How to find your NOC code

What is NOC code? 

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The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's national system for describing occupations.
The government uses Canada NOC codes (National Occupational Classification) to classify jobs, careers, and occupations.
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You must provide your NOC codes for your current and previous jobs when applying for Express Entry. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) assesses your work experience using the NOC codes given to you based on your occupation. 

In the Express Entry application, where it asks you to indicate your occupation, you can specify your occupation using the most relevant NOC code in conjunction with your work experience. Providing the correct NOC codes is crucial, as an incorrect NOC code could result in application rejection. 

How to find your NOC Code? 

Quick search for your NOC code:

Can't find your job? You can also use the National Occupational Classification tool.‍

Here are the tips when selecting your NOC Code: 

Common mistakes 

• Relying only on your job title to select your NOC code 
• Overlooking the job duties 
• Your job responsibilities do not match the NOC job duties 
  

Best practice 

At least 75% of your job duties in your reference letter should match the job duties of the NOC code. If your job title does not match, but your duties are consistent with the description in the NOC code, then this is acceptable. 

• Make sure your job duties match your responsibilities 
• Consult with an immigration professional 
• Make sure you can later provide proof of your job responsibilities that are consistent with the NOC Code 
  

NOC Code checklist:

• Find NOC Code by title 
• Make sure the job duty description matches your job description 
• Search other versions of your job title and compare
• Select the one that best fits your job descriptions
  

Still not sure if you find the right NOC code? Get help from our consultant.

The nitty-gritty - What are skill types and skill levels? 

NOC 2016 is based on the NOC 2011's hierarchical four-tiered structure. The skills levels are:

1. First level - 10 broad occupational categories 
2. Second level - 40 major groups 
3. Third level - 140 minor groups 
4. Fourth level - 500 unit groups 
   

Types of NOC Levels

You will receive a different CRS score based on the type or level of your job. NOC Codes are divided into four levels in Canada: 0, A, B, and C. See details for each level below.

Skill Levels are usually represented by the second digit in NOC codes as follows:

• A – 0 or 1
• B – 2 or 3
• C – 4 or 5
• D – 6 or 7
  

Skill Type 0 - Management jobs 

Examples of the job title:

• Factory managers
• Office managers
• Restaurant managers
  

Skill Level A - Professional jobs that usually require a degree from a university

Examples of skill level A jobs:

• Doctors
• Software developer 
• Database analyst 
  

Skill Level B - Technical jobs that usually require a college diploma or training as an apprentice.

Examples of skill level B jobs:

• Admin assistants 
• Chefs
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Photographers 
  

Skill Level C - Intermediate jobs that usually require high school and/or job-specific training

Example of C level jobs: 

• Industrial butchers
• Truck drivers
• Receptionists 
  

Skill Level D - Labour jobs that only require training.

Example of Skill Level D jobs:

• Cleaning staff
• Kitchen helpers 
• Dry cleaners 
  

What if I submit the wrong NOC code? 

If you provide an incorrect NOC code in your Express Entry profile, you should update your profile immediately. If your job duties in your reference letter do not match the job duties of the NOC, your application may be rejected. 

If you receive an ITA and think your NOC code is wrong, you can either.

1. Withdraw your application and re-enter the Express Entry pool by creating a new Express Entry profile. You will likely receive another ITA in the next draw if you have a good CRS score. 
2. Write a letter of explanation to explain that you need to adjust your NOC code to the officer. 
   

NOC Codes are changing in late 2022

Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is undergoing a revamp, with new codes scheduled to go into effect in 2021. It is most likely that the revised NOC codes for 2021 will be implemented in late 2022, affecting Express Entry and PNP candidates with NOC Skill Level B jobs.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada released the new National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 for data collection purposes. 

Please see below when the changes to National Occupational Classification took place:  

• 2021
• 2016
• 2011
• 2006
• 2001
• 1992
  

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