The tie-breaking rule plays a crucial role in determining whether a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry system.
Overview of Express Entry Draws:
In each draw, a specific number of candidates are invited to apply for PR. Only candidates who receive an ITA can proceed with their PR application. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects top-ranking candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which evaluates factors such as age, education, qualifications, and language proficiency.
For example, if IRCC issues 3,000 ITAs in a draw, the 3,000 candidates with the highest CRS scores will be invited.
How the Tie-Breaking Rule Works:
When multiple candidates have the same CRS score, the tie-breaking rule is used to determine priority. This rule considers the date and time the candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Why It Matters:
The tie-breaking rule is especially significant when the CRS score of a candidate matches the cut-off score of a specific draw. In such cases, priority is given to the candidate whose profile has been in the pool longer.
In essence, if two or more candidates have the same CRS score, the earlier submission date of their Express Entry profile will ensure they receive the ITA first.
Example of the Tie-Breaking Rule in Action
Consider two candidates, Priya and Aiden, who both have profiles in the Express Entry pool.
- Priya has a CRS score of 542 and submitted her Express Entry profile on September 18, 2024.
- Aiden also has a CRS score of 542 but submitted his profile on September 20, 2024.
In a draw held in November 2024, the CRS cut-off score is set at 542. Since both candidates have the same score, the tie-breaking rule is applied. This rule gives priority to candidates who submitted their profiles before a specific date and time.
For this draw, IRCC announces the tie-breaking date as September 19, 2024. As Priya submitted her profile before this date, she receives an ITA, while Aiden does not.
What Happens Next?
Aiden’s profile remains in the pool and could still be selected in a future draw if his CRS score meets or exceeds the new cut-off.
Key Note:
While the tie-breaking rule determines priority in the event of a tie, a candidate’s CRS score is always the primary factor used to rank candidates for ITAs.
Why is the Tie-Breaking Rule Important?
The Express Entry pool has been expanding steadily in recent years.
With a growing number of candidates, the likelihood of multiple individuals achieving the same CRS score also increases.
As a result, the tie-breaking rule becomes crucial in deciding which candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when scores are tied.
What Happens if You Update Your Express Entry Profile?
Making updates to your Express Entry profile does not affect the original submission timestamp.
However, if you delete your profile and create a new one, the timestamp will reset to reflect the date and time of the new submission.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residency.
It oversees three key programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Eligible candidates are evaluated and assigned a score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
The Canadian government conducts regular draws, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency by issuing them Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
