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.
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.
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
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.
NOC Code checklist:
Still not sure if you find the right NOC code? Get help from our consultant.
NOC 2016 is based on the NOC 2011's hierarchical four-tiered structure. The skills levels are:
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:
Examples of the job title:
Skill Level A - Professional jobs that usually require a degree from a university
Examples of skill level A jobs:
Skill Level B - Technical jobs that usually require a college diploma or training as an apprentice.
Examples of skill level B jobs:
Skill Level C - Intermediate jobs that usually require high school and/or job-specific training
Example of C level jobs:
Skill Level D - Labour jobs that only require training.
Example of Skill Level D jobs:
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.
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:
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