Canada Express Entry: Tie-Breaking Rule for PR Application Explained

Are you curious about how the tie-breaking rule works in Canada’s Express Entry system? Let’s break it down and help you understand how this important rule impacts Permanent Residence (PR) applications.

What is the Express Entry System?
Canada’s Express Entry is one of the fastest and most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers to obtain PR status. Applicants are ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which considers factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and more.

How Are Ties Broken?
When multiple candidates receive the same CRS score, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the tie-breaking rule to decide who gets an Invitation to Apply (ITA) first.

The rule is based on the date and time when a candidate’s Express Entry profile was submitted to the pool. Simply put:

The earlier you submit your profile, the higher your priority if there’s a tie in CRS scores.

IRCC prioritizes candidates whose profiles have been in the pool the longest at the tied CRS level.

Why Does This Rule Matter?
The tie-breaking rule ensures fairness and transparency in the selection process. It also highlights the importance of preparing and submitting your Express Entry profile as early as possible. Even if you don’t have a top CRS score initially, an early submission can give you an edge if scores are tied in a draw.

Pro Tip for Applicants

Always monitor Express Entry draws and updates.

Ensure your profile remains active and updated to maintain eligibility.

Work on improving your CRS score through additional education, work experience, or higher language test results to maximize your chances.

By understanding the tie-breaking rule, you can plan your application strategy better and boost your chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian PR. Have questions or tips to share? Let us know in the comments!