Foreign nationals with experience in certain transportation occupations may now receive priority for Canadian permanent residence through a newly introduced Transport category under Express Entry.
As of February 18, 2026, candidates can qualify if they have at least 12 months of work experience within the past three years in one of four eligible occupations. The 12 months do not need to be continuous.
Previously, candidates needed six months of continuous experience to qualify under an occupational category. The new rule both increases the duration requirement and removes the continuity requirement.
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Qualifying under an occupational category can improve a candidate’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), as category-based draws often have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-offs compared to general or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws.
Eligible Occupations Under the Transport Category
1. Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors (NOC 72600)
This category includes professionals who perform duties such as:
- Operating aircraft as air pilots
- Monitoring aircraft systems as flight engineers
- Providing flight instruction and training
Excluded occupations include:
- Air traffic controllers (NOC 72601)
- Ground school instructors (classified under college and vocational instructors)
2. Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers (NOC 72410)
This occupation group includes:
- Automotive service technicians
- Truck and bus mechanics
- Mechanical repairers
Excluded occupations include:
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
- Motorcycle and recreational vehicle mechanics
- Motor vehicle assemblers and inspectors
- Auto body repair and refinishing technicians
- Supervisors in motor vehicle assembly
3. Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 72404)
This classification covers:
- Aircraft mechanics
- Aircraft inspectors
Excluded occupations include:
- Aircraft assemblers
- Aircraft engine assembly fitters
- Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
- Non-destructive testers
- Avionics mechanics (classified separately under NOC 22313)
4. Aircraft Instrument, Electrical, and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians, and Inspectors (NOC 22313)
This group includes:
- Aircraft instrument technicians
- Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians
- Avionics mechanics and technicians
- Avionics inspectors
Excluded occupations include:
- Aircraft assemblers
- Aircraft mechanics (NOC 72404)
- Airworthiness inspectors
- Electrical mechanics (NOC 72422)
- Industrial instrument technicians
Eligibility Requirements for the Transport Category
To qualify, candidates must:
- Have at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- Have gained that experience within the last three years
- Have experience in one single eligible occupation
- Meet the duties outlined in the NOC description
The work experience:
- Can be obtained anywhere in the world
- Does not need to match the primary occupation listed in the Express Entry profile
- Does not need to be continuous
How to Confirm if Your Work Experience Qualifies
Under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, work experience is assessed based on job duties performed, not job titles.
To qualify under a specific NOC:
- You must perform all duties listed in the lead statement, and
- Perform most of the main duties described in the NOC profile.
It is essential to carefully compare your job responsibilities with the official NOC description to ensure accurate classification.
Licensing and Regulation in Canada
Many of the eligible occupations are regulated in Canada. Regulation may occur at either the federal or provincial level.
Regulation Levels by Occupation
- Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors (NOC 72600)
Federally regulated (Aviation authorities) - Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers (NOC 72410)
Provincially regulated (provincial apprenticeship authority / Red Seal program) - Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 72404)
Federally regulated (Transport Canada) - Aircraft Instrument, Electrical, and Avionics Mechanics (NOC 22313)
Federally regulated (Transport Canada)
Federally regulated occupations follow consistent national standards. Provincially regulated trades are governed by each province or territory, and requirements may vary across regions.
How to Become Licensed in Canada
To work in a regulated occupation, newcomers must:
- Apply to the appropriate regulatory authority.
- Have their education and experience assessed.
- Complete any required examinations.
- Fulfill additional requirements such as bridging programs or supervised apprenticeship, if applicable.
Those with foreign education or experience may need to complete additional steps before becoming fully licensed.
The introduction of the Transport category creates new opportunities for skilled transportation professionals to secure permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry. Candidates with relevant experience should carefully assess their eligibility and licensing requirements to maximize their chances of success.
