Canada holds its first Express Entry draw under one of the three newly introduced occupational categories, making it a historic move against inviting professionals under the Senior Managers with Canadian work experience category.
IRCC (Invitation, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) issued its first draw, inviting 250 candidates who aspire to immigrate to the country and obtain Canada permanent residency. Canada's latest Express Entry draw, held on March 5, 2026, is regarded as the fourteenth draw of the Canada Express Entry system.
Canada Latest Express Entry Draw
With a total of 250 ITAs, Canada holds its latest round of invitation under the Senior Managers with Canadian work experience category. To be eligible under this category applicants require:
❖ A minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 429
❖ Created an Express Entry profile before 3:10 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on August 19, 2025.
Unfold Who is Eligible to Apply Under this New Category
As the Canada latest Express Entry draw unfolds, it marks to be the first draw under the three newly introduced categories which were announced in February 2026. To be eligible for the new category, candidates must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience within the past three years, in one of the four occupations, under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. The occupations are:
● Senior managers – construction, transportation, production, and utilities
● Senior managers – trade, broadcasting, and other services
● Senior managers – health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations
● Senior managers – financial, communications, and other business services
With a total of 39,362 ITAs, Canada has recorded a substantial number of invitations so far, within the first two months of the year. IRCC has presented a complete list of total invitations under each category as:
Draw Type | ITAs Issued |
Canadian Experience Class | 24,000 |
French Language proficiency | 14,000 |
Healthcare and social services | 4,000 |
Provincial Nominee Program | 1,798 |
Physicians with Canadian work experience | 391 |
Senior Managers with Canadian work experience | 250 |
Impact of Newly Introduced Express Entry Categories
The newly introduced Express Entry categories mark an important shift in the Canadian immigration strategy, as it aims to attract skilled professionals who can contribute to leadership roles while strengthening the economy. By introducing Senior Managers that too with Canadian work experience play a crucial role in understanding management at all levels starting from ground level to senior levels, assistance in decision making, organizational growth and strategic planning across industries.
With the introduction of new categories highlights Canada’s intention of addressing labour needs. And specifically with the Canadian work experience, Canada aims to strengthen its economy by hiring individuals who already understand their economy and workforce. By recruiting individuals with prior Canadian work experience eliminates time and effort of the recruiting industries while hiring skilled and talented professionals.
What to Expect for the Next Express Entry Draws
As per the latest trends expressed in the year 2026, under the Express Entry system, IRCC has continued to introduce new categories according to the ever-evolving labour market needs. However, applicants who desire to secure Canada permanent residency must ensure they build their Express Entry profile accurately and earn Canadian work experience through the post- study work permit. As Expected in 2026, Canada will attract a humongous number of professionals for Canada permanent residency, thus, expecting more Express Entry draws in the upcoming months of the year.
Stay Updated with Province Immigration
Always remain updated with all the new and latest Express Entry draws with Province Immigration. For more information, call us at: +919896196762.
