New Express Entry Draw Issued 300 PR Invitations for Transport Occupations on 07 August 2026. This is Round #434 where 300 PR invitations have been issued from the newly revived Transport occupations category. The CRS cutoff score for this draw has been set to 470 points. It has been the first selection round for Transport occupations category in 2026.
Highlights of New Express Entry Draw
- Draw Date – August 7, 2026
- Draw Category – Category-based – Transport Occupation
- Total Invitations Issued – 300
- Minimum CRS Score Required – 470
Why the CRS Cut-off Became 470 in a 300 ITA Draw
The CRS cut-off score of 470 is relatively high compared to other transport category draws conducted in 2023 and 2024, with cut-offs of 430-435. This can be attributed to the fact that fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were distributed. With 300 ITAs being issued, the electronic selection system was forced to stop at the uppermost level of the applicant pool. Moreover, the restricted list of eligible individuals created for the framework of 2026 made the competition among technical transport applicants much stronger.
Comparison of Historical Transport Category Draws
The following table lists all the rounds that were carried out for the transport category specifically.
| Draw Date | Round Type | ITAs Issued | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 20, 2023 | Transport Occupations | 1,000 | 435 |
| December 18, 2023 | Transport Occupations | 670 | 435 |
| March 13, 2024 | Transport Occupations | 975 | 430 |
| August 7, 2026 | Transport Occupations | 300 | 470 |
Eligibility and Targeted Transport NOC Codes in 2026
With IRCC’s return of the Transport occupations category in February 2026 the number of occupations included was greatly reduced from previous versions. In order to be eligible for this category in 2026, applicants will have to meet the requirement of having at least 6 months of full-time work experience in the past three years in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) unit groups –
- NOC 72404 – Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors
- NOC 72600 – Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors
- NOC 22313 – Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors
- NOC 72410 – Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers
Transport occupations that qualified in 2023 such as truck drivers or railway workers are excluded from eligibility criteria in revised 2026 version.
Express Entry Draw Cluster for August 2026
The August 7 draw brings the month’s Express Entry program to an end, having had a varied start to the month with respect to draws from IRCC. 8,807 PR invitations were issued in four separate draws within four days.
| Draw Date | Category / Stream | ITAs Issued | CRS Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 4, 2026 | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 507 | 768 |
| August 5, 2026 | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 3,000 | 516 |
| August 6, 2026 | French Language Proficiency | 5,000 | 391 |
| August 7, 2026 | Transport Occupations Category | 300 | 470 |
| August Total 4 Rounds | 4 Rounds | 8807 | — |
Immediate Next Steps for Invited Applicants
Invited candidates have 60 days to lodge their permanent residence applications, digital, through the New Express Entry Draw Issued 300 PR Invitations for Transport Occupations.
Important actions for invited applicants –
- Work Experience – Reference letters and employment contracts for 6 months of continuous work experience in any of the transport occupations under the 2026 NOC codes.
- Professional Licenses and Technical Certification – This applies to aviation pilots, flight engineers, and aircraft mechanics in terms of valid licenses and certifications.
- Standard Documentation – Medical examination reports, criminal background clearance and language test scores