Canada Issues 150 ITAs in Second Transport Occupations Express Entry Draw of 2026

Key Takeaways

• Draw type: Category-based – Transport occupations
• Invitations issued: 150
• Minimum CRS score: 477
• Tie-breaking rule: June 4, 2026, at 21:48:22 UTC
• Prediction for next draw: Category-based draw, October 29, 2026. Check our dedicated page for information on when we expect the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of This Express Entry Draw

Today’s draw is the second transport occupation draw of 2026 and the fifth since IRCC introduced category-based selection in 2023.

The latest round saw 150 candidates with qualifying transport work experience invited to apply for permanent residence, with a minimum CRS score of 477. It brings the total number of transport-category ITAs issued in 2026 to 450.

The draw was smaller than the previous transport round in August, when IRCC issued 300 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 470 — 7 points lower than today’s draw.

Transport occupations returned as a priority category in 2026 after being excluded from category-based selection in 2025. Before this year, the last transport draw took place in March 2024.

The CRS cut-off in today’s draw was also considerably higher than those recorded in 2023 and 2024. The March 2024 draw had a minimum score of 430, while both transport draws in September and December 2023 had cut-offs of 435.

With just 150 invitations issued today, this was also the smallest transport-specific draw since the category was introduced. Previous transport rounds issued between 300 and 1,000 ITAs each.

Who Is Eligible for the Transport Category?

To receive an ITA through a transport category draw, you must have an active Express Entry profile and meet the eligibility requirements for the category.

You need at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, in an eligible transport occupation within the past three years.

This experience:

• Does not need to be continuous.
• Does not need to be in your primary occupation.
• Can have been gained in Canada or abroad.

The following four occupations are eligible:

• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors – NOC 72404
• Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors – NOC 72600
• Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors – NOC 22313
• Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers – NOC 72410

You must also qualify for at least one of the three Express Entry programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Candidates must meet any additional conditions specified in the ministerial instructions for the draw.

What’s Next for Transport Category Draws?

With two transport category draws now completed in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 450 ITAs to candidates in this category.

The second round suggests that transport occupations remain part of IRCC’s selection priorities this year. However, the smaller draw size indicates that the department is continuing to issue invitations selectively.

There is no fixed schedule for transport category draws, and it is uncertain whether transport candidates will receive another opportunity before the end of 2026. This is especially true now that IRCC has announced a two-week pause on draws starting November 3, 2026.

That said, two of the four transport occupations currently fall in the newly introduced high-wage occupation category:

• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors – NOC 72404
• Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors – NOC 22313

This change could give candidates with experience or job offers in these occupations and positively impact their CRS score.

However, since rankings will shift across the pool, candidates should avoid relying exclusively on transport-specific draws when planning their permanent residence strategy.

What This Means for You

If you received an ITA in today’s draw, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

If you did not receive an invitation, there are still other ways to improve your chances of obtaining permanent residence.

IRCC does not necessarily conduct draws for every priority category each year. Candidates with transport experience may also receive invitations through other Express Entry draws, including CEC and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rounds.

You can strengthen your Express Entry profile by:

• Getting a provincial nomination: A nomination through an Express Entry-aligned PNP adds 600 CRS points, significantly improving your chances of receiving an ITA.
• Improving your language scores: Retaking an approved language test or learning a second official language could increase your CRS score.
• Gaining additional work experience: More eligible Canadian or foreign work experience may improve your score, depending on your current experience and other qualifications. If you can get experience in a high-wage occupation, that’s even better.
• Getting a high-wage job offer: Two of the four transport occupations are in the 1.3x the median wage category.
• Exploring other Express Entry categories: You may qualify for another category-based draw if you meet its specific eligibility requirements.

Further Resources for Express Entry Candidates

• Learn more about category-based Express Entry draws
• See the latest Express Entry draw results
• Check when the next Express Entry draw could take place