Canada PR 2026: Who Can Apply Under the New Transport Category

In February 2026, a new transport category under the Express Entry has been introduced in Canada. The IRCC Express Entry transport category 2026 selection prioritizes foreign nationals with at least 12 months of work experience (within the last three years and need not be continuous).

Who Qualifies For Canada PR under the Transport Category?

• Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors
• Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers
• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
• Aircraft instrument, electrical, and avionics mechanics, technicians, and inspectors

The new category gives the candidates the higher probability of receiving invitations for permanent residence at lower CRS scores compared to other draw types.

Canada PR New Transport Category Work Experience 

Candidates can qualify for the transport category if they have a minimum of 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a single eligible occupation within the past 3 years. The work experience can be gained anywhere, and it does not need to be continuous and need not be matched with their primary Express Entry occupation.

Determining if Experience Matches an Eligible Occupation

If your work experience can be counted for the specific occupation, then you should have completed all lead duties and most main duties listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC).

Gaining Work Experience in Canada’s Regulated Occupations

The regulated jobs in Canada are overseen either at the federal level or the provincial level based on the work nature. Occupations that are federally regulated, such as most aviation jobs, are governed by the national bodies such as Transport Canada, which ensures uniform licensing standards across the country. While the provincially regulated trades are handled by each province or territory’s own apprenticeship and certification authority, with requirements differing by location. 

To get a license, a newcomer will have to follow the relevant authority’s specific process for the occupation. Also, regarding Canada Transport category permanent residence eligibility in certain situations, skilled workers who have education or experience outside of Canada may have to meet the additional requirements.

Transport Occupations Canada Permanent Residence and Eligible NOC Codes for Canada Transport PR 

Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors (NOC code: 72600)

Air pilots: Pre-flight checks, verify and ensure proper weight and balance of passengers and cargo, coordinate with crew and air-traffic control, monitor systems during flight, handle emergencies, and complete post-flight reports. Train pilots, test aircraft or take part in special operations.

Flight engineers: Inspect the aircraft before and after each flights, verify the passengers and cargo distribution, assist pilots by monitoring systems, perform minor repairs, handle emergency procedures, record issues, and report maintenance needs.

Flying instructors: Train student pilots in flying skills and theory, and provide advanced training for licensed pilots.

Excluded Occupations:

• Air traffic controllers and related occupations (72601)
• Ground school instructor (in 41210 College and other vocational instructors)

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers (NOC code: 72410)

Automotive Service Technicians: Review work orders, inspect vehicles, and conduct road tests to identify issues. Detect faults and repair or replace components in systems such as engines, brakes, suspension, fuel, electrical, and climate control. Test systems to ensure proper performance; perform routine maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups; and advise customers on vehicle condition and future repairs.

Truck and Bus Mechanics: Repair and maintain commercial trucks and buses by working on systems such as engines, chassis, brakes, steering, and electrical components. Service truck-trailer systems, including structural, brake, and electrical parts.

Mechanical Repairers: Inspect and test mechanical units such as engines, transmissions, axles, and brakes to identify faults. Repair or replace defective parts, test and adjust the units to meet performance standards, and document the work completed.

Excluded Occupations:

• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
• Recreation vehicle service technician (in 72423 Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, and other related mechanics)
• Truck trailer assembler (in 94204 mechanical assemblers and inspectors)
• Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors, and testers (94200)
• Auto body collision, refinishing, and glass technicians and damage repair estimators (72411)
• Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling (92020)

Aircraft instrument, electrical, and avionics mechanics, technicians, and inspectors (NOC code 22313)

Aircraft instrument technicians: Repair, installation, calibration, testing, and overhaul of aircraft instruments.

Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians: Repair, overhaul, modify, install, and test electrical systems and aircraft equipment.

Avionics mechanics and technicians: Diagnose, repair, overhaul, install, modify, test, and maintain aircraft electronic systems, including communication, navigation, and autopilot equipment.

Avionics inspectors: Check and test instrument, electrical, and avionics systems to ensure all work meets safety and performance standards set by Transport Canada and company standards.

Excluded Occupations:

• Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (93200)
• Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (72404)
• Airworthiness inspector (in 22231 engineering inspectors and regulatory officers)
• Electrical mechanics (72422)
• Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (22312)

Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors (NOC 72404)

• Aircraft mechanics: Identify and fix issues in structural, mechanical, and hydraulic systems; repair, overhaul, install, and modify engines and key systems; dismantle and reassemble components; perform routine maintenance; and order and maintain an inventory of parts and supplies.
• Aircraft inspectors: Check aircraft systems to ensure they meet safety and performance standards set by Transport Canada and company policies. Supervise maintenance work and keep detailed inspection and certification records.

Excluded Occupations:

• Aircraft assemblers and assembly inspectors (NOC 93200)
• Aircraft engine assembly fitters (NOC 72405)
• Airworthiness inspectors (NOC 22231)
• Non-destructive testing technicians (NOC 22230)
• Aircraft instrument, electrical, and avionics technicians and inspectors (NOC 22313)

Want to know whether you qualify for Canada PR under the transport category? Contact immigration experts ImmiLaw Global, lawyers, and consultants. Our team will guide you rightly and help you through the whole process.

Read to know: Top 10 In-Demand Jobs in Canada for Immigration in 2026 (NOC Codes, Salaries, and PR Pathways)