Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw for Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience

In the latest round, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system. This draw was held specifically for candidates under the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category.

Key Details of New EE Draw

To be considered in this draw, candidates needed to have:

• A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 429; and
• Created an Express Entry candidate profile before 3:10 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on August 19, 2025.

Express Entry Draw Result – 5th March 2026

Date	EE Draw Category	No. of ITAs	Minimum CRS Score Requirement	Tie-breaking rule
5 March 2026	Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1	250	429	August 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC

Click here to see the complete list of Express Entry draws until date

The draw is significant because it is the first-ever selection round under the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category. At the same time, it marks the fourteenth Express Entry draw conducted in 2026.

New Category Draw

This category was introduced earlier in the year as part of the February 2026 updates to the Express Entry system, when the Canadian government announced several changes to better align immigration selection with labour market needs. As part of that update, three new occupation-focused categories were added to the system.

Under this category, candidates must demonstrate at least 12 months of Canadian work experience within the past three years in eligible senior management roles listed under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). The eligible occupations include:

• Senior managers – construction, transportation, production, and utilities
  • Senior managers – trade, broadcasting, and other services
  • Senior managers – health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations
  • Senior managers – financial, communications, and other business services

Express Entry Draws in 2026

Draw Type	Number of Draws
Provincial Nominee Program	5
Canadian Experience Class	4
French-Language proficiency	2
Physicians with Canadian work experience	1
Healthcare and social services	1
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	1

The relatively moderate CRS cut-off score of 429 suggests that the government is aiming to encourage experienced professionals who already hold leadership positions in Canada’s labour market. Express Entry draws throughout 2026 have continued to show a clear pattern. Canada is increasingly prioritizing candidates who are already in the country—especially those with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.

The inclusion of the new senior managers category indicates that Canada is trying to attract experienced leaders who can contribute to economic growth and business development across sectors. So far in 2026, IRCC has issued a total of 44,862 ITAs across different Express Entry categories

ITAs Issued in 2026

Draw type	ITAs Issued
Canadian Experience Class	24,000
French-Language proficiency	14,000
Healthcare and social services	4,000
Provincial Nominee Program	2,221
Physicians with Canadian work experience	391
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience	250

With the introduction of new occupation-based categories and continued focus on candidates already working in Canada, the Express Entry system is becoming increasingly targeted. For many applicants, understanding which category aligns with their professional background may play a crucial role in improving their chances of receiving an invitation.

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR and want a clear assessment of your eligibility under Express Entry or PNP streams, you can consult the experts at Visas Avenue. A professional profile evaluation may help you identify the most suitable pathway and improve your chances of success. Call Toll-Free at 78-18-000-777 or email info@visasavenue.com to begin your process with informed direction.

- Rajneesh Kumar