How to Choose the Right NOC for Your Profession: A Simple Guide

Choosing the correct National Occupation Classification (NOC) code for your work experience is crucial when applying for immigration to Canada. Different NOC codes qualify for various immigration streams, and selecting the wrong one can lead to serious consequences, including application rejection or accusations of misrepresentation, which is considered a type of fraud in immigration cases.

Understanding the NOC System

The NOC system is Canada’s way of categorizing and describing jobs across the country. In 2021, the NOC was updated to include a new component called TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities), which helps determine the skill level required for each occupation.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the TEER levels:

• TEER 0: Management occupations.
• TEER 1: Jobs usually requiring a university degree.
• TEER 2: Roles typically needing a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2+ years, or supervisory positions.
• TEER 3: Jobs that often require a college diploma, shorter apprenticeship training, or over six months of on-the-job training.
• TEER 4: Occupations needing a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training.
• TEER 5: Jobs requiring only short-term work demonstrations and no formal education.
  
  

How to Find the Right NOC Code

Given the vast number of occupations listed in the NOC, finding the right code can feel overwhelming. However, the Government of Canada offers resources to simplify this process:

1. Visit the NOC Page: Start by visiting the official NOC page on the Government of Canada’s website.
2. Search for Your Job Title: Enter your job title in the search bar. If your exact job title isn’t listed, try using a similar or broader term (e.g., instead of “forensic accountant,” try “accountant”).
3. Find the TEER and NOC Code: Look for the TEER level and NOC code that best match your role.
4. Verify on ESDC’s Website: To confirm your code, visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website. Enter the NOC code you found and review the job description, especially the "main duties" section. Ensure these duties align closely with your job responsibilities. If they don’t, go back and try searching with a different job title.
   
   

What If You Can’t Find Your NOC Code?

If you’re struggling to find the right NOC code:

1. Go to the ESDC’s NOC search page.
2. Choose NOC 2021 Version 1.0 and search for your job title or code.
3. Identify the closest match and ensure the listed duties match your job.
4. Note down the NOC code and TEER level, and use these in your application.
   
   

Next Steps After Finding the Right NOC Code

Once you have identified the correct NOC code that aligns with your job duties, include this information in your immigration application. This will help ensure your eligibility for the intended immigration stream and avoid potential issues with misrepresentation.

Choosing the correct NOC code is essential for a successful immigration application. Take the time to carefully match your job duties with the right NOC code to improve your chances of success.