
- Flexible lifestyle on the open road
- High pay rates for experienced drivers
- Benefits like health insurance and retirement plans
- Ability to transfer permanent residency pathway
- Travel and see different parts of the country
Challenges of Getting Hired as a Foreign Truck Driver:
- Dealing with complicated visa/residency processes
- Meeting stringent eligibility, testing and medical requirements
- Finding a trucking company sponsor for a visa
- Language barriers (needing English proficiency)
- Long periods away from friends and family back home
At the end of the day, only you can decide if trucking jobs in America are worth chasing.
For those ready to hit the highways hauling freight in their big rig, you better get started on paperwork and planning ASAP. Companies across the 50 states are eager to bring on skilled, hard-working foreign truck drivers like yourself.