What is NOC code?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the Canada-wide accepted organizational framework of occupations. The NOC provides a classification structure to categorize the different occupational activities in Canada. The detailed occupations are grouped based on the work performed and responsibilities of the occupation. The National Occupational Classification 2016 is the accepted version of NOC for Express Entry immigration purposes. It contains 10 broad occupational categories, 40 major groups, 140 minor groups, 500 Unit Groups. These unit groups are commonly referred to as identifying Express Entry NOC codes.

Each unit group has a unique four-digit code. The first three digits of this code indicate the major and minor groups to which the unit group belongs. There are approximately 53,000 titles classified in the 500 unit groups of the NOC 2016. The NOC list is not meant to be exhaustive, but attempts to cover the most commonly used and universally understood titles based on labour market information.

Find your NOC code for Canada Express Entry? (Manual method)

To be eligible under Express Entry, your must have previous work experience under skill type 0, or skill level A or B. You can find out the NOC code and skill type for your work experience by visiting this link

Step 1: In the above link, you will find a “Filter items” search box. Simply enter your job title in this search box and it will filter out related job titles. Note that this filter is based on Job titles and not job duties, you will need to select the right job titles for you based on your job duties.

In the same “filter items” text box above, you can also perform some additional searches by entering relevant keywords that are related to your work. This will allow you to review more items that may be relevant to you.

Note : Within each skill level there are multiple “Major Groups” and subgroups. If there are multiple Skill Levels that appear relevant to you at this stage, simply review all “Major Groups” within the Skill Level(s). This will help you filter out most of the irrelevant major groups. For example, a recruiter may fall under Skill level A or Skill- type level B depending on their education, position within the company (senior, junior, entry level etc).

STEP 2 : Open the full description page for all the results that populate in the table above.

STEP 3: Review if the lead statement (first paragraph) matches your current job duties. For Express Entry NOC code match, all of the tasks, activities and scope mentioned in the lead statement must match your actual job.

STEP 4: If the lead statement matches, review the main duties of each of these NOC codes. The majority of the duties in the Main Duties section must match with your actual job activities. Both Lead Statement and Main Duties are highlighted in the image below.

In most cases, you will be able to find a suitable NOC code for the Canada Express Entry application by following the above steps. However, it is possible that your job duties span multiple NOC codes and there are multiple NOCs that you are able to shortlist using the above process. In such a situation keep in mind the following :

• Do not select a NOC code simply because it matches your current title. A match with the Job duties is of more importance than the job title.
• If your job duties span multiple NOCs, then select the NOC code for which the Lead statement most closely matches with your job and you perform most of the Main duties.

Frequently Asked Questions on Canada Express Entry NOC codes

Where should I enter NOC Code in Express Entry?

Is there an NOC code that you are finding a good match with (a full match with the lead statement and a majority match with most of the job duties)? If yes, then congratulations!! You have found your NOC code for your Permanent Residence application through Express Entry. You will need your NOC code(s) twice.

1. When you are creating your Express Entry profile and
2. When you submit your final post-ITA application.

While creating your Express Entry profile, you will simply need to enter your 4 digit NOC code in one of the fields within the work history section of the online Express Entry profile pages. You do not need to submit any NOC related document/explanation/proofs at this stage.

When you are submitting your post-ITA application, you will need to support your claim for the selected NOC(s) by submitting a letter from your employer. The requirements, steps, tips to prove work experience are explained Express Entry Proof of work experience page.

Unable to identify Express Entry NOC Code?

This complete Guide to Identify your Express Entry NOC Codes breaks down the NOC identification process into very simple steps. However, if your case is not straightforward or if there are still issues in determining correct NOC code, we recommend you try the below step.

• Seek assistance from workingincanada.gc.ca :

You can write to [email protected]/[email protected] with details of your job position with detailed job responsibilities. Include your education / work experience / minimum requirements to get that job/type of establishment where this job is performed.

Based on your specific case they may ask you further clarifications before suggesting a NOC code that they consider as appropriate. You must note that it is applicant’s responsibility to select appropriate NOC code for their work experience. The final decision to accept the selected NOC code remains with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Can I change my NOC code in my Express Entry profile?

The short answer is Yes, you can make changes to your Express Entry Profile after it is submitted. However, there are few very critical points to keep in mind. Refer to the Minimum Entry Criteria (MEC) operational manual to understand the specifics better.

You can make multiple changes to Express Entry Profile, however the impact and the due diligence differs based on whether the changes are made prior to receiving an ITA or after receiving ITA. You can make changes to Express Entry Profile several times before you receive an ITA and in most cases, this should not cause a “rejection” (unless one of the changes makes you ineligible for the programs). As an applicant it is your responsibility to keep all the information accurate in your Express Entry profile at all times.

However if you are making changes to the profile after receiving an ITA then you need to be much more careful. In general, you should refrain from making changes to your profile after receiving an ITA as you were issued ITA based on the information you provided in your pre-ITA profile.

That being said, you may come across instances wherein you have to make some changes. If you do end up making changes to your Express Entry profile, you need to ensure that you are still meeting the Minimum Entry Criteria (MEC) for your program. Furthermore, the change should not reduce your CRS points below the minimum cut-off score for your draw.

See below snip of the policy guidance related to Making Changes to Express Entry Profile Post ITA.

If you have made changes to your profile after receiving ITA, then you should also ensure to add a Letter of Explanation along -with the rest of your application explaining the rationale behind the change.

Note: Above information does not guarantee that the changes made to your profile post submission will not negatively impact your application. As mentioned in the Operational Bulletins Manual link above IRCC, officers have access to your profile for which you received the ITA and also the e-APR (final application) that you submit, the final decision on whether to accept your changes is at their discretion.

My Job title or Employment requirements do not match with the NOC description page

While the NOC 2016 captures over 50,000 titles, it is still not exhaustive. You might face a situation where your Job Title is misleading and/or does not match the description (lead statement or major duties) of the selected NOC. The most important factor in the NOC selection for Express Entry is to make sure that you are selecting the NOC code that aligns with your actual job based on duties performed.

Please do not modify your job title to match a title listed under the NOC description page. You must be able to prove that you performed the job duties of the NOC through a letter from your employer. This is misrepresentation and can result in you being banned from Canadian Immigration programs.

Select the NOC code that most closely matches your day-to-day job duties. Make sure that your work experience letter reflects that you performed the tasks laid out in the Lead statement & major duties of the NOC description. Applicants do not have to necessarily meet the “Employment requirements” section of the NOC description page.

If your selected NOC falls within the required NOC 0, A or B skill type and your job responsibilities (supported by a valid letter from your employer) match the lead statement and major duties of a particular NOC code then you can use that NOC code to claim points for work experience. Please make sure that letter covers the Lead statement of the NOC and the majority of the main duties mentioned in the NOC description page Source

Do I have to meet the Employment Requirements section for my NOC code?

If you are applying under Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class then you do not have to meet the Employment Requirements section for your NOC code.

If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Trades program then you must meet the Employment Requirements section for your NOC code.