What is the Tie-Breaking Rule?
When IRCC conducts an Express Entry draw, they set a target quota for the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) they want to issue (e.g., 3,000 ITAs). Often, there are more candidates at the exact cut-off score (e.g. CRS 510) than the remaining quota slots.
To resolve this, IRCC uses the **Tie-Breaking Rule**. This rule uses the **date and time** the candidate's Express Entry profile was submitted/registered in the pool to decide who gets the ITA.
How the Timestamp Affects ITAs
Assume an Express Entry draw has a cut-off score of 510 and a tie-breaking timestamp of June 15, 2026 at 12:00:00 UTC:
| Candidate Score | Profile Submission Date & Time | Draw Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 512 (Above Cut-off) | July 1, 2026 at 15:00:00 UTC | ✅ ITA Issued (Timestamp is ignored because score is above cut-off) |
| 510 (At Cut-off) | June 1, 2026 at 09:30:00 UTC (Before threshold) | ✅ ITA Issued (Profile was created before the tie-breaker date) |
| 510 (At Cut-off) | June 20, 2026 at 10:15:00 UTC (After threshold) | ❌ No ITA (Score matches, but profile was created after the tie-breaker date) |
| 509 (Below Cut-off) | January 1, 2026 at 08:00:00 UTC | ❌ No ITA (Ineligible because score is below draw minimum) |
⚠️ Will Updating My Profile Reset My Timestamp?
One of the most critical questions for candidates is what actions reset their submission timestamp:
- Updating Profile Details (No Reset): If you edit your profile to update your address, add work experience, upload new IELTS test results, or add a spouse, **your timestamp does NOT reset**. Your original submission date is preserved.
- Withdrawing and Resubmitting (Reset): If you manually **withdraw** your profile from the pool and submit a brand-new profile, your timestamp **resets** to the exact second you submit the new profile. This puts you at the back of the queue for tie-breakers.
- Natural Expiration (Reset): Express Entry profiles expire automatically after **12 months**. If your profile expires and you submit a new one, your timestamp resets.
💡 Strategic Tips for Candidates
- Submit Early: Submit your profile into the Express Entry pool as early as possible, even if you are waiting on higher language test scores or other documents. Having an older timestamp gives you an advantage if you later update your score and tie at the cut-off.
- Do Not Delete/Withdraw Profiles: Unless you made a critical error that cannot be corrected through the update button, do not delete your profile. Keep your original timestamp intact.
- Watch the Expiry Date: Track your 12-month profile expiration date. Be ready to submit a new profile immediately upon expiration so your timestamp is as early as possible for future draws.
Tie-Breaker Rule at a Glance
- Only applies to candidates at the exact cut-off score.
- Uses profile submission timestamp (Date, Hour, Minute, Second).
- Updating profile details preserves original timestamp.