The first Express Entry draw of Canada occurred with a new category when Canada introduced its immigration selection process. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC conducted its first historic draw on March 5 2026 which aimed at senior managers with Canadian work experience. The round issued 250 Invitations to Apply ITAs to candidates who met the requirements for permanent residence. The Comprehensive Ranking System CRS established 429 as its cut-off score which created an easier path to access its specialized category based draw.
The new category demonstrates Canada’s effort to bring in skilled executives and high-level managers who already help drive economic growth in Canada.
Highlights of the First Express Entry Draw Under New Category
● Draw Date – 5March 2026
● Draw Type – senior managers with Canadian work experience
● Number of Invitations – 250
● CRS Score – 429
This draw represents the first-ever Express Entry round conducted under the new senior manager category, targeting top-level professionals working in Canada.
Who Is Eligible Under the New Senior Manager Category
The Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category exists to identify executive candidates who possess Canadian leadership experience.
The category requires candidates to fulfill specific criteria for eligibility.
● The first requirement mandates candidates to complete 12 months of employment in a designated role.
● The work experience needs to be obtained through employment in Canadian companies.
● The experience must have been obtained within the last three years.
● Part-time work can also count if it equals 12 months of full-time experience.
The requirement establishes a prerequisite for selecting candidates who possess extensive professional experience in the Canadian job market which boosts their likelihood of achieving successful permanent residency in Canada.
How This Draw Differs From Other Express Entry Draws
This draw selected executive-level professionals, which sets it apart from traditional Express Entry draws that choose candidates from a wider range of programs including Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Program.
The introduction of the Senior Managers category demonstrates Canada’s evolving immigration strategy, which increasingly relies on category-based selection to address specific economic and labour market needs.
Through its leadership role recruitment, the government seeks to bring in people who will lead organizations and create new business solutions while developing the Canadian business ecosystem.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation
The complete permanent residence application needs to be submitted by candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply through Express Entry within 60 days.
The applicants need to submit these supporting documents –
● Proof of work experience
● Language test results
● Educational credentials
● Police certificates and medical examination results
The approval of the application leads to the issuance of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) which enables candidates to complete their final landing process to achieve Canadian permanent residency.