With the introduction of new categories to be included in the category-based selection of draws in the Express Entry System, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has released its immigration plan for the year 2026. 

Following the announcement of new categories, Canada aims to target the skilled, qualified, and talented professionals to immigrate to the country and obtain Canada permanent residency. Over the course of time, Canada continues to face labour shortages in some of the skilled professions such as the transport sector, and with the introduction of a new category listed for transport occupations under the Express Entry program, the issue is being effectively addressed. 

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry System one of the safest and fastest ways to immigrate to the country and become permanent residents of Canada. Apart from Express Entry program, several other pathways help skilled professionals immigrate to the country such as Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Immigration Program. However, in order to immigrate to the country with the Express Entry program requires certain requirements such as a CRS score of 67 points on the point assessment grid, work experience in the nominated occupation with the Valid NOC code, and several more. 

What is Category-Based Selection?

Category based selection is a process through which IRCC invites eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible under the specific category to meet an identified economic goal. IRCC invites candidates to apply for Canada permanent residency based on certain criteria such as:

❖  Ability to communicate in a specific official language

❖  Work experience in a specific occupation

❖  Education 

With these certain criterias, IRCC modifies the categories with time and industry demands. IRCC has introduced four new categories in 2026, making the list to a total of 10 categories, to meet its labour shortage demands and economic goals in the country. 

Current Categories in 2026

Here is a list of current categories which are to be acknowledged while drawing category based selection of draws under Express Entry program. The current categories are: 

1.   French language proficiency

2.   Healthcare and social services occupations

3.   Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations

4.   Trade occupations

5.   Education occupations

6.  Transport occupations

7.   Physicians with Canadian work experience

8.   Senior managers with Canadian work experience

9.   Researchers with Canadian work experience

10. Skilled military recruits 

Find Out Whether you’re Eligible for Canada PR with the Transport Occupations 

As a talented and skilled professional under the transport category, who wishes to immigrate to Canada, one must look for certain eligibility requirements such as: 

❖  Meet the minimum criteria for the Express Entry program, such as 67 points, selected a occupation listed on the list of eligible occupations with their valid NOC code, including all the eligibility criteria set in 1 of the 3 immigration programs, namely,

●    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

●    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

●    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 

❖  Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience in a single occupation listed in the trade occupations. 

List of Eligible Occupations Under Transport Category

Here is a complete list of occupations listed under the transport category that are in high demand while facing a shortage in the Canadian labour market. The eligible occupations with their NOC codes are: 

How to Apply for Canada PR with the Transport Occupations 

Eligible professionals who have relevant work experience, skills, and educational qualifications according to the requirements set by IRCC under the Express Entry program are required to understand how they can apply for Canada permanent residency with the nominated occupations. By inviting professionals under this specific category, Canada aims to strengthen its immigration strategy by attracting skilled and talented global professionals.

Let us decode how a professional trained and educated under the transport occupations can apply for Canada PR. 

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The foremost step under the application process is to check the eligibility requirements for the permanent residency application. The eligibility requirements are 67 points on the point assessment grid, which is further evaluated on factors such as age, educational qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency test scores. After scoring 67 points, applicants are also required to check their occupation that matches the aligned job duties with their valid NOC code. 

Step 2: Get an ECA

After checking in all the eligibility criteria, eligible candidates are required to get their educational credentials assessed with the respective ECA authority, such as WES (World Education Services). It ensures the Canadian government that the applicant’s educational qualifications are equivalent to the Canadian standards.  

Step 3: Gather Essential Documents

Once the educational credentials are being assessed, applicants are required to gather essential documents such as:

●    Valid passport

●    Passport-sized photographs

●    Educational documents

●    English language proficiency test score report such as IELTS, and TEF for French language proficiency test score

●    Medical health reports

●    Police clearance certificate

●    Proof of funds 

Step 4: Submit Application

After accumulating documents, applicants are required to create an Express Entry profile on the official website. With this, applicants have to fill in the application form, submit essential documents and the application fee.     

Step 5: Await Decision

Once the visa application is being submitted, applicants are required to wait for the visa decision. If received a positive response, applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once an ITA is received, applicants receive their COPR (Confirmation of permanent residency) card within 60 days of their visa application. 

With these structured steps, any professional with the education and experience in the transport category can immigrate to Canada, and legally stay as Canada permanent resident. 

Canada PR Application Fee

Individuals who seek Canada permanent residency with transport occupations are required to submit the application fee at the time of visa application. The bifurcation for the Canada PR application fee is as follows:

Canada PR Processing Time

Usually, the category based selection depends upon the industry demands, but applicants who desire Canada permanent residency are required to wait for a couple of months. However, Canada PR processing time is approximately 6 to 8 months. 

Follow the Latest Immigration Updates with Province Immigration

Now never miss an update with Province Immigration, and explore the latest Express Entry draws that can help you achieve Canada permanent residency as a transport professional. Consult our dedicated immigration consultants and case managers who can assist you in finding the right pathway against your nominated occupation. For more information call us at: +919896196762