For individuals seeking Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system, understanding the tie-breaking rule is crucial. In a system where candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, the tie-breaking rule determines who receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when two or more candidates have identical CRS scores. This seemingly small detail can play a pivotal role in the timing of your PR application.
In this blog, we’ll break down how the tie-breaking rule works and why it’s an essential consideration for anyone looking to immigrate to Canada.
How Does the Tie-Breaking Rule Work?
Each Express Entry draw invites a set number of candidates to apply for Canadian PR based on their CRS scores. However, in situations where multiple candidates share the same score, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the tie-breaking rule to decide who gets an ITA. The tie-breaking rule is straightforward: candidates with the same CRS score are prioritized based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profile. If your profile was submitted earlier than another candidate’s, you’ll be selected over them, despite having the same CRS score.
Example: How the Tie-Breaking Rule Affects Your Chances
Let’s take an example with two candidates, Sam and Olivia. Both candidates have a CRS score of 542.
- Sam submitted his Express Entry profile on January 5, 2024.
- Olivia submitted her profile on January 8, 2024.
In a draw held on February 5, 2024, the CRS cut-off score is set to 542. Since both Sam and Olivia have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule will decide who gets the ITA.
If the IRCC announces that the tie-breaking time is January 6, 2024, at 12:00 PM, this means only those candidates who submitted their profiles before this timestamp will be invited to apply. As Sam submitted his profile on January 5, he will receive the ITA in this round. Olivia, however, will not receive an ITA because her profile was submitted after the specified time and date. Olivia’s profile will remain in the pool, and she still has a chance of being invited in future draws.
Why the Tie-Breaking Rule Matters
With more candidates entering the Express Entry pool each year, the likelihood of multiple candidates having the same CRS score has increased. This makes the tie-breaking rule more important than ever, as it directly affects who will be invited to apply for permanent residency. While the CRS score remains the most important factor in the draw, the tie-breaker serves as a determining factor when scores are tied. Given that the Express Entry pool continues to expand, candidates must be proactive in submitting their profiles to maximize their chances of selection.
What Happens If I Edit or Resubmit My Express Entry Profile?
If you make changes to your Express Entry profile, these will not alter the original submission timestamp. However, if you delete and resubmit your profile, the system assigns a new timestamp, which could affect your place in the pool. Candidates should be cautious about making changes too close to a draw if they are aiming for a specific cut-off date.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration system that manages applications from skilled workers looking to become permanent residents. It manages three major immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates are evaluated based on factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. The highest-ranking candidates in each Express Entry draw are invited to apply for permanent residency.
Conclusion: Why Timing Is Everything in Express Entry
The tie-breaking rule in Express Entry is an essential element that can directly impact your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). While your CRS score is crucial, the timing of your profile submission plays a decisive role when multiple candidates have identical scores. Be sure to submit your Express Entry profile early to enhance your chances of receiving an ITA.
At Growing Globe Immigration, we specialize in optimizing your Express Entry profile and guiding you through every step of the immigration process to ensure you have the best possible chance of success.