The March 5, 2026 Express Entry round introduced a focused selection targeting senior managers with Canadian work experience, marking a notable development in Canada’s category‑based immigration strategy.
IRCC issued 250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the new category Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience (2026 – Version 1). This round was conducted at 11:49:49 UTC and required candidates to meet a minimum CRS score of 429. The tie‑breaking rule was set for August 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC, meaning candidates with the minimum score were ranked based on when they submitted their profiles.
Key details:
- Draw number: 402
- Category: Senior managers with Canadian work experience
- Invitations issued: 250
- CRS cut‑off: 429
- Rank required: Top 250 candidates
- Draw date: March 5, 2026
- Tie‑breaking rule: August 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC
- Eligible programs: FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program), CEC (Canadian Experience Class), FSTP (Federal Skilled Trades Program)
Eligibility requirements:
- At least one year of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) Canadian work experience within the last three years.
- Work experience must fall under one of the following NOC 2021 senior management unit groups:
- 00012 – Senior managers: financial, communications, and other business services
- 00013 – Senior managers: health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations
- 00014 – Senior managers: trade, broadcasting, and other services
- 00015 – Senior managers: construction, transportation, production, and utilities
- Candidates must have performed the lead statement and a substantial number of main duties, including all essential duties, as defined in the National Occupational Classification.
- Any period of unauthorized work in Canada is excluded from eligibility.
