Canada Opens New Express Entry Category With First Invitation Round

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released additional invitations under the new Express Entry category for senior managers with Canadian Work Experience. 

However, this is the 14th Express Entry draw of the year and the first draw for the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category. This draw reflects Canada’s evolving approach to immigration, where targeted categories are increasingly used to address labour shortages and attract skilled professionals in priority sectors. 

With category-based selections becoming more prominent in 2026, candidates with relevant skills, experience, and qualifications may now have stronger chances of receiving invitations for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

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Express Entry Draw Results

Canada released the latest Express Entry draw under the new category for senior managers with Canadian work experience on March 05, 2026, inviting 250 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 429.

• Draw Number: 402
• Date of Round: March 05, 2026
• Type of Draw: Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1
• Number of ITAs Issued: 250
• CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 429
• Tie-Breaking Rule: August 19, 2025, at 15:10:18 UTC

If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.

Express Entry Summary of 2026

Below is a detailed summary of Express Entry draws held in 2026, highlighting the categories targeted, the number of invitations issued, and the minimum CRS scores.

Draw Date	Draw Type	Invitations issued	Minimum CRS Score
March 5, 2026	Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience	250	429
March 4, 2026	French-Language proficiency	5,500	397
March 3, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	4,000	508
March 2, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	264	710
February 20, 2026	Healthcare and Social Services Occupations	4,000	467
February 19, 2026	Physicians with Canadian Work Experience	391	169
February 17, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	508
February 16, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	279	789
February 6, 2026	French-Language proficiency	8,500	400
February 3, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	423	749
January 21, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	6,000	509
January 20, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	681	746
January 7, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	8,000	511
January 5, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	574	711

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What are the Eligibility Requirements For Senior Manager with Canadian Work Experience?

 Senior managers with Canadian work experience may qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry category-based draws, particularly if they meet the criteria under programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

To be eligible, candidates must generally meet the following requirements:

Senior Management Experience: Applicants must have experience in senior management roles aligned with eligible NOC codes. These positions usually involve overseeing company operations, managing departments, or leading major business strategies.

Canadian Work Experience: Candidates should have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. This experience must be obtained legally and within occupations classified under appropriate TEER levels.

Eligibility Under Express Entry Programs: Applicants must qualify for one of the federal Express Entry programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

Language Proficiency: Candidates must submit approved language test results in English or French that meet the minimum requirements of the selected immigration program.

Education and CRS Score: Educational credentials and other factors, such as age, work experience, and language ability, contribute to the Comprehensive Ranking System score, which determines the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

Meeting these requirements allows senior managers with Canadian experience to enter the Express Entry pool and potentially receive an invitation for permanent residence through category-based selection draws.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Latest Express Entry Draw Canadian Work Experience Senior Managers CEC DRaw Canada Express Entry New Express Entry Category