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Delivery Drivers Jobs in Canada (A Full Guide for Foreigners)

Delivery Drivers Jobs in Canada

Delivery driver jobs in Canada are one of the easiest ways for foreigners, especially from Africa and other developing countries, to find work, settle, and earn a stable income.

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With the rapid growth of online shopping, food delivery apps, and courier services, Canada needs thousands of delivery drivers every year. Companies like Amazon, Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, FedEx, and many local businesses are always hiring.

You don’t need a university degree or special experience. If you have a valid driver’s license, know how to follow directions, and can communicate basic English or French, you have a very good chance of getting hired.

In this guide, I will explain everything: what the work involves, how much you can earn, visa options, where to apply, and tips to succeed.

What is the Work Like?

As a delivery driver in Canada, your main job is simple: pick up items from a location and deliver them safely to another location.

Depending on the company you work for, you could be delivering:

  • Food (e.g., from restaurants to customers)
  • Packages (e.g., Amazon parcels)
  • Groceries (e.g., Walmart orders)
  • Medicines (e.g., from pharmacies)
  • Furniture or large items

Your daily tasks may include:

  • Planning your route using a GPS or app
  • Picking up packages or food orders
  • Delivering items on time
  • Communicating with customers (if needed)
  • Collecting payment (sometimes, if it’s cash-on-delivery)
  • Keeping your vehicle clean and maintained

Some delivery jobs allow you to use your own car, bike, or scooter. Others provide a company vehicle.

Why Canada Needs Delivery Drivers

The delivery industry in Canada is booming because:

  • Online shopping is growing every year.
  • Food delivery apps are more popular than ever.
  • People prefer home delivery for groceries, medicines, and other products.
  • The population is aging, and many elderly people need delivery services.
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Also, not enough Canadians want to do physically tiring jobs, so companies often look for hard-working immigrants to fill these positions.

How Much Can You Earn?

Delivery driver pay depends on the type of job, the company, and how many hours you work. Here is a general idea:

  • Hourly Pay: CAD 17 – CAD 25 per hour
  • Tips: Food delivery drivers often receive tips, adding CAD 5 – CAD 15 per day extra.
  • Monthly Salary: Full-time drivers can earn CAD 2,800 – CAD 4,000 per month.
  • Mileage Bonus: Some companies pay extra money for longer distances.

If you work during busy times (like weekends, evenings, and holidays), you can earn even more.

Independent delivery drivers (those using their own vehicles) may have to pay for their gas and car maintenance, but the flexibility and earnings can be better.

Requirements to Work as a Delivery Driver in Canada

The basic requirements are:

  • Age: Must be at least 18 or 19 years old (depending on the province)
  • Driver’s License: You must have a valid driver’s license (Canadian or international)
  • Vehicle: Some jobs require you to have your own car, bike, or scooter. (Others provide one.)
  • Driving Record: Clean driving record (no major accidents or traffic violations)
  • Background Check: Some employers require a police clearance certificate.
  • Physical Fitness: Ability to lift small to medium packages
  • Basic English or French: To understand addresses, delivery instructions, and communicate with customers

If you plan to use your own vehicle, you may also need

Visa Options for Delivery Drivers

Delivery driving jobs are classified as low-skilled jobs. They are not on Canada’s official skilled worker immigration list. However, you can still work legally through these options:

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1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

  • Some companies hire foreign workers under this program when they can’t find enough Canadian workers.
  • The employer must get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove they need a foreign worker.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Some provinces, like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, accept delivery drivers under special categories.
  • If you work in a province for a while, you can apply for permanent residency through the PNP.

3. Student Visa (Work Permit)

  • International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during semesters and full-time during breaks.
  • Many students work as food delivery drivers to support themselves.

4. Open Work Permit (Spouse)

  • If your spouse is studying or working in Canada, you may get an open work permit to work in any job, including delivery driving.

How to Apply for Delivery Driver Jobs

You can apply for delivery jobs even while you are still in your home country. Here’s how:

1. Online Job Websites

Best websites for finding delivery jobs:

  • Indeed Canada (ca.indeed.com)
  • Workopolis (workopolis.com)
  • Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca)
  • Monster Canada (monster.ca)

Search using keywords like:

  • “Delivery driver with visa sponsorship”
  • “Food delivery jobs Canada”
  • “Package delivery jobs”

2. Food Delivery Apps

If you want to work independently, you can register on delivery apps like:

  • Uber Eats
  • DoorDash
  • SkipTheDishes
  • Instacart

You can create an account, upload your documents, and start receiving delivery orders once approved.

3. Logistics Companies

Big courier companies are always hiring:

  • Amazon Logistics
  • FedEx Canada
  • Purolator
  • Canada Post

Visit their careers pages and apply directly.

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Documents You Will Need

  • Valid Passport
  • Visa or Permit (showing you can work legally)
  • Driver’s License (Canadian or International Driving Permit)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting any driving or delivery experience
  • Vehicle documents (if using your own car)
  • Police Clearance Certificate (if requested)

Tips for Success

  • Know the Area: Learn the city layout or use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze.
  • Be Punctual: Deliver orders on time to get good ratings and tips.
  • Maintain Your Vehicle: A clean, well-functioning car or bike makes a good impression.
  • Customer Service Skills: Be polite and professional when dealing with customers.
  • Dress Neatly: Some companies provide uniforms; if not, dress clean and simple.
  • Stay Safe: Follow traffic rules and drive carefully, especially during winter.
  • Save for Taxes: If you are an independent contractor, you must save a part of your income to pay taxes later.

Pros and Cons of Delivery Driver Work

ProsCons
Easy to start with basic documentsLong hours of driving can be tiring
Flexible schedulesWeather conditions can be harsh (especially in winter)
Good pay with bonuses and tipsVehicle maintenance costs (if using your own car)
High demand for workersCan be lonely work, especially during night shifts

Conclusion

Delivery driver jobs in Canada are an amazing opportunity for foreigners who want a simple but steady income without needing high education or professional skills.

Whether you are delivering food, packages, or groceries, the job is straightforward and pays reasonably well. With time, experience, and a strong work ethic, many delivery drivers move on to better-paying jobs, become supervisors, or even start their own courier businesses.

If you dream of starting a new life abroad, don’t hesitate. Prepare your documents, apply today, and start your journey to success in Canada.

Remember, big journeys start with small steps, and sometimes, those steps are on the gas pedal!

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