Know your NOC

Canada has its unique way of describing occupations and this system is called National Occupational Classification (NOC). Each occupation is assigned a unique number or the NOC code. The description includes a lead statement, some examples of possible job titles, exclusions (which includes the occupations that do not come under that particular NOC), main duties, employment requirements and any additional information that applies.

Now why knowing your NOC code is important?

There are more than one reason why you should know your/your occupation’s NOC code.

First, each occupation or the NOC code in this case, has an associated skill level. There are 4 skill levels 00, 0, A, B, C and D.

Let me briefly describe these skill levels:

00 skill type is for top line managers eg CEOs, CFOs, CSOs etc. 00 job offers give you 200 points in CRS, we’ll discuss this later.

0 skill type jobs are management jobs e.g. sales managers, restaurant managers, HR managers etc.

Skill level A jobs are professionals like engineers, teachers, doctors etc.

Skill level B jobs are technical or skilled jobs like carpenters, electricians, welders etc.

Skill level C jobs are generally intermediate jobs like truck drivers, waiters, clerks etc.

Skill level D jobs are labour jobs like cleaners, janitors, service station attendants etc.

For most of the immigration programs, your occupation needs to fall under either of the skill level 0 (and 00), A or B. There are some specialized programs run by some provinces that make skill level C and D also eligible to apply.

Second, each NOC code has a list of job duties that you’re expected to perform in order to apply under that particular NOC code. The NOC also describes the other requirements that you need to fulfill to be eligible to apply under the NOC code e.g. educational requirements, certain period of experience required etc. So make sure you read the “lead statement” (a statement that briefly describes the occupation) and make sure you perform “majority” of the duties mentioned under the NOC code before applying.

NOC code and designation

What you need to keep in mind is that your designation/job title might not always point you in the right direction. You need to see the duties expected to be performed rather than just the job title. In case your job title matches with a different NOC code and the job duties match with a different NOC code, for most of the cases go for the later.

You can check your NOC code here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-national-occupation-code.html

We are always here to assist you. If you need help in your PR application, you can reach us HERE! Fill the CONTACT US FORM and we'll get back to you.

Disclaimer: While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained here is correct and easy to understand, the author is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the uses of this information. Always check and reconfirm before making any decision. You may verify the information at https://www.canada.ca/home.html

Author: Harman Batth is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with membership number R707212. Status of an RCIC can be verified through ICCRC's website here: https://iccrc-crcic.ca/find-a-professional/

© Bedrock Immigration All Rights Reserved.