Immigrating as a lorry driver?

[DrewUS]

I originally posted this to tier 5, now I see tier 2 is probably a better fit, sorry. Is it possible to immigrate to the UK as an HGV/lorry/truck driver? If so, how difficult would it be? I have been driving long haul truck in the US for almost 3 years and have been wanting to moving to the UK for a while. I realize the trucking industry in the UK is quite different than in the US. In the US long haul companies are so short on drivers that they'll hand practically anyone a job. Is there a shortage of lorry drivers in the UK? Is a lorry driver considered a skilled worker or is there a special tier for us (as in Canada) due to shortage? I've seen a multitude of forums where British people are talking about moving to another country as an HGV driver (Canada, which I have considered myself) but I can't seem to find the opposite. Is there any kind of visa scheme which allows for a work permit for truckers and eventually permanent residence then citizenship?

[physicskate]

In order for you to be sponsored in the UK, the job must be considered a graduate position, or it must be in the creative industries. I don't think lorry driving is a graduate post...

I think that because there is the entire EU market from which haulage companies can hire from, a 'shortage' does not exist... But that is an opinion.

Thems the rules.

[The Station Agent]

HGV drivers don't meet the current requirements to be issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (a work permit). The government considers we have enough drivers within the European Union / EEA. Sorry.