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:
- Visit
the NOC Page: Start by visiting the official NOC page
on the Government of Canada’s website.
- 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”).
- Find
the TEER and NOC Code: Look for the TEER level and NOC
code that best match your role.
- 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:
- Go
to the ESDC’s NOC search page.
- Choose
NOC 2021 Version 1.0 and search for your job title or code.
- Identify
the closest match and ensure the listed duties match your job.
- 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.
