On March 5, 2026, IRCC conducted the first Express Entry draw under the category “Senior managers with Canadian work experience.”

Draw details
• Round: #402
• Invitations issued: 250
• CRS cut-off: 429
• Tie-breaking rule: August 19, 2025 – 15:10:18 UTC

The CRS score of 429 sits below typical Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws (often 508–520), suggesting a targeted pathway for senior executives already contributing to Canadian businesses.

Basic eligibility
✔ At least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience (or equivalent part-time)
✔ Experience obtained within the past 3 years
✔ Experience in an eligible occupation
✔ Meet Express Entry eligibility requirements

Eligible occupations (TEER 0)
• NOC 00012 — Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
• NOC 00013 — Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
• NOC 00014 — Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services
• NOC 00015 — Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities

Typical roles include CEO, CFO, Vice President, and other senior executives.

Important note:
Entrepreneurs are generally not eligible. Under the Express Entry Ministerial Instructions, self-employment does not count as Canadian work experience, and individuals exercising managerial control over their own company may be assessed as self-employed.