Selecting the appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for your work experience is crucial for your immigration application, as various NOC codes align with different immigration pathways.
Choosing the wrong NOC code raises the risk of misrepresentation—a legal issue that can be considered a form of fraud in immigration cases. As a result, applicants may face application revocation or rejection due to an incorrect NOC designation.
What is the NOC?
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code system is Canada’s official framework for categorizing and describing occupations across the country. Updated in 2021, the NOC now includes a training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) component, reflecting the requirements needed to effectively perform each role.
Jobs are assigned a NOC based on the level of training, education, experience, and responsibilities they entail. TEER 0 indicates positions requiring the highest level of education or training, while TEER 5 represents roles needing the least.
TEER Levels Overview
TEER Number | Occupation Type |
TEER 0 | Management occupations. |
TEER 1 | Roles that typically require a university degree. |
TEER 2 | Positions usually needing a college diploma, apprenticeship training of two or more years, or supervisory experience. |
TEER 3 | Jobs that generally require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than two years, or over six months of on-the-job training. |
TEER 4 | Occupations that require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. |
TEER 5 | Roles that typically involve short-term on-the-job training with no formal education required. |
How to Choose the Right NOC
Finding the appropriate NOC code for your profession can be challenging due to the extensive nature of the NOC system. However, resources from the Government of Canada can simplify the process.
Steps to Find Your NOC Code
Navigate to the table at the bottom of the page and enter your job title in the "Filter items" field.
If your exact job title isn’t available, try entering a close approximation (e.g., use "accountant" instead of "forensic accountant").
Copy both the TEER number and the NOC code from the result that best matches your profession.
To confirm accuracy, visit Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) website and click on "Search by NOC Code." Enter the NOC code you copied and review the information provided.
Check the "main duties" section to ensure the duties match closely with those of your occupation. If they don’t, start the process over.
What If I Can’t Find My NOC?
If you’re unable to locate your NOC using the above method, follow these steps:
Go to the ESDC’s NOC search page.
Select NOC 2021 Version 1.0 and search for your job title or NOC code.
Identify the closest match, ensuring the main duties align with your actual responsibilities. If they don’t, look for a different job title that accurately reflects your duties.
Record the numeric code and job title. Enter the code in the "Filter items" field of the original table and note the corresponding TEER level.
Next Steps After Finding the Right NOC Code
Once you have identified and confirmed the correct NOC code that aligns with your job duties, you can add this information to your immigration application.
Ensuring that the NOC code accurately reflects your role and responsibilities is vital for demonstrating eligibility for your chosen immigration stream and avoiding potential issues of misrepresentation in your application.
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