On July 10, IRCC held the second category-based draw for Senior Managers with Canadian experience. It issued 500 ITAs with a minimum CRS cutoff score of 392.
Key Takeaways
- Type of draw: Category-based selection for Senior Managers with Canadian Experience
- Invitations issued: 500
- Minimum CRS score: 392
- Tie-breaking rule: March 15, 2026 at 01:46:05 UTC
- Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on July 20, 2026. Check out our dedicated page for more info on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.
Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw
This was the second Express Entry draw for senior managers with Canadian work experience. IRCC issued 500 ITAs, twice as many as in the first draw for this category, held in early March 2026.
While 500 invitations may still seem like a relatively small number, these newer, more targeted categories (those that require Canadian experience and certain work experience) appear to be producing smaller invitation rounds. Even still, the CRS cutoff is much lower than in recent Canadian Experience Class and other category-based draws.
This is encouraging for senior managers, who are often older and may receive fewer CRS points under the age factor. Without a targeted category, these experienced professionals could struggle to compete in non-category-based draws. A CRS cutoff of 392 is a much more realistic target than the 517 required in recent CEC rounds.
The draw also capped off another four-draw week — a pattern that appears to be becoming more common as IRCC has more categories to choose from.
IRCC also conducted PNP, CEC, and French-category draws this week. This means just over 8,000 ITAs were issued this week alone.
Who Qualifies for The Senior Manager Category-Based Draw?
To be considered for the senior manager category, you need at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in one of these four National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC code | 2021 TEER category |
|---|---|---|
| Senior managers - construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 | 0 |
| Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 | 0 |
| Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations | 00013 | 0 |
| Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services | 00012 | 0 |
That experience must be in Canada. Work gained only abroad does not qualify for this category.
It’s important to note that not everyone with a senior manager job title will qualify for this draw. The category is aimed at senior leaders who’re in decision-making roles, and who’ve been responsible for entire departments or organizations.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and were in the Express Entry pool with a CRS score higher than 392, you should expect an invitation in this draw.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was March 15, 2026 at 01:46:05 UTC. If your score was exactly 392 and your profile was submitted after that date and time, you were not selected in this round, but you remain in the pool for future draws.
What to Watch for Next in Senior Manager-Category Draws
One draw doesn’t establish a pattern, so it’s hard to predict how often these draws will happen or what future cut-offs will look like.
What we do know is that this category is one of 10 target categories for 2026. The fact that this draw occurred soon after the new categories were announced shows that this is a priority for IRCC.
If your NOC code qualifies and you’re not yet in the Express Entry pool, that’s your next step. The sooner your profile is submitted, the better your chances for future rounds.
If your score is below 392, it’s worth assessing what moves might bring it closer. Stronger language test results can increase your CRS score. Alternatively, a provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points to your profile and help you qualify under the PNP.
Further Resources for Express Entry Candidates
For more information:
- Learn when to expect the next Express Entry draw.
- Use our online Express Entry CRS calculator to assess your current score.
If you’d like to stay in the loop about Canadian immigration and settlement updates, join our email community. We share information and breaking news regularly covering immigration, finances, and everything else about settling successfully in Canada, so you’re always in the know.
About the author
Rebecca Major
She/Her
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Rebecca Major is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R511564) with over 15 years of Canadian Immigration experience, gained after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in the UK. She specializes in Canadian immigration at Moving2Canada.
Read more about Rebecca Major
Citation
Major, Rebecca.
"IRCC Invites 500 Applicants in Second Senior Manager Draw."
Moving2Canada.
Last modified July 10, 2026.
https://moving2canada.com/2026/07/ircc-invites-500-applicants-in-senior-manager-draw/.
Copy for Citation
Featured Stories
Immigration • Jul 9, 2026
Half a Year In, IRCC Still Hasn’t Launched Some of the Promised Immigration Programs
Read more
Immigration • Jul 9, 2026
Manitoba PNP and Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Mid-2026 Review
Read more
Express Entry • Jul 9, 2026
IRCC Invites 5,000 Candidates in First French Express Entry Draw of July
Read more
Immigration • Jul 8, 2026
OINP Mid-2026 Review: How the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Performed in the First Half of 2026
Read more
