Documents for drivers from Ukraine to United States

In the USA drivers with a CDL earn more than almost anywhere else, but for foreigners the door is currently almost closed: since 21 August 2025 the State Department has paused issuing work visas to commercial drivers of all nationalities. This guide is primarily for US citizens and permanent residents whom American companies hire through our service.

Your case: Ukraine → United States

There is no dedicated truck driver visa for foreigners. Previously H-2B (seasonal, capped) and EB-3 (green card via employer, years of waiting) were used. Since August 2025 issuance of these visas to drivers is paused; since September 2025 FMCSA has restricted non-domiciled CDLs. Check the status on the State Department website before spending any money.

Driver jobs: United States

Steps in order

Class A CDL
Issued by your state DMV: training with a provider from the ELDT registry, knowledge and skills tests. Many carriers pay for training in exchange for a 1-year commitment; read the training agreement.
FMCSA: Commercial Driver's License
DOT medical certificate and Clearinghouse
Examination by a doctor from the FMCSA National Registry, certificate valid up to 2 years. Registration in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse is mandatory; the employer queries it before hiring and tests before you start.
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
For foreigners: visa status
Before paying for courses or intermediaries, check on the State Department website whether work visas are currently issued to drivers. Promises like “green card for drivers in 3 months” are a scam signal.
U.S. Department of State: Temporary worker visas

Who pays what

In an honest job the carrier pays: CDL training (or reimburses it), DOT physical, tests, orientation and travel to the terminal, often the first hotel nights. The driver: own documents and MVR. Lease-purchase (“buy the truck from us”) is not employment but a debt risk.

Official sources

This is a general overview, not legal advice. Checked on 25/10/2026. Laws and fees change: verify on the official sites via the links and ask the employer in the chat.

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