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Highlights: Canada’s first Express Entry Draw for Senior Managers issues 250 ITAs

  • IRCC conducted the first Express Entry draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience on March 05, 2026.
  • The new category-based Express Entry draw issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who met the eligibility requirements.
  • Candidates with a minimum CRS score of 429 qualified for the latest Express Entry draw.
  • You must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience to qualify through the new Express Entry category.
  • A total of 14 Express Entry draws have been held in 2026 so far, inviting 44,862 eligible candidates to apply for Canada PR.
     

*Want to check your eligibility for Canada? Try the FREE Y-Axis Canada CRS points calculator to get an instant score!
 

Canada Conducts its first Express Entry Draw for Senior Managers in March 2026

IRCC held the most recent Express Entry draw on March 05, 2026, issuing 250 invitations. The latest draw issued invitations to 250 senior managers with a minimum CRS score of 429. Express Entry profiles created before 3:10 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on August 19, 2025, were selected for the draw.

 

This was the very first draw under the new category-based Express Entry draw. Invitations were issued to senior managers with at least 12 months of work experience gained in Canada. IRCC is taking initiatives to invite skilled professionals through Express Entry draws and has recently added three new occupations for the Canada PR visa.
 

First  Express Entry draw senior manager with Canadian work experience

*Want to apply for Express Entry? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

List of Qualifying Occupations  for Canada’s NOC System

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)  shortlisted certain occupational categories under Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) system for the latest category-based Express Entry draw. You must fall under any of the following occupations to qualify for the senior managers with Canadian work experience category:

 

  • Production and transportation: construction managers, transport managers, production managers, utilities managers.
  • Trade, broadcasting, and other services: retail managers, broadcasting managers, service operations managers.
  • Health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations: Hospital administrators, education directors, social service managers, NGO program managers.
  • Financial, communications, and other business services: Financial analysts, chartered accountants (CA), communications managers, business service directors.
     

*Want to Canada work visa? Let Y-Axis assist you with the steps.
 

Express Entry Draws held in 2026

Canada has issued a total of 44,862 invitations across 14 Express Entry draws held in the first three months of 2026.

The table below has a detailed overview of the Express Entry draws held in 2026 so far:

Draw Date Draw Type ITAs Issued CRS Cut-off Score
Mar-05 Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience 250 429
Mar-04 French-Language proficiency 5,500 397
Mar-03 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 508
Mar-02 Provincial Nominee Program 264 710
Feb-20 Healthcare and social services 4,000 467
Feb-19 Physicians with Canadian work experience 391 169
Feb-17 Canadian Experience Class 6,000 508
Feb-16 Provincial Nominee Program 279 789
Feb-06 French-Language proficiency 8,500 400
Feb-03 Provincial Nominee Program 423 749
Jan-21 Canadian Experience Class 6,000 509
Jan-20 Provincial Nominee Program 681 746
Jan-07 Canadian Experience Class 8,000 511
Jan-05 Provincial Nominee Program 574 711

 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance for Canada immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!
 

For recent immigration updates on Canada, check out Y-Axis Canada Immigration News page!

 
 

FAQs

What is the latest Express Entry draw announced by Canada?

Canada recently conducted its fourteenth Express Entry draw of the year and introduced a new category focused on senior managers with Canadian work experience. In this draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Category-based draws are designed to target specific types of candidates who meet Canada’s economic and labour market needs. By inviting candidates with senior-level managerial experience in Canada, the government aims to retain experienced professionals already contributing to the country’s workforce and support long-term economic growth through skilled immigration.

What is the new Express Entry category for senior managers with Canadian work experience?

The new category targets individuals who have worked in senior management roles in Canada and possess significant Canadian work experience. This category allows IRCC to select candidates who have already demonstrated leadership, business management, or executive-level expertise within the Canadian labour market. By creating a targeted selection stream, Canada can prioritize professionals who understand the local business environment and contribute to economic development. Candidates invited under this category may have experience managing organizations, overseeing operations, or leading teams in Canada, making them valuable additions to the country’s permanent workforce.

How many invitations were issued in this Express Entry draw?

In this specific Express Entry draw, IRCC issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence. ITAs are sent to candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the eligibility criteria and score high enough under the selection rules of that particular draw. Once a candidate receives an ITA, they can submit a complete application for permanent residence within the given deadline. Although the number of invitations in category-based draws may be smaller than general draws, they are designed to focus on highly targeted professionals who match Canada’s economic priorities.

What is Express Entry and how does it work?

Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration management system used to select skilled workers for permanent residence. It manages applications for programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. Periodically, IRCC conducts draws and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. The system is designed to select immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s labour market and economic growth.

Who can qualify for the senior managers Express Entry category?

Candidates who may qualify for this category are individuals who have senior management experience in Canada and meet the eligibility requirements of one of the Express Entry programs. Typically, these individuals hold leadership roles such as directors, executives, or high-level managers responsible for strategic decisions within organizations. In addition to work experience, applicants must also meet other Express Entry criteria such as language proficiency, education requirements, and admissibility standards. Candidates must first create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool before they can be considered for category-based invitations.

Why did Canada introduce a new Express Entry category for senior managers?

Canada introduced category-based selection to address labour shortages in specific sectors and occupations. Senior managers play a key role in driving business growth, managing organizations, and leading economic development initiatives. By targeting experienced leaders who already have Canadian work experience, the government aims to retain skilled professionals who understand the country’s business environment. This approach helps strengthen Canada’s economy by ensuring that leadership talent remains within the country and contributes to innovation, investment, and job creation across various industries.

What happens after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

Once a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, they have a limited time—usually 60 days—to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Applicants must upload supporting documents such as proof of work experience, education credentials, language test results, and medical and police certificates. Immigration authorities then review the application to confirm eligibility and admissibility. If the application is approved, the candidate receives Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can move forward with settling in Canada as a permanent resident.

Does Canadian work experience improve Express Entry chances?

Yes, Canadian work experience can significantly improve a candidate’s chances in the Express Entry system. The Comprehensive Ranking System awards additional points for work experience gained in Canada, as it demonstrates familiarity with the local labour market and workplace standards. Candidates with Canadian experience often have better language proficiency, professional networks, and employer references within the country. These factors can increase CRS scores and also make candidates eligible for programs like the Canadian Experience Class or targeted category-based draws such as the one focused on senior managers.

How often does Canada conduct Express Entry draws?

Canada typically conducts Express Entry draws every few weeks, although the schedule may vary depending on immigration targets and program priorities. Some draws are general and invite candidates across all programs, while others are program-specific or category-based. Category-based draws focus on particular occupations, skills, or language abilities to address labour shortages in specific sectors. The frequency and size of draws depend on Canada’s immigration levels plan, labour market needs, and the number of qualified candidates available in the Express Entry pool.

How can candidates improve their chances of receiving an Express Entry invitation?

Candidates can improve their chances by increasing their CRS score and strengthening their overall profile. Higher language test scores, additional work experience, or obtaining a higher level of education can significantly boost points. Securing a valid job offer in Canada or receiving a provincial nomination can also provide a major score increase. Additionally, candidates should keep their Express Entry profile updated with accurate information and new qualifications. Staying informed about category-based draws and targeted occupations can also help candidates align their profiles with Canada’s immigration priorities.

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Canada Draws, Canada PR draws, Express entry draw, latest Express Entry Draw, Canada Immigration news, Migrate to Canada, Canada Immigration, Canada PR, Express Entry category-based draws, Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
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First Express Entry Draw for Senior Managers
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Canada holds first Express Entry draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience. 250 ITAs issued with CRS 433. Check eligibility now.
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Canada Invites 250 Senior Managers in First Express Entry Category Draw with 433 CRS – Check Your Eligibility
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Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw for 250 Senior Managers with lowest CRS score – Check Your Eligibility!
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Canada holds first Express Entry draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience. 250 ITAs issued with CRS 433. Check eligibility now.
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