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Guide

The Express Entry tie-breaking rule

How IRCC decides between candidates who have exactly the cutoff score.

October 1, 2026Verified against official sources on 2026-10-01

How it works

When the number of candidates at the cutoff score is larger than the remaining invitations, IRCC uses the date and time each profile was submitted. Profiles submitted before the published tie-breaking time receive invitations; those submitted after do not. IRCC publishes the time with each round, in UTC.

Where to find it

Each round page on this site shows the tie-breaking time IRCC published, for example on draw #446.

What it means for you

  • If your score equals a recent cutoff, the tie-breaking time tells you whether profiles submitted when yours was were reached.
  • Re-creating a profile to change scores gives it a new submission time. Check the official guidance before doing so.

Common questions

Is the tie-breaking time in Canadian time?

IRCC publishes it in UTC. Convert it to your time zone before comparing with your profile's submission time.

Does the rule apply to every round?

Yes, whenever there are more candidates at the cutoff score than invitations left.

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