According to the Canadian federal government, Express Entry is the most popular immigration route. In order to effectively prioritize and select candidates in the Express Entry system who have the same CRS score. IRCC has implemented a tie-breaking rule. This rule operates by taking into consideration the exact date and time that “profiles were first submitted to the Express Entry pool.” Thereby ensuring a fair and transparent ranking process for all applicants. Learn more about the specifics of Express Entry’s tie-breaking rule and how it can affect your immigration prospects.
For each Express Entry draw since the rule’s inception, IRCC has specified a cut-off date and time. A Canadian Permanent Residency ITA is sent to each applicant who has met the minimum requirements for a draw. As well as submitted their profile by the deadline for that draw.
Express Entry’s tie-breaking rule – An example
An example of this tie-breaking policy can be found in the Express Entry draw that took place on January 18, 2023. As a result of this particular draw, IRCC handled 5,500 ITAs that had a CRS score of 490 or lower. The department also posted the tie-breaking rule time and date on November 24, 2022.
This scenario would result in ITAs being given to candidates with a CRS score of 490. Or higher who had previously submitted their profiles.
Tie-breaking rules – Three important considerations
While the tie-breaking rule has been added. Candidates should still be aware of some key points when applying for Express Entry.
Tie-breaking rules do not take into account a candidate’s CRS score
When it comes to ranking candidates for any Express Entry draw. The CRS score remains the most important factor for making a decision. Essentially, this rule’s purpose is to break a tie between Express Entry applicants with identical CRS scores, as the name implies.
The original timestamp of an Express Entry profile is not altered by editing or updating it
Candidates who update their Express Entry profile with new language test results or new ECA results will not have their submission timestamps altered. Candidate profile submission timestamps will only be altered in one situation.
Express Entry submission timestamps will change if you delete and reapply with a new profile
Certain circumstances may lead to a change in the original submission deadline. The person will only encounter this problem if their identification, date, and time are missing. Furthermore, if a person deletes his profile before applying again at a later date or time. The timestamp of his first application will differ from the timestamp of his subsequent application.



