Express Entry Draw 434 | 300 Invited in Transport Occupations Draw

After more than two years, Canada has finally held another Express Entry draw for Transport occupations. The category’s last draws took place in 2023, making this a significant return for transportation workers hoping to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry.

Express Entry Draw #434

Date of Draw: August 7, 2026, at 10:08:20 UTC

Number of Invitations Issued: 300

Minimum CRS: 470

Program Specified: Transport Occupations, 2026-Version 2

Tie-breaking rule: October 11, 2025 at 14:55:49 UTC

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Canada has brought back Express Entry draws for Transport occupations after more than two years. The long-awaited return gives eligible transportation professionals a new opportunity to receive an invitation for permanent residence through category-based selection. In the latest Express Entry Draw #434, IRCC invited 300 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 470 under the Transport Occupations, 2026-Version 2 category.

Canada introduced category-based Express Entry selection in 2023 to target skilled newcomers in occupations facing critical labour needs, including the transport sector. The approach was designed to help address workforce shortages by prioritizing candidates with relevant experience in key occupations while supporting Canada’s broader economic needs. Although Transport occupations were included in the category-based system, draws for the category have been infrequent, with the last Transport occupations draw taking place in 2023.

First Transport Occupations Draw Since 2024

Canada’s dedicated Transport occupations category is designed to identify and invite candidates with significant experience in the sector, including professionals in diverse roles such as pilots and aircraft assembly workers. By creating a targeted pathway for transport occupations, Canada aims to attract the skilled workers needed to address labour demands and support this critical industry across the country.

This latest round of invitations for individuals with experience in transport occupations through category-based selection in Express Entry was issued on August 7 of 2026. The EE #434 draw issued 300 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) of 470.

The previous draw for this category took place on March 13, 2024, when Canada invited 975 candidates. The lowest-ranked candidate invited had a CRS score of 430, meaning candidates needed a score of 430 or higher to receive an invitation in that draw.

Transport Occupations Category Eligibility

To be eligible, you must

• Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a single occupation listed in the table below.
• Experience gained in Canada or abroad
• Meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round
• Full eligibility details will be available in the instructions for each round.

What Are the Eligible Transport Occupations for This Category?

Will Express Entry Still Hold All-Program Draws?

Yes, Express Entry will hold different types of draws throughout the year, not just category-based draws. There will be 3 types of rounds:

1. General round of invitations: General rounds of invitations invites the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
3. Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.

Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!

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Previous Express Entry Draws

Check here the full list of the Express entry draws that were held during 2023: