Canada’s transportation sector is growing with the expansion of cities, the rising population, and changes in the demand for urban mobility. Usually, conversations for this sector focus on truck drivers, delivery workers, and drivers of commercial vehicles. However, the taxi sector is currently experiencing one of the largest labor shortages in the industry’s history. There is an increasing demand for private ride services as ageing drivers retire, there is high turnover in the industry, and there is an increasing demand in the market. Because of this, Canadian cities are on the lookout for new taxi drivers, including foreign workers.
Leading up to 2026, more provinces are streamlining their licensing procedures, facilitating the process for employers to apply for LMIA sponsorship, and making it more straightforward for qualifying foreign workers to enter the country to work as taxi drivers. This guide is intended to provide tailored information for foreign workers about the process of becoming a taxi driver in Canada in 2026, including licensing, eligibility, LMIA sponsorship, the salary one can expect, provincial opportunities, and immigration programs available to taxi drivers.
Why Taxi Drivers Are in Demand in Canada
Taxi services are an essential part of public transportation across Canadian municipalities. Although rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have created competition, they have also increased overall demand for drivers, especially in large cities where population growth outpaces public transit expansion.
Several factors contribute to the continued high demand for taxi drivers in 2026:
- Population Growth: Canada’s immigration targets are rising each year, adding pressure on local transportation networks.
- Tourism Recovery: The tourism sector has rebounded, pushing up the need for airport and city taxi services.
- Driver Retirements: Many long-time taxi drivers are leaving the profession, creating immediate vacancies.
- Urban Expansion: Cities are growing outward, requiring more private drivers to serve suburban and remote areas.
Is Taxi Driving Eligible for LMIA Sponsorship?
Yes, taxi driver jobs can also receive LMIA approval, though not as frequently as trucking. This is the case for employers located in cities where there are gaps in the labour market. They need to demonstrate they are encountering demand for transportation services and are unable to find local drivers.
Taxi drivers are under NOC 75200 – Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs, a TEER 4. It is categorized as a semi-skilled occupation, meaning LMIA approvals are within the realm of possibility as long as there are sufficient employer needs.
Common employers who obtain LMIA for taxi drivers include:
- Airport taxi fleet companies
- Corporate transportation services
- Hotel and tourism operators
- Limousine services
- Regional taxi firms in rural or growing municipalities
Some employers offer additional support, such as temporary housing, help with licensing, and settlement assistance to make relocation smoother for foreign workers.
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Requirements to Become a Taxi Driver in Canada (2026)
While taxi driving is an accessible occupation, foreign applicants must meet key requirements to qualify for sponsorship and licensing.
Basic eligibility requirements include:
- A valid driver’s licence from your home country
- A clean driving record with no major violations
- At least 1–2 years of driving experience (commercial experience preferred but not mandatory)
- Ability to pass a background and criminal check
- Basic English or French language skills
- Good knowledge of city navigation or willingness to learn
- Ability to operate GPS systems and digital ride platforms
Medical and safety requirements
In several provinces, taxi drivers are required to take medical fitness exams. Some cities also mandate tests for vision, hearing, and physical mobility, especially concerning drivers for commercial fleets and those with airport licenses.
Taxi Licensing in Canada: What Foreign Workers Must Expect
Taxi licensing in Canada is done at the local level, therefore every city has its own regulations. Nevertheless, there tends to be uniformity to the process in most cities.
The following is a general list of the licensing procedures taxi drivers are expected to adhere to when they get to Canada:
Conversion of driver’s license: Foreign applicants must get a Canadian Class 5 license or the equivalent of that from the applicable province.
Taxi driver training: Some cities mandate participation in training programs that cover safety aspects, customer service, navigation, and local regulations.
Knowledge tests: A written test on city routes, applicable laws, and the safety of passengers is common for applicants.
Security: A criminal record check is mandatory in every province.
Taxi badge or permit: After approvals, the municipality gives a taxi driver a badge that legally entitles them to operate.
The costs of licensing may be different from one city to another, but most employers cover some of the costs when one starts to work for them.
Salary Expectations for Taxi Drivers in Canada (2026)
Taxi driver income depends heavily on location, hours worked, demand, and whether the driver works for a company or operates independently. In general, taxi drivers in Canada earn a stable income due to steady passenger flow, especially in major cities and airport routes.
Estimated salary range for 2026:
- CAD $34,000 – $55,000 per year for regular taxi drivers
- CAD $60,000 – $75,000 for airport drivers or drivers in high-demand cities
- CAD $80,000+ for limousine and executive chauffeurs
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Best Provinces and Cities for Taxi Driver Jobs in 2026
While taxi driving jobs exist across Canada, some regions offer stronger demand, better wages, and easier licensing procedures.
- Ontario
Ontario, especially Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Hamilton, has strong demand for taxi and limousine drivers. Toronto Pearson Airport requires hundreds of drivers to manage international passenger arrivals.
- British Columbia
Cities like Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, and Victoria often experience shortages due to tourism, port traffic, and airport demand. Wages are higher, particularly for corporate chauffeuring.
- Alberta
Calgary and Edmonton offer competitive earnings and simplified licensing processes. Alberta’s growing suburbs also require more local taxi services.
- Manitoba
Winnipeg’s taxi fleet relies heavily on immigrant workers, and licensing pathways are considered newcomer-friendly.
- Saskatchewan
Along with federal programs dedicated to recruiting foreign workers, foreign drivers also get recruited in the Saskatchewan province in the cities of Regina and Saskatoon.
- Atlantic Provinces
Local taxi industries in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland are stable and often look for drivers as they require additional drivers for the tourism industry and hospital transport.
Work Conditions for Taxi Drivers in Canada
The taxi industry in Canada is regulated, and taxi drivers can work in safe, secure environments. In order for the industry to work in an organized manner, municipalities implement regulations in order for all taxis to operate in a safe, equal and professional manner.
Common working conditions that taxi drivers across Canada can experience include, but are not limited to:
- Drivers choose when they wish to drive (day, evening, or night shifts).
- They are free to drive a company-owned vehicle.
- They are able to process payments digitally, and they are provided with a GPS.
- The rates the drivers charge are set and regulated.
- They experience a full booking schedule all year.
They meet a variety of people, including foreign tourists, business people, local residents on short trips, and travelers arriving at an airport.
How Foreign Workers Can Find Taxi Driver Jobs in Canada
Finding a taxi driving job from outside Canada is increasingly common as companies advertise globally. To improve your chances of securing LMIA sponsorship, follow these steps:
- Prepare a Canadian-style resume
Highlight:
- Driving experience
- Familiarity with city navigation
- Customer service skills
- Languages spoken
- Clean driving record
- Any taxi or commercial driving history
- Search through the right channels
Foreign workers often find taxi jobs through:
- Company career pages
- Canadian immigration job portals
- Government job boards
- Recruitment agencies
- Airport or hotel fleet operators
- Contact employers who have previously hired foreign workers
Companies with past LMIA approvals are more likely to sponsor again. Many taxi fleets actively publish recruitment ads targeting foreign workers.
Immigration Pathways for Taxi Drivers in Canada
While taxi drivers typically start with an employer-specific LMIA work permit, several pathways lead to permanent residency.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provinces frequently nominate semi-skilled workers, especially in occupations facing shortages.
Popular PNP streams for taxi drivers include:
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS)
- New Brunswick Skilled Worker Program
These programs often require 6–12 months of Canadian work experience.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you are working for a taxi company in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, or PEI, you may become eligible via employer endorsement. This route is expeditious and welcoming for newcomers.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Some of the smaller communities are in urgent need of taxi drivers as they require local transport, hence this can be a valid PR pathway.
- Homegrown Work Permit to PR
Many drivers start with a temporary work permit and later transition to PR after accumulating enough experience.
Get Canada Permanent Residency (PR) Through Express Entry
Challenges Foreign Taxi Drivers Should Prepare For
Although taxi driving is accessible, foreign workers should be aware of potential challenges:
- Weather Conditions
Canadian winters require confident driving in snow and ice, especially during peak seasons.
- City Navigation Complexity
Large cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have heavy traffic, complex road systems, and strict parking rules. GPS helps, but new drivers may need time to adjust.
- Shift Work
Taxi services run 24/7, meaning night shifts, weekends, or holidays may be required.
- Licensing Procedures
Depending on the city, some have more rigorous licensing procedures than others. Training and exams may take longer once you get there. Even with these inconveniences, most foreign employees adapt relatively fast, especially with backing from the employer.
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Conclusion
Migrating to Canada as a taxi driver in 2026 is a practical and increasingly popular pathway for foreign workers seeking reliable employment and long-term settlement. The undiminished demand for workers in this field, and flexible licensing and supportive employers across provinces, make this one of the easier semi-skilled occupations to enter for newcomers. Add to that the several pathways for Permanent Residency.
As Canada expands and requires transport for its workers, the demand for drivers who transport workers remains vital. For foreign workers, pending a move to a new, safe, and hospitable destination, driving a taxi will be the optimum way to enter Canada. 2026 is the ideal time to make that move.