The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple Express Entry candidates have the same CRS score at the cut-off level. In such cases, priority is given to candidates who submitted their Express Entry profile earlier, based on the date and time of profile submission in the IRCC system. For example, if the cut-off is 490 points and several candidates meet it, only those who submitted their profiles before the tie-breaking date published in the draw details will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This ensures fairness and a transparent selection process in competitive draws.