The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently conducted its first Express Entry draw for a new immigration category, specifically for Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience. This draw took place on March 5, 2026, and issued a total of 250 invitations to apply (ITAs).
Details of the New Draw
To be eligible for this specific category, candidates were required to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 429. Additionally, applicants needed to create their Express Entry candidate profile before 3:10 p.m. UTC on August 19, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must possess at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in one of the following Senior Manager occupations according to Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC):
- Senior managers in construction, transportation, production, and utilities
- Senior managers in trade, broadcasting, and other services
- Senior managers in health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations
- Senior managers in financial, communications, and other business services
Summary of Recent Express Entry Draws
This draw marks the first for the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category and is part of the 2026 Express Entry selection process, which has focused primarily on candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial nominations. Below is a summary of the draws conducted in 2026:
| Draw Date | Draw Type | CRS Cut-off Score | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French-Language Proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and Social Services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
Overall Immigration Trends in 2026
To date, the IRCC has issued a total of 39,362 ITAs in 2026, distributed across various draw types:
- Canadian Experience Class: 24,000
- French-Language Proficiency: 14,000
- Healthcare and Social Services: 4,000
- Provincial Nominee Program: 1,798
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: 391
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 250
As Canada continues to refine its immigration process, candidates are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming draws and eligibility requirements through reliable sources such as El-Balad.
