Choosing the correct National Occupation Classification (NOC) code for your work experience is crucial in the Canadian immigration process. Different NOC codes qualify for different immigration streams, and an incorrect selection can lead to serious consequences.
Selecting the wrong NOC code increases the risk of misrepresentation, a legal term in immigration that can be considered a form of fraud. If misrepresentation occurs, your application could be revoked or rejected, even if it was an honest mistake.
What is the NOC?
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is Canada’s official method of categorizing and describing occupations. The NOC system was updated in 2021 to incorporate a new component: Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER). This addition highlights the level of these four factors needed to perform each job effectively.
Jobs are assigned a NOC code based on their TEER level, which ranges from TEER 0 to TEER 5. TEER 0 represents occupations requiring the most education or training, while TEER 5 includes jobs with the least requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of the TEER levels and the corresponding education, training, and experience required:
| TEER Number | Occupation Type |
|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management occupations. |
| TEER 1 | Occupations typically requiring a university degree. |
| TEER 2 | Occupations usually needing a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or supervisory roles. |
| TEER 3 | Occupations generally requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or over 6 months of on-the-job training. |
| TEER 4 | Occupations often needing a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. |
| TEER 5 | Occupations that typically require short-term work demonstrations with no formal education. |
How to Choose the Right NOC
Given the complexity of the NOC system, finding the right NOC code can be challenging. Fortunately, the Government of Canada offers resources to simplify this process.
The primary resource is the government’s NOC page, which you can access here.
To find your NOC code, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recommends the following steps:
- Scroll down to the table and enter your job title in the “Filter items” field at the top.
- If your exact job title isn’t listed, try a close approximation (e.g., enter “accountant” instead of “forensic accountant”).
- Note down the TEER number and NOC code that most closely match your occupation.
- To verify, visit Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) webpage. Use the “Search by NOC Code” feature to enter the code you found and review the job description provided.
- Pay special attention to the “main duties” section. Ensure that these duties closely match those of your role. If they don’t, you may need to start over.
What if I Can’t Find My NOC Code?
If you cannot locate your NOC code through the steps above, try these alternatives:
- Go to the “search page” of ESDC’s NOC website.
- Select NOC 2021 Version 1.0 and search for your job title or NOC code.
- Find the closest match from the list and ensure the main duties align with your job responsibilities. If not, search for a different title that better reflects your duties.
- Record the numeric code and job title. Return to the original table, enter the code in the “Filter items” field, and take note of the TEER level shown.
Next Steps After Finding the Correct NOC Code
Once you have found and confirmed the correct NOC code that matches your role and responsibilities, you can include this information in your immigration application.
Selecting the correct NOC code is vital for determining your eligibility for specific immigration streams and avoiding the risks of misrepresentation in your application.
For further assistance, consider scheduling a free consultation with Skynet Immigration. We’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring accuracy and increasing your chances of a successful application.
