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by ImmiLaw Global

What Should You Know About NOC Codes for a Successful Canadian Immigration Journey?

If you plan to embark on your immigration journey, one of the most crucial steps is selecting the right National Occupation Classification (NOC) code. It might not seem like a big deal initially, but this little code can make or break your Canadian dreams.

Wondering how? Different NOC codes qualify for various immigration streams. If you pick the wrong one, it could lead to unnecessary complications or even rejection of your application.

Through this article, let us explore NOCs' relevance and how to choose the proper one based on your experience and needs.

What Is NOC?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a government-standardized system in Canada that classifies and categorizes occupations based on duties and skill levels.

It plays a significant role in defining qualifications and opportunities in the Canadian job market.

The federal government assigns each occupation a unique code and classifies them into a specific category.

Why NOC code is Crucial?

Selecting the proper NOC code is vital for successful immigration. It determines eligibility for different immigration programs, such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Each program may have specific NOC code requirements, and an incorrect selection can negatively affect your immigration application.

The NOC code provides valuable data and insights about the Canadian labour market. This will help employers, job seekers, and policymakers become aware of the trends in job demands, and skills shortages across various sectors in Canada.

New TEER Framework in the NOC System

In 2021, the authorities updated the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system by introducing the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) framework.

This TEER framework categorizes occupations based on the necessary qualifications to perform the job effectively.

Various TEER Levels

The TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) system categorizes occupations in Canada based on the level of education and training required. Understanding these categories deeply can help you identify the appropriate NOC code for your profession.

TEER Level Occupation Types Examples

TEER  Level      

Description

Examples

TEER 0

Management occupationsAdvertising, marketing and public relations managers; Financial managers

TEER 1

Occupations that usually require a university degreeFinancial advisors; Software engineers

TEER 2

Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or supervisory occupationsComputer network and web technicians; Medical laboratory technologists

TEER 3

Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job trainingBakers; Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants

TEER 4

Occupations that usually require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job trainingHome child care providers; Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers

TEER 5

Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal educationLandscaping and grounds maintenance labourers; Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors

 

Some of the Other TEER Levels and NOC Codes in Canada

Let us explore some more jobs with various TEER levels, their corresponding NOC codes, and examples. These details may be as essential for job seekers and immigration candidates looking for a role in the Canadian job market.

TEER Level

NOC Code

Job Title

TEER 0

10011

Human resources managers

 

10012

Purchasing managers

 

10019

Other administrative services managers

 

21211

Data scientists

TEER 1

21220

Cybersecurity specialists

 

21221

Business systems specialists

TEER 2

32100

Opticians

 

32101

Licensed practical nurses

 

32102

Paramedical occupations

TEER 3

53121

Actors, comedians and circus performers

 

53122

Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists

 

63200

Cooks

 

63201

Butchers - retail and wholesale

 

63202

Bakers

 

63210

Hairstylists and barbers

TEER 4

14111

Data entry clerks

 

44101

Home support workers, caregivers, and related occupations

TEER 5

65200

Food and beverage servers

 

65201

Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations

 

85111

Oil and gas drilling, servicing, and related labourers

How Can you Find the right NOC code for a profession?

Choosing the right NOC code can be challenging because so many available codes exist.

To begin with, you may visit the website of the Government of Canada's NOC page to search for your job title. If the exact job title is unavailable, try using a more general term to find the closest match.

Once you have the NOC code, verify it by checking the primary duties on the government website's Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) page to ensure it aligns with your responsibilities.

You may visit the Canadian government's NOC page as a primary resource for more information.

If you are having trouble finding the appropriate job title or verifying other essential details in the NOC system, don't worry. At ImmiLaw Global, with years of expertise and the assistance of our experienced immigration consultants and lawyers, we will help you find your job title, code, and TEER, making your immigration journey smoother and more efficient.

How to Find Your NOC Code If It's Not Listed?

There may be instances when you cannot find your NOC in the provided table. In such cases, you may follow these steps to locate it:

  • Visit the ESDC NOC Website: Go to the "search page" on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) NOC website.
     
  • Select the Appropriate Version: Choose NOC 2021 Version 1.0, and enter your job title or NOC code in the search bar.
     
  • Find the Closest Match: Review the search results and identify the closest match. Ensure that this position's primary duties align with your job responsibilities. If they don't, you may need to search for an alternative job title that better reflects your duties.
     
  • Document the Details: Once you identify the suitable match, you may note the numeric code and job title. Input this code in the "Filter items" field of the original table, paying attention to the TEER level in the first column.


If you continue to need help finding your NOC or need additional guidance, our team at ImmiLaw Global is ready to assist you in this process.

What to Do After Finding the Right NOC Code?

Once you confirm the correct NOC code for your job, add this information to your immigration application. Ensure that the NOC code accurately reflects your actual role and responsibilities, which significantly impacts your eligibility for various immigration pathways.

Also, represent your job title and duties accurately to avoid any issues related to misrepresentation.

If you need help immigrating to Canada and finding the proper NOC code, contact ImmiLaw Global. Our team of experts, including experienced immigration consultants and lawyers, is here to help you every step of the way.

Feel Free to contact us for more details

Read More: Move Your Business to Canada under the Guidance of a Canadian Immigration Lawyer