Do you want to enter the U.S. as a commercial truck driver? There are specific immigration regulations for those wanting to deliver and pick up cargo in the U.S. According to U.S. law, truck drivers from foreign countries may qualify for entry as B-1 visitors for business. This classification allows drivers to carry out business-related activities, such as transporting goods across international borders while remaining compliant with immigration policies. Here’s a breakdown of what foreign truck drivers need to know when entering the U.S. under a B-1 visa.
Entry requirements for truck drivers
If you wish to enter the U.S. as a truck driver, you need to meet the requirements for B-1 visitors. In addition, we share the requirements stated by the U.S. Customs And Border Protection.
- Home Country: You must have a home in your country and promise you’ll return when you’re done working.
- Temporary Stay: You are only allowed to stay in the U.S. for a short time to finish your job.
- Enough Money: You need to have enough money for your trip, including going back home.
- No Problems: You can’t have a criminal record or problems with U.S. immigration laws.
A driver needs to meet these specific requirements to prove that they are not seeking to enter the U.S. for unauthorized work or long-term stays.
Documents needed for truck drivers
The documents needed depend on where you’re from. Canadian drivers aren’t required to disclose a visa or passport but need an I.D. or a birth certificate. Mexican drivers are required to have a passport and a visa, like a B-1/B-2 visa or a special card called a Laser Visa.
What can truck drivers do?
Tuck drivers can transport goods to and from the U.S. However, Canadian and Mexican drivers can’t transport goods between cities within the states. This job is only reserved for U.S. drivers.
The freight they carry must go between countries. If the stuff remains within the U.S., it becomes domestic. Therefore, drivers aren’t allowed to move it around.
Also foreign drivers can only enter for the purpose of international goods delivery. They have to prove they are only moving things between countries, and not just working in the U.S. In addition, drivers aren’t allowed to do additional work. This is classified as local labor for hire.drivers have the responsibility to provide the proof for entry.
FAQ
Can U.S. carriers employ foreign truck drivers?
Foreign drivers can only be employed if they transport goods from and to the United States. They should have foreign residences that they aren’t ready to abandon. However, they can’t transport goods within the states without proper employment authorization.
Can the driver load and unload the cargo?
Yes, a truck driver can undertake actions related to the international transportation of goods. They can load and unload goods that come into the U.S. or go out.
If a driver takes the freight from the USA to Canada, can they drop merchandise in another location in the USA that is on the way?
This action is considered to be point-to-point hauling within the USA and isn’t allowed. The freight loaded in the U.S. must be unloaded into Mexico or Canada.
Can a driver enter with an empty tractor?
The driver can only enter the U.S. with an empty tractor under two conditions. First, they should pick a trailer that goes to Mexico or Canada. Secondly, they can do this if the goods were held for deferral inspection by a government agency.
