Selecting the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is one of the most important steps in your Express Entry application. The NOC you choose affects your program eligibility, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and even your visibility to provinces through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) searches. 

Choosing the wrong NOC can lead to missed opportunities, application refusals, or even findings of misrepresentation. This blog explains why your primary NOC matters and how to select the correct one for your Express Entry profile. 

Why Your Primary NOC Matters 

1. Express Entry Eligibility 

When creating your Express Entry profile, you must select a primary NOC that accurately represents your main skilled work experience. This is the occupation you intend to base your PR application on once you receive an ITA. 

If you choose the wrong NOC, you may become ineligible for certain Express Entry programs. 

For example: 

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 
Your primary NOC must fall under specific NOC groups, and you must have at least two years of experience in that occupation. If you mistakenly choose a different NOC, you risk losing eligibility. 

Example: 
If you are a chef (NOC 62200) but accidentally select cook (NOC 62300), your work duties will not match the NOC you selected, making you ineligible for FSTP and putting you at risk of misrepresentation. 

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 
You must have one year of continuous experience that matches the NOC used in your application. 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 
You must have at least one year of Canadian work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your NOC duties must match your job responsibilities. 

The TEER levels represent the skill level and training required for a job, with TEER 0 being the most skilled. 

2. Impact on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) 

Your primary NOC also determines how easily provinces can find your profile during PNP searches. Many PNPs use enhanced streams that are directly linked to Express Entry. 

Provinces often target specific occupations. If your NOC is incorrect, you may: 

Example: 

Elizabeth Johnson wants to immigrate to Canada and has work experience that matches the duties of a Web Designer (NOC 21233). Instead of relying on her job title of Graphic Designer (NOC 52120), she correctly selects the NOC that aligns with her actual duties. 

Because of this, she becomes eligible for Ontario’s tech-focused PNP draws. If she had selected the wrong NOC, the province would never have found her profile. 

A successful provincial nomination gives an additional 600 CRS points, greatly increasing the chance of receiving an ITA. 

How to Choose the Correct Primary NOC 
 
Choosing your NOC requires careful review. Here are the steps to follow: 

Your chosen NOC must match the duties listed in your employment documents. If IRCC determines your duties do not align with your NOC, your application can be refused. 

Consequences of Selecting the Wrong NOC 

Selecting an incorrect NOC can have serious consequences, including: 

These risks highlight the importance of selecting the correct NOC from the beginning. 
 
Final Thoughts 
 
Your primary NOC plays a major role in your Express Entry success. It affects your eligibility, your CRS score strategy, and your chances of being selected by a province through a PNP draw. 

To avoid refusal or misrepresentation, always ensure your work duties match your chosen NOC. Taking the time to select the correct NOC will significantly increase your chances of receiving an ITA and successfully immigrating to Canada. 

If you need help identifying the correct NOC or aligning your reference letters, professional guidance can make the process easier and help protect your application.