On March 5, IRCC held its first category-based draw for Senior Managers with Canadian experience. It issued 250 ITAs with a minimum CRS cutoff score of 429.
Key Takeaways
- Type of draw: Category-based selection for Senior Managers with Canadian Experience
- Invitations issued: 250
- Minimum CRS score: 429
- Tie-breaking rule: August 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC
- Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on March 16, 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 draw for Senior Managers with Canadian experience is the first of its kind. It comes three weeks after the senior manager category was added to the list of targeted categories for 2026.
This also marked the second four-draw week for 2026! IRCC also conducted PNP, CEC, and French-category draws this week. This means over 10,000 ITAs were issued this week alone.
Although 250 invitations seem like a small number, it’s not unexpected for a newly launched category with an untested pool size. The first Physicians draw, which took place on February 19, issued 391 ITAs with a cutoff of just 169, reflecting how few candidates were eligible.
On the other hand, a cutoff of 429 means the pool is small, but it isn’t tiny. This is a good sign for senior managers who are typically older and receive fewer points under the CRS age factor. These experienced professionals might otherwise struggle to compete in non-category-based draws. A 429 cutoff is a much more realistic target than the 508 required in recent CEC rounds.
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 429, you should expect an invitation in this draw.
The tie-breaking rule for this draw was August 19, 2025, at 15:10:18 UTC. If your score was exactly 429 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 429, 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
Sugandha Mahajan
She/Her
Content Marketer
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Sugandha moved to Canada as a permanent resident in early 2020, just weeks before the pandemic shut everything down. She has first-hand experience with many common newcomer challenges, including navigating the Express Entry system, finding a job without Canadian experience, and figuring out small talk. To deepen her understanding of the field, she is currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Immigration & Citizenship Law at Queen’s University.
Read more about Sugandha Mahajan
Citation
Mahajan, Sugandha.
"IRCC Invites 250 Applicants in First-Ever Senior Manager Draw."
Moving2Canada.
Last modified March 10, 2026.
https://moving2canada.com/news/first-ever-senior-managers-ee-draw-march-5-2026/.
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