Senior Managers with Canadian experience are now a priority occupation for permanent residency through Express Entry
Breaking news: On February 18th, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially announced new selection categories under Express Entry:
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
Researchers and senior managers with Canadian experience
Candidates in transport-related occupations, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
Highly skilled foreign military personnel recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces, such as military doctors, nurses and pilots.
These updates reinforce Canada’s commitment to attracting specialized talent and strengthening its workforce in areas of high demand.
Senior Managers with Canadian experience
The introduction of the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category represents a major shift in how high-level business professionals will compete for permanent residence.
For many of our business immigration clients, this change is highly relevant — especially those who occupy senior leadership roles in Canadian organizations.
Who Qualifies Under the New Senior Managers Category?
To be eligible, candidates must:
Have at least 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience (or the equivalent in part-time) within the past 3 years.
The experience does not need to be continuous.
The experience must be in one single occupation from the list below, regardless of their primary occupation.
Eligible Senior Manager Occupations
00015 – Senior managers: construction, transportation, production and utilities
00014 – Senior managers: trade, broadcasting and other services
00013 – Senior managers: health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
00012 – Senior managers: financial, communications and other business services
Important Note for Business Owners
Having a registered company in Canada is not enough to be considered a Senior Manager under this category.
To qualify, candidates must actively have other managers and employees under their charge within the business.
➡️ Self-employed business owners without staff do not qualify under this new category.
How This Change Affects Business Owners and Executives
Previously, senior-level business owners with Canadian work experience competed in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), where their Canadian managerial experience provided a competitive advantage (often granting up to 200 CRS points).
Under the new rules, these candidates will now compete among other senior managers only, through the newly created Express Entry category. Invitations will be issued to those with the highest rankings within this specific group.
This creates a more targeted pathway for executives and high-level managers — but also increases the importance of strong credentials.
Language requirements remain critical and strong English and/or French scores continue to play a major role in a candidate’s eligibility.
Do you need help in our path to Canadian Permanent Residence? Book a consultation with Rita Benkhalti, our Senior Immigration consultant at North Horizon Immigration to review your case and prepare a customized strategy for you and your family.
