NOC Code in Canada is an essential part of the Canada immigration application. As it helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluate your occupation’s skill level. Choosing the correct NOC code is critical to ensure that your work experience aligns with the Canadian Job Market.
To choose the right NOC code, you must review your job duties and responsibilities and compare them to those in each NOC definition. This article will help you do just that.
The Importance of Accurate NOC Codes Selection
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code system is an integral tool in navigating the Canadian job market. It allows you to confidently search for jobs that suit your qualifications and work experience. It also helps Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluate your skill level and match you with the right programs for your career progression.
In order to choose the correct NOC code, it is crucial to thoroughly examine your job description and tasks. It is important to compare the main duties and responsibilities outlined in your job reference letter to those listed on the NOC profile. While an exact word-for-word match is not required, there should be a strong overall similarity and alignment.
Another helpful step is examining the exclusion and inclusion details associated with each NOC code. This is especially useful if you are planning to apply under Provincial Nomination Programs, as these types of programs require applicants to have the right NOC code. This helps ensure that your application is processed efficiently and that you are placed into the correct stream.
Exploring NOC Code in Canada Categories
To select the right NOC code, start by reviewing the information on the NOC website. Each occupation has its own NOC description with relevant details about the job’s main duties and responsibilities. Reviewing this information is critical because when you submit your work experience to IRCC for permanent residence, they will compare the job duties listed in your proof of work with those outlined in the NOC.
Using the NOC’s structure can also help you narrow down your search by limiting your research to broad occupational categories and skill levels. For example, if you know that the occupation in question is classified as a skilled trade, this can help narrow your search to only those NOC unit groups associated with TEER categories 0, 1, and 2.
In addition to the NOC descriptions, each occupation’s profile also includes additional information such as supplementary details and exclusions. Examining these details can provide further clarity about the role and its responsibilities and whether it aligns with your own. For example, if the job title is “accountant,” but you don’t enter data into spreadsheets, then you won’t be able to use this NOC code.
Researching NOC Codes in Canada
When you’re starting a new career in Canada or applying for immigration, the NOC code system is key to understanding how your job experience will be assessed by IRCC. NOC codes are unique five-digit numbers associated with every occupation in the Canadian labour market. The NOC code system identifies the main responsibilities, educational requirements and employment opportunities for a job or occupation in Canada.
The first digit of an NOC code denotes the Skill Level, which represents the amount and type of education and training that is generally required for an occupation. The second digit refers to the NOC Major Group, which consists of broad occupational categories and their respective TEER categories. The remaining digits identify the minor groups and the specific field of work within each major group.
The NOC matrix has a search function where you can enter an occupation and find its corresponding NOC code. It’s important to research the NOC codes and make sure they align with your job duties and responsibilities. You should also confirm that your NOC code is an in-demand occupation in Canada.
Avoiding Common NOC Code Mistakes
Fortunately, there are a few key tips that can help you avoid making the most common NOC code mistakes. For one, it’s important to look at both the lead statement and the main duties and responsibilities to ensure that your experience closely matches the occupation. Additionally, it’s a good idea to examine the NOC unit group details, as these can provide additional clarification and helpful insights into the occupation’s requirements.
When considering a specific NOC code, it’s also important to consider the level of skill required for the occupation. This is typically reflected in the TEER (training, education, experience and reskilling) category, which can be identified by the second digit of the NOC code.
Lastly, it’s also a good idea to check the remuneration level for the NOC code you’re considering. This can be an important indicator of whether or not your skills will be in demand in Canada. In addition, if you’re applying for a provincial nomination program, it’s advisable to only list the primary NOC code that best aligns with your skills and experiences.
Adapting to Career Changes
When you apply for a Canadian visa or immigration program, your NOC code is used to assess your work experience. It’s important to select an NOC code that closely matches your job duties, education and skillset. To ensure that IRCC evaluates your work experience appropriately.
If you are applying for Express Entry, your NOC code determines whether you can claim CRS points for your experience. For this reason, it’s important to update your NOC code whenever you experience a significant change in your career path.
To find your NOC code, visit the government’s website and scroll down to “Find Your NOC”. Select the current year Version and type in your job title and click Search. You will then see a list of titles that closely match your job description and responsibilities. And will have the NOC code listed alongside them.
Make sure you select the NOC code that most closely matches your job duties to avoid any mistakes in claiming your Express Entry CRS score. Also, check if your NOC code is a skilled occupation to ensure it meets the requirements of your chosen immigration program.