Express Entry Transport Category: Eligible NOCs & Cutoffs (2026)
Keeping national and cross-border supply chains moving is a critical Canadian priority. Commercial truck drivers, aircraft pilots, and railway conductors receive dedicated invitation rounds.
How to Qualify for Transport Category Draws
- ✓At least 6 months of continuous paid work experience in an eligible transport NOC within the past 3 years.
- ✓Active Express Entry profile under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.
- ✓Standard Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for secondary or post-secondary education.
- ✓Language benchmark of CLB 7 for FSWP, or CLB 5 for CEC (TEER 2/3) and FSTP.
Commercial Driver License (Class 1/AZ) vs. Express Entry ITA
You do NOT need a Canadian commercial truck driver license (Class 1 or AZ) to receive an Express Entry ITA or Permanent Residency. IRCC evaluates your foreign driving experience. However, once you arrive in Canada as a PR, you must complete provincial MELT training and road testing to drive commercially.
The Commercial Truck Driver MELT Hurdle & Pilot Licensing
Transport category draws offer viable immigration pathways for drivers and aviation crew. Here are the practical realities:
The Commercial Driver Catch-22 (MELT & Insurance)
A PR visa allows you to live in Canada, but Canadian transport fleets cannot hire you to drive an 18-wheeler without a provincial Class 1/AZ license. Upon landing, plan for Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT: 103.5 hours in Ontario, 121.5 hours in Alberta, costing $5,000–$10,000 CAD) and pass the provincial road test.
NOC 73300 Reference Letter Logbook Standards
For transport truck drivers, IRCC strictly scrutinizes reference letters. Your letter must clearly specify tractor-trailer Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW over 4,500 kg), interprovincial or cross-border long-haul routes, electronic logbook maintenance, and cargo safety inspection duties.
Aircraft Pilots (NOC 72600) License Conversion
Foreign commercial pilots must convert their FAA or ICAO commercial pilot license (CPL/ATPL) to a Transport Canada license. This involves passing the Transport Canada written conversion exam, medical examination (Category 1), and a flight check.
Top 3 Application Strategies for Transport
Highlight Long-Haul Vehicle Tonnage
Ensure your reference letters state you operated articulated commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg. Local delivery van drivers (NOC 75102) do not qualify for NOC 73300.
Budget for Post-Landing MELT Training
Having $7,000–$10,000 CAD set aside for your provincial MELT course and testing ensures you can transition directly into Canadian long-haul trucking within 6 to 8 weeks of landing.
Explore Saskatchewan & Ontario Transport PNP Streams
Saskatchewan (SINP Long-Haul Truck Driver Project) and Ontario (OINP In-Demand) operate fast-track streams for experienced commercial drivers.
All Eligible Occupations (9)
Search by NOC code or job title to check duties, wage benchmarks, and TEER levels.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title | TEER | Median Pay | Check Duties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOC 70020 | Managers in transportation | TEER 0 | $52.88/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 72600 | Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | TEER 2 | $52/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 72601 | Air traffic controllers and related occupations | TEER 2 | $54.88/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 72602 | Deck officers, water transport | TEER 2 | $41.36/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 72603 | Engineer officers, water transport | TEER 2 | $37/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 72604 | Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators | TEER 2 | $41/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 73300 | Transport truck drivers | TEER 3 | $26.42/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 73301 | Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators | TEER 3 | $25/hr | View Duties → |
| NOC 73400 | Heavy equipment operators | TEER 3 | $32.5/hr | View Duties → |
Recent Draw History for This Category
Historical cutoff scores and invitations issued for this stream.
| Draw # | Date | Invitations | Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #434 | 2026-08-07 | 300 | CRS 470 |
| #289 | 2024-03-13 | 975 | CRS 430 |
| #277 | 2023-12-20 | 670 | CRS 435 |
| #264 | 2023-09-20 | 1,000 | CRS 435 |
See how close you are to the Transport cutoff (470).
Review invitation sizes and historical cutoff drops since 2023.
Check prevailing wage medians across Ontario, BC, and Alberta.
Explore Healthcare, Trades, STEM, Transport & French streams.
Transport Category FAQ
Common questions about eligibility, foreign experience, licensing, and draw cutoffs.