Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC)

Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The National Occupational Classification (NOC Code Canada) is a standardized system that allocates a code to every occupation that prevails in the Canadian labour market.

The new NOC Code Canada system for Canada’s immigration and work permit process, which will be applied to all the immigration programs being managed by the Canada Express Entry system, has come into effect from November 16. To set out their occupation, applicants to all programmes, counting federal, provincial, and work permits, must enter a distinctive code.

Candidates who submitted their applications before November 16 don’t need to worry. They will be assessed in conformity with the old NOC 2016 rather than the new NOC Code Canada 2021. The Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Express Entry-linked PNP streams will all use the new system; accordingly, those who have a profile in the Express Entry pool will need to modernize it with the new code.

Transition to National Occupational Classification 2021

On November 16, 2022, we substituted the 2021 version of the NOC Code Canada (National Occupational Classification).

Find details of the earlier category of the NOC 2016.

We use the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to spot and designate jobs (occupations) based on the training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) they necessitate.

Understanding the process of NOC codes

Picking up the most appropriate NOC Code Canada is an exceedingly serious aspect of Canadian immigration. Skilled immigrants must be completely well-informed about the NOC that fits their work experience and profile. Claiming a NOC Code Canada that doesn’t go with your work experience results in direct application withholding. Therefore, you should choose the right NOC. There are sufficient documents in favour of your selection. Every NOC code comes with a related job title, lead statement, and a list of duties carried out.

TEER categories and examples of jobs

TEEROccupation types
TEER 0Management occupations
TEER 1Occupations that usually require a university degree
TEER 2
  • Occupations that generally necessitate
  • A college diploma
  • Apprenticeship training of 2 or more years
  • Supervisory occupations
TEER 3
  • Occupations that typically need
  • A college diploma
  • Apprenticeship training of less than 2 years
  • More than 6 months of on-the-job training
TEER 4
  • Occupations that usually require
  • A high school diploma
  • Several weeks of on-the-job training
TEER 5Occupations that usually require short-term work experience and no formal education

What if my NOC job title is not matching?

The most recent version of the NOC is NOC 2016. This includes over 200 job titles from the 2011 version. Please remember that while the NOC has over 30,000 job titles, it is not a diverse system. It includes usual and familiar job titles. It is, however, important to stay updated on any new, cropping up occupations and modifications to the job market. The NOC also undertakes proposals for changes to the system through an online consultation launch. Changes to the NOC normally take place every few years, with the next one planned for the year 2021.

You also need to be aware of the fact that different programs can employ different versions of the NOC. It is important to ensure that you are classifying yourself rightly, as there are differences in the code from different versions of the NOC.

If you are truly fighting, it might be desirable to reach out to an expert to get help in this area, as making an error in the classification can have a dreadful ripple effect on your immigration application.

Why is it Extremely Important for your Application Success?

The NOC Code Canada provides different details about the occupation, which all start with a “Lead Statement,” which provides a summary of the job types found in the classification of the job. Other elements are the key duties and employment requirements to be qualified to work in that position. The correct signal when complementing your job to the NOC is the specimen job titles that are found within the NOC. You must, however, be careful. It is not advisable to follow or base your classification in the NOC category on seeing the job title, as this is not essential to the immigration officer when they are making their decision.

What are the NOC Skill Level Groups?

There are five different skill type groups for immigration purposes:

  • Skill Type 0: This includes management jobs like purchasing managers, office managers, or financial managers.
  • Skill Level A: This counts advanced, professional jobs like chemists, accountants, or physicians.
  • Skill Level B: Usually includes skilled trades or jobs that necessitate training or apprenticeship, like massage therapists, firefighters, or police officers.
  • Skill Level C: Includes transitional occupations, usually calling for a high school diploma, like receptionists, dental assistants, or bartenders.
  • Skill Level D: These are labour jobs that generally only necessitate basic training, such as janitors, construction labourer’s or cashiers.

How can I suggest modifications to the National Occupational Classification?

Every so often, the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in partnership with Statistics Canada, launches an online discussion process to collect comments on the structure, composition, and content of the National Occupational Classification.

Changes to the content of the NOC (addition of job titles or key responsibilities, for instance) take place on an annual basis. Changes that may impact the structure of the NOC take place every ten years, with the next one lined up for 2031. You can discuss the information related to the consultation process to learn more.

So, there you have it, that is the NOC Code Canada, and it is one of the major considerations when you are lodging an economic-based application. It is exceedingly essential to have your categorization precisely correct and not only confirm that you have classified your work experience rightly but that you have taken into account all of the factors that come to bear on this application.

Finding the right Canada NOC codes is essential for Express Entry, work permits, and other immigration programs. Choosing the wrong NOC code in Canada can lead to delays or even rejection. Reach out to us, IRA, to get all your doubts clarified.

NOC Express Entry Eligibility Criteria Changes

Express Entry is one of Canada's principal procedures for bringing professional immigrants to Canada. All three programs under Express Entry will see shifts in eligibility norms with the NOC 2021.

What is the Noc list Canada?

Canada NOC is a systematic classification structure to identify and categorize occupations in Canada. To access the NOC code list, you can visit the NOC Official Site. You may reach us, and we will help you find the NOC codes relevant to your occupation.

If you're unsure about your NOC code, IRA can help by guiding you through NOC selection, Express Entry eligibility, and immigration strategies.

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