First Express Entry Draw Under New Category Set 429 CRS Cutoff

Last Updated On 5 March 2026, 2:46 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Canada just held the first-ever Express Entry draw under a brand new Express Entry category for senior managers with Canadian work experience today.

This draw is unique, as it sets the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoff at 429 points.

This is relatively low for a category-based draw targeting high-level executives as compared to the general CEC draws as well as other common occupational category-based draws.

This March 5, 2026 draw symbolizes a major change in Canada’s immigration strategy.

IRCC is now specifically targeting senior management talent for permanent residence.

Here is everything you need to know about this new category and what it means for eligible candidates.

First Ever Senior Manager Express Entry Draw Results

It is the first round under the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category.

Draw DetailInformationDraw number402DateMarch 5, 2026CategorySenior Managers with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1CRS cutoff429Number of invitations250Rank required250 or aboveTie-breaking ruleAugust 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC

The 429 CRS cutoff is notably accessible, as many senior managers with Canadian experience will find themselves above this threshold.

Who Is Eligible For The Senior Manager Category

This is a brand new category-based selection stream. IRCC created it to target high-level executives already contributing to Canadian businesses.

Unlike general CEC Express Entry draws, this category focuses specifically on management talent. It recognizes the value senior leaders bring to the Canadian economy.

The category falls under the 2026-Version 1 designation. This indicates it is part of IRCC’s updated category-based selection framework for 2026.

Eligibility requirements are specific. You must meet all criteria to qualify.

Basic requirements

Must have at least 12 months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation

Experience must be gained within the past 3 years

Work must have been performed in Canada

Part-time experience counts if it equals 12 months full-time

Important notes

Experience does not need to be continuous

You can qualify with experience in a single eligible occupation

Your primary occupation does not need to match the eligible list

You must also meet standard Express Entry requirements

Full List of Eligible Senior Manager Occupations

Only four occupations qualify for this category. All are classified under TEER 0 in the 2021 NOC system.

Occupation2021 NOC CodeTEER CategorySenior managers – financial, communications and other business services000120Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations000130Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services000140Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities000150

These are top-tier executive positions and they include CEOs, CFOs, VPs, and other C-suite roles across various industries.

How the Tie-Breaking Rule Works

When multiple candidates share the same CRS score, IRCC uses a tie-breaker.

The tie-breaking date for this draw was August 19, 2025 at 15:10:18 UTC.

What this means

Candidates with exactly 429 points needed profiles submitted before this timestamp

Earlier submissions received priority over later ones

Those who submitted after this time with 429 points were not invited

This rewards candidates who created and maintained their profiles early. It encourages keeping your Express Entry profile active and updated.

How This Differs From Other Express Entry Draws

The senior manager category has unique characteristics compared to other streams.

Draw TypeTypical CRSTarget CandidatesSenior Managers (New)429Executives with Canadian experienceCanadian Experience Class508-520Workers with 1+ year Canadian experienceProvincial Nominee Program700-750Candidates with provincial nominationsFrench Language Proficiency380-420French speakersNew Physician Category169Lowest among all the categoriesHealthcare Occupations430-470Doctors, nurses, healthcare workersSTEM Occupations480-510Tech and engineering professionals

The senior manager category offers a middle ground. It is more accessible than CEC but more targeted than French language draws.

March 2026 Express Entry Activity

This draw adds to an already active month for Express Entry.

Draw #DateCategoryInvitationsCRS402March 5Senior Managers250429401March 4French Language Proficiency5,500397400March 3Canadian Experience Class4,000508399March 2Provincial Nominee Program264710

IRCC has issued over 10,000 invitations in just four days. This pace signals aggressive immigration targets for 2026.

What Happens After Receiving an ITA

Candidates who receive invitations must act quickly.

60 day deadline

You have exactly 60 days to submit your complete application. This deadline is strictly enforced.

Required submissions

All supporting documents

Police clearance certificates

Medical examination results

Proof of funds (if applicable)

Application fees

Processing time

Most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months. Some may take longer depending on complexity.

After approval

You will receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Complete your landing to become a Canadian permanent resident.

Canada held its first ever Express Entry draw for senior managers on March 5, 2026. The CRS cutoff was set at 429 points.

This new category targets executives in four NOC codes: 00012, 00013, 00014, and 00015. Candidates need at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in these roles within the past 3 years.

The relatively low CRS cutoff makes this category accessible. Many senior managers already working in Canada likely qualify.

If you hold a senior management position in Canada, review your eligibility now. Create or update your Express Entry profile.

This new pathway to permanent residence could be your opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the new senior manager Express Entry category in Canada?

The Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category is a new Express Entry category launched March 5, 2026. It targets executives in NOC codes 00012, 00013, 00014, and 00015 who have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in senior management roles within the past 3 years.

Which occupations qualify for the senior manager Express Entry category?

Four occupations qualify: Senior managers in financial, communications and business services (NOC 00012), health, education and social services (NOC 00013), trade, broadcasting and other services (NOC 00014), and construction, transportation, production and utilities (NOC 00015). All are TEER 0 positions.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.