Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Jerome Donovan
Are you thinking about moving to Canada to work as a bus driver? It’s an interesting idea and a simple one. Canada’s big, and the roads and transport systems vary a lot. For example, when Greyhound stopped its bus services, it contributed to the provision of bus driver jobs in Canada for foreigners with visa sponsorship. This means there is a need for more bus drivers. But Canada also has some tricky roads, such as really busy ones or narrow ones in some places, which makes driving a bus there a bit different.
Also, trains in Canada don’t go everywhere, and sometimes they drop you off far from where you need to be. This is another reason why buses might be really needed, especially in areas like Kingston, Ontario, where the train station is quite far from the city center.
If you’re from another country and thinking about driving buses in Canada, you’ve got to think about a few things. There might be a good chance for bus drivers, especially where buses are really needed. But, moving to Canada for work involves understanding their immigration rules. Canada picks people based on things like age and education. So, if you’re younger and well-educated, you might have a better chance. But, it’s not just about driving; you need to plan and understand all the rules and chances for work in Canada. It’s a big step with lots to think about.
Bus Driver Jobs in Canada for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
1. Sunshine Village Corporation in Banff, AB (Winter 2023/24)
This opportunity is for a bus driver role at Sunshine Village Corporation, located in the picturesque Banff National Park. The primary responsibility involves transporting staff and customers between Banff/Canmore and Sunshine Village. To qualify for this position, candidates need to possess either a valid Alberta Class 2 driver’s license with an air brakes endorsement or a Class 4 driver’s License. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of commercial driving experience, including driving in winter conditions, and a clean driving abstract are required. The role is full-time and includes working on weekends and holidays. One of the most attractive aspects of this job is the range of perks it offers. Employees get a free ski pass, discounts at various ski resorts across Canada, and access to numerous staff events.
2. School District #48 (Sea to Sky) in Whistler, BC
This position combines the roles of a bus driver and a groundsperson for School District #48 in the Whistler area. The job pays $30.04 per hour and is full-time, with 8-hour shifts. The role involves supervising and safely transporting students to and from schools, as well as maintaining school district property, including playgrounds and lawns. Applicants are required to have completed at least Grade 11 and have over six months of related driving and groundskeeping experience. A valid Class 2 BC Driver’s License with air endorsement and a Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate are also necessary. Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) and Worksafe BC safety procedures is an added advantage. This position is suitable for individuals who have a blend of driving skills and an interest in grounds maintenance.
3. Parks Canada at Fortress Of Louisbourg, NS
The role at Parks Canada is for a bus driver at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in Nova Scotia. The pay ranges from $24.12 to $26.23 per hour. The job includes overtime and requires working on weekends and holidays. Key qualifications for this position include a valid and current Class 2 Nova Scotia driver’s license with an air brake endorsement and a clean two-year driving record.
Experience in operating public passenger vehicles and excellent communication skills are essential. The role also demands the ability to effectively assist and communicate with visitors, staff, and partners.
4. Charter Bus Driver at CHARTRANDinc in Laval, QC
This position is for a Charter Bus Driver with CHARTRANDinc, based in Laval, Quebec. The job offers $21.10 per hour, with an increased rate of $31.65 per hour for overtime. The role involves safely driving groups of all ages, mainly within Québec, and occasionally to the United States. The job offers continuous pay from garage-to-garage, with varying lengths of days and weeks. A mandatory uniform is provided by the employer, and the position is available as either permanent full-time or occasional part-time. The company operates 365 days a year, according to clients’ needs. Additional benefits include tips and per diem for certain types of travel. The job requires a Class 2 driver’s license and involves routine vehicle inspections, handling baggage, and varying trip types according to the season.
5. Regular Bus Driver – Route 50 at Peace River School Division in Peace River, AB
The Peace River School Division is looking for a Regular School Bus Driver for Route 50 in the Peace River area. The position offers approximately $72.45 per day and is a full-time role. The driver will be responsible for transporting students to Peace River Schools, with the first student pick-up around 7:51 a.m. and the last drop-off around 4:31 p.m. The position is set to commence on November 27. Requirements include a valid Class 2 License, First Aid and S Endorsement, and the ability to pass a Driver’s Medical exam. An acceptable current Criminal Record Check and Children’s Services Intervention Record Check are also necessary. The closing date for applications is November 23.
6. WBG Bus Driver at Nova Scotia School Boards (NSSB) in Windsor, NS
This vacancy is for a WBG Bus Driver at the Nova Scotia School Boards, specifically for the Windsor Bus Garage. The pay is as per the CUPE Collective Agreement, which is $26.13. This is a vacant position for 5 hours per day, effective immediately, with the application closing on November 17. The role includes operating seventy-two passenger school buses with air brakes on assigned routes and extracurricular trips.
Responsibilities also include the safety and discipline of passengers, as well as routine maintenance and cleaning of the vehicle. Applicants must be a minimum of 19 years of age, possess a Class 2B license with air brake endorsement, and have a clean driving record with up-to-date medical and vision tests.
7. Shuttle Bus Driver at 1167910 Ab Ltd in Leduc, AB
This position is for a shuttle bus driver with 1167910 Ab Ltd, located in Leduc, Alberta. The job offers a pay rate of $32 an hour for a permanent, full-time role. The primary duties include operating buses, school buses, or streetcars to transport passengers, providing information on fares, schedules, and stops, and collecting fares. The driver is also responsible for reporting delays, mechanical problems, and accidents, as well as dealing with the public and resolving conflicts with passengers. A Class 4/4F/F/4A-B-C Licence is required for this position. The work schedule is 35 hours per week, and the vehicle is supplied by the employer.
8. School Bus Driver at Dasmesh School Winnipeg Inc. in West St Paul, MB
Dasmesh School Winnipeg Inc. in West St Paul, Manitoba, is seeking a school bus driver. The position offers $26 an hour and is available as a permanent, part-time, or full-time job.
Responsibilities include operating buses to transport passengers, ensuring children’s safety, and performing vehicle inspections. Applicants need a secondary (high) school graduation certificate and a Class 4/4F/F/4A-B-C Licence. The job also requires a Child Abuse Registry check and a driving record check. The work schedule is around 30 hours per week.
9. Charter Bus Driver at Badder Bus in St. Thomas, ON
Badder Bus in St. Thomas, Ontario, is hiring a full-time Charter Bus Driver. The role involves driving passengers to and from their destinations, following assigned schedules, and ensuring tours stay on schedule. Qualifications include the ability to obtain and maintain a CZ License, a minimum age of 21, a valid driver’s license with a good driving record, and the ability to cross border points into the US.
The job requires weekend and holiday work, and the ability to handle a fast-paced environment. Badder Bus offers competitive wages, free license upgrades, and training.
How Can I Migrate to Canada as a Driver?
The Canadian authorities have expanded the Federal Skilled Worker program under the Express Entry system to include bus drivers. This decision was influenced by the high demand for school bus drivers in Canada.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible, bus drivers, like other applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker program, must meet certain criteria:
- You need to have experience in your occupation, in this case as a bus driver, within the last ten years. This experience should amount to at least one year of continuous work or 1,560 hours in total.
- Proficiency in English or French is crucial. You must pass a language test with a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in all abilities, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
- You must meet the minimum education requirements.
- Your application will be assessed based on age, education, work experience, language skills, adaptability, and whether you have a valid job offer.
The Point System for Bus Driver Jobs in Canada for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
Canada uses a 100-point grid to assess eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Points are awarded based on the six factors mentioned above. The current pass mark is 67 points.
Alongside bus drivers, Canada has added 15 more jobs to the list of eligible occupations under the Federal Skilled Worker program. These include transport truck drivers, heavy equipment operators, and various other roles.
How to Apply for School Bus Driver in Canada?
To apply for bus driver jobs in Canada for foreigners with visa sponsorship, there are several key requirements and steps you need to be aware of.
1. Educational and Experience Requirements
Usually, you need to have completed secondary school. Also, a minimum of one year of safe driving experience is required.
2. Licensing Requirements
In Ontario, you need a Class B, C, E, or F driver’s licence. For other provinces and territories, a Class 2 driver’s licence is required. An air brakes endorsement and a first aid certificate may be necessary. If your role is that of a subway or light rail transit operator, experience as a public transit bus driver is typically required.
3. Professional Certification and Licensing
You might need to get a professional licence from a regulatory authority before starting work. This could be compulsory or voluntary, depending on the occupation. If certification is compulsory, you must be certified before you can practice the occupation and use the professional designation. If it’s voluntary, certification isn’t necessary to practice. Make sure to find out if your occupation is regulated and to contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.
4. Inter-Provincial Work
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it may be easier to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. Importantly, you need to stay informed about the latest market information.
There are some additional requirements. If you have credentials from outside Canada, you may need to go through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program. Requirements can vary between provinces and territories, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements of the area where you wish to work.
Conclusion
So, there you go with the bus driver jobs in Canada for foreigners with visa sponsorship. Move now to Canada and begin your application once you get the job. Canada is a big country to begin your driving career, with up to $100,000 salary as a foreign bus driver in Canada.
Read also: Canada Truck Driver Jobs for Foreigners with Free Visa Application
