Express Entry Transport Category (2026): Pilots and Aircraft and Vehicle Mechanics

The transport category is one of the category-based draws in Express Entry. In a transport draw, IRCC invites only candidates with recent experience in a listed transport occupation, ranked by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

For 2026 the list is short and focused on aviation and vehicle maintenance. Check the list carefully before you plan around this category.

As of September 2026, IRCC's category-based selection page lists these National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:

Your duties, not your job title, decide your NOC code.

Not in the 2026 list published on canada.ca. Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) are not one of the four listed occupations. If you are a truck driver:

• You can still enter the Express Entry pool if you qualify for a program. Truck driving is a TEER 3 job, so it can count for the Canadian Experience Class (CLB 5) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (CLB 7).
• Several provinces have used their Provincial Nominee Programs to recruit drivers. Check the province hubs, such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.
• The Atlantic Immigration Program and Rural Community Immigration Pilot accept job offers in many occupations.

Employers can read hiring truck drivers from abroad.

You are included in transport draws if you:

1. Have an active Express Entry profile and are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
2. Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time, in one listed occupation.
3. Gained that experience within the last 3 years, in Canada or abroad. It does not need to be continuous.

Automotive service technicians (72410) may also qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, since it covers NOC major group 72, if they have a job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification.

Not to be invited. But to work in Canada, pilots need a Transport Canada license, and aircraft maintenance engineers need Transport Canada certification. Automotive service technician is a compulsory or regulated trade in several provinces, which means you may need a provincial certificate of qualification. Plan for the time and cost of converting your license.

IRCC decides when to hold transport draws and how many invitations to issue. Each draw sets its own CRS cutoff. Follow results on our Express Entry draws tracker and estimate your score with the CRS calculator.

After an Invitation to Apply, you have 60 days to submit your application. See from ITA to COPR. You will need reference letters showing dates, hours, pay, and duties that match your NOC code, plus logbooks or license records if you are a pilot or aircraft engineer, and the usual police certificates and medical exam. False claims about experience are treated as misrepresentation, which carries a 5-year ban.

Entering the Express Entry pool is free. After an invitation, you pay IRCC's fees.

As of September 2026 (fees rose on April 30, 2026), IRCC charges these fees for economic programs such as Express Entry and the PNP, in Canadian dollars:

Biometrics cost $85 per person, or $170 for a family applying together. Check the IRCC fee list before paying, because fees change. Budget as well for language tests, an Educational Credential Assessment if you studied abroad, police certificates, and medical exams.

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications in about 6 months after you submit a complete application. Real times vary. Check the IRCC processing times tool or our processing times page.

Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 can be included in your application and become permanent residents with you. Each must pass medical and security checks.