New PR category for transport workers launches in Canada to address labour gaps

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today (Sept. 18) that the first round of invitations for transport occupations through category-based selection in Express Entry will occur this week.

The new category focuses on inviting candidates with experience in the transport sector—including commercial truck drivers, pilots and aircraft assembly workers.

“As Canada grows its economy, we’re committed to improving transport and infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and passengers across the country,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration.

Earlier this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection.

To be eligible for this new category, applicants need to have worked for at least six months continuously, whether full-time or part-time, within the last three years.

This work experience should be in a single occupation falling under the transport category, whether it was gained in Canada or abroad. Furthermore, the applicants have to satisfy all the requirements for Express Entry as well.

The occupations that are included in this transportation Express Entry round are:

• aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
• transport truck drivers
• railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
• engineer officers, water transport
• deck officers, water transport
• air traffic controllers and related occupations
• air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
• aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
• railway car men/car women
• managers in transportation

These changes were set to help address labour shortages and support economic goals by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence.

Canada aims to help address a critical skills shortage by prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with work experience in transport occupations.

“The transportation sector is crucial to our economy, and if we want to keep things moving, we need to invest in the people that move travellers and transport our goods,” said Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport.

“With this new initiative, we are also attracting new, talented people to communities across Canada,” Minister Rodriguez added.

This category-based selection will continue throughout the year, alongside general and program-specific invitation rounds.

(With files from canada.ca)