The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw for the transport sector, inviting 1,000 candidates to apply for permanent residence. To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), applicants were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 435.
Written & reviewed by Keshav Sharma, RCIC #R530203, Founder, ELAAR Immigration Consulting Inc.Last reviewed: October 20266 min readThis Category-Based Express Entry Draw was initiated due to an urgent shortage of labour in the transportation industry. Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez emphasized the significance of investing in the people who transport travellers and goods to maintain a thriving economy.
The Latest Targeted Express Entry draw’s objective is to fill vacancies in professions such as truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers, and seafarers, contributing to economic growth and strengthening supply chains.
This latest Express Entry is targeted for Truck Drivers and other transport occupations. More targeted express entry draws were conducted this summer, including category-based selection rounds of invitations. However, there was a pause in draws between August 15 and this recent draw, and IRCC has not offered an explanation for the temporary halt.
Targeted Express Entry Draw for Transport Occupations
- Express Entry Round: #264
- Draw Type: Targeted Draw for Transport occupations
- Draw Date: September 20, 2023
- CRS Cut-off Score: 435
- No. of invitations: 1000
- Tie-breaking rule: June 17, 2023
Targeted Express Entry for Transport Occupations
The Minister has established specific criteria to choose individuals with transport-related professions for Targeted Express Entry that fit the economic objectives. To qualify for this draw, as well as any other category-based Express Entry draw, the candidates must first be eligible for an Express Entry program. The three pertinent Canadian immigration programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).
The eligible occupations for the Targeted Express Entry Draw for Transport Occupations are as follows:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
|---|---|
| Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors | 93200 |
| Transport truck drivers | 73300 |
| Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators | 72604 |
| Engineer officers, water transport | 72603 |
| Deck officers, water transport | 72602 |
| Air traffic controllers and related occupations | 72601 |
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 |
| Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 |
| Railway carmen/women | 72403 |
| Managers in transportation | 70020 |
Learn more:
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Book a ConsultationEligibility Requirements for Targeted Express Entry Draw in 2023
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, has announced the completion of specific categories for category-based selection in the country’s immigration system. These categories were established through passing Bill C-19 in the Canadian parliament last June, which has since become law.
This critical development grants the minister the authority to invite newcomers based on specific attributes, such as language proficiency or work experience, rather than solely relying on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The selected categories for category-based selection are as follows:
The chosen categories for category-based selection are as follows:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare Occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Skilled Trade occupations
- Transport occupations (including Truck Drivers)
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
You must also meet all the eligibility requirements for one of the three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
| Date | Draw Type | Invitations | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 29, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 6,000 | 416 |
| October 28, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 533 |
| October 27, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 302 | 761 |
| October 15, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 2,500 | 472 |
| October 14, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 345 | 778 |
| October 6, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 432 |
| October 1, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 29, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 291 | 855 |
| September 18, 2025 | Trade occupations (Version 2) | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 17, 2025 | Education occupations (Version 1) | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| September 4, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 2, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| August 19, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 2,500 | 470 |
| August 18, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 500 | 504 |
| June 2, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 500 | 510 |
| May 1, 2025 | Education occupations (Version 1) | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Book a ConsultationNeed Help?
If you work as a Truck Driver, Air Pilot, or any other qualified transport professional and are considering moving to Canada, this is the ideal moment to take action. Our committed team is available to offer expert advice and assistance, making your aspiration of living and working in Canada a tangible possibility.
Our team is led by Mr. Keshav Sharma, a reputable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who possesses extensive knowledge in all areas of Canadian immigration.
For a limited time, eligible candidates in the Targeted Express Entry pool can take advantage of our comprehensive services starting at just CAD $999. Our tailored package includes the following:
- Submission of a complete and accurate Express Entry profile and/or PNP Expression of Interest
- Support with preparing documents in advance in anticipation of receiving an ITA
- One-on-one ZOOM appointment with an RCIC to discuss your personalized case
- On-going support from an RCIC throughout the process and even after
Begin your journey towards fulfilling your dream of living and working in Canada by contacting us here or scheduling a consultation with us today.
Keep an eye out for further updates on this thrilling opportunity, and prepare yourself to embark on a fresh chapter in your professional life.
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