Choosing the right National Occupation Classification (NOC) code for one’s work experience can significantly impact your immigration application. Selecting an incorrect NOC code with the added risk of misinterpretation. This implies that immigration applicants can have their applications revoked or even rejected for a mistaken NOC declaration. Well, here’s how you can choose the right NOC for your profession. 

What Is NOC? 

The National Occupation Classification code system is Canada’s national system for categorizing and describing professions. The NOC system was updated in 2021 to include a Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) component and denote the extent to which these four components are needed to adequately perform the role. 

Based on this, jobs are assigned an NOC based on the training, education, experience, and responsibilities they acquire. TEER 0 indicates the positions that require the most education or training, while TEER 5 demonstrates the professions with the least. 

The following table breaks down each TEER level and the corresponding training, education, and experience required: 

How Can You Choose The Right NOC For Your Profession? 

In order to choose the right NOC for your profession, there are several resources you can use from the Government of Canada in order to make the task simpler. 

Here are the steps you can follow: 

1. Navigate to the table at the bottom of the page and enter your job title in the ‘Filter Items’ field at the top of the table. It is important to note that the exact job title might not be available, so applicants might have to enter a close approximation. 

2. Copy both the TEER number, and the NOC code number for the search result that most closely resembles the required profession.

3. In order to ensure this is the right code, visit Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) webpage and click on the tab entitled ‘Search by NOC Code’. Enter the NOC code copied earlier in the search bar, and review the information provided for the profession searched. It is vital to note that the ‘main duties’ section of the page matches closely with the profession that you are searching for. 

What If I Cannot Find My NOC In The Given Table? 

If an immigration applicant is unable to find their NOC through the above method, they can follow these steps: 

1. Navigate to the ‘Search page’ of ESDC’s NOC website.

2. Select the NOC 2021 version 1.0 and search for the desired job title or NOC code. Identify the closest match from the list, ensuring the main duties listed align with the pre-formed job responsibilities. If they don’t, you will need to find a different job title that reflects your duties.

3. Record the numeric code as well as the job title. Further, enter the code in the ‘Filter items’ field of the table on the original table and take note of the TEER level shown in the first column. 

What To Do After You Have Found The Right NOC Code? 

After finding and confirming the correct NOC with the roles and responsibilities of the desired job, immigration applicants can now add this information to their applications. 

Ensuring that the NOC code stated closet matches your actual role and responsibilities can be hugely beneficial, not only in ensuring and understanding eligibility for a particular stream/ pathway but also to avoid potential problems of misinterpretation in an immigration application. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].