How can I chose the correct NOC for express entry

How can I chose the correct NOC for express entry

As of November 16^th, 2022, IRCC took a historical step of upgrading the NOC system and switching it to a new TEER system. All new Canadian immigration hopefuls who lodged their Expression of Interest after November 16, will use the new NOC 2021 update to check their new National Occupation Classification Code.

As India’s no.1 immigration consultants, one question that we often hear from our clients is- how can I choose the correct NOC for express entry? As Canada continues to change its immigration norms now and then, choosing the right NOC is the most important step in starting your journey to Canada in 2023.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) assigns a five-digit code to every occupation existing in the Canadian labor market. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers these NOCs to evaluate a range of occupations aligning with an applicant’s work experience in their home country. Some migration programs in Canada are only dedicated to candidates with experience in certain occupations, therefore, an individual needs to understand the nits and grits of the NOC code and how it works.

Understanding the process of NOC codes

Picking up the most appropriate Canada NOC code is a highly critical aspect of Canadian immigration. Skilled immigrants must be fully aware of the NOC that suits their work experience and profile. Claiming a NOC that doesn’t go with your work experience results in direct application refusal. Therefore, you should ensure to select the right NOC and have sufficient documents in favor of your selection. Every NOC code comes with an associated job title, lead statement, and a list of duties performed.

In the context of Canadian immigration, it doesn’t matter what your actual job title is as long as your work experience matches the lead statement and you have performed most of the job duties mentioned on the list. Your work experience may fall under a couple of different NOCs, or your job title might be associated with a NOC code that does not complement your work experience.

The latest NOC update streamlines a range of occupations by assigning them a Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system. IRCC has determined three TEER categories ranging from TEER 0 to TEER 5. The second digit in the NOC is your TEER category.

Following is the breakdown of NOC codes:

• The first digit highlights the occupational category;
• The second digit is the TEER category;
• The first two digits together represent the major group;
• The first three digits represent the sub-major group;
• The first four digits represent the minor group; and
• The full five digits represent the unit group or the occupation itself.

TEER Categories

TEER OCCUPATIONS OCCUPATION TYPES JOB EXAMPLES	OCCUPATION TYPES	JOB EXAMPLES
TEER 0	Management Occupations	Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers Financial managers
TEER 1	Occupations that usually require a university degree	Financial Advisors Software Engineer
TEER 2	Occupations that usually require • a college diploma • apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or • supervisory occupations	Computer network and web technicians Medical laboratory technologists
TEER 3	Occupations that usually require •a college diploma •apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or •more than 6 months of on-the-job training	Bakers Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
TEER 4	Occupations that usually require •a high school diploma, or •several weeks of on-the-job training	Home childcare providers Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
TEER 5	Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education	Landscaping and grounds maintenance laborers Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors

Determine whether you are a highly-skilled or low-skilled worker

For immigration through the Canada Express Entry system, any occupation determined under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 is regarded as a skilled worker. On the contrary, occupations under TEER 4 or 5 are labeled as low-skilled work.

The best way to know whether your occupation is high or low-skilled is to check the NOC Matrix on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website.

The NOC matrix helps you search for the right NOC either by your industry or by keywords, such as your job title. Do not forget to check the lead statement as it should match your job description and duties and responsibilities.

Need help selecting your NOC code for Canada? Confused if you have picked up the right NOC? We’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us call us 8595338595 or mail us at [email protected] to get the right start to your immigration journey.