By admin
Canada Conducts First Express Entry Draw Under Newly Introduced Category
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has conducted a new round of invitations through the Express Entry system, targeting candidates under a newly introduced immigration category.
In the draw held on March 5, 2026, 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates classified as Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience.
To qualify for this draw, candidates were required to:
- Have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 429, and
- Have created their Express Entry profile before 3:10 p.m. (UTC) on August 19, 2025.
Express Entry Draws in 2026
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | 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 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
This round marks the first-ever draw under the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category and represents the 14th Express Entry draw held in 2026.
New Category Introduced in 2026
The Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category was introduced following changes to the Express Entry system announced in February 2026, when IRCC added several new occupational categories to better target highly skilled professionals.
To qualify under this category, candidates must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience within the last three years in one of the following senior management roles under the National Occupational 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
Focus on Candidates Already in Canada
Throughout 2026, Express Entry draws have largely targeted candidates who are already living and working in Canada, particularly individuals with Canadian work experience or provincial nominations.
Express Entry Draws in 2026 (So Far)
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 5 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 4 |
| French-language Proficiency | 2 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
Total Invitations Issued in 2026
| Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 24,000 |
| French-language Proficiency | 14,000 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 4,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 1,798 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 391 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 250 |
Overall, 39,362 Invitations to Apply have been issued through the Express Entry system in 2026 so far.
Canada continues to refine its immigration selection process through targeted draws, helping attract skilled professionals who can contribute to the country’s labour market and long-term economic growth.