IMB Immigration Law : How to navigate the NOC system when applying for Immigration To Canada? Understanding NOC is a very important part of skilled or entrepreneur immigration system to Canada. At IMB Immigration Law, we guide the clients carefully through the NOC related questions, the job duties applicants perform and the skill levels etc. Applications for PR to Canada must mention the NOC of the worker.
What Is NOC?
NOC is National Occupational Classification. It can be directly accessed at https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/. The 2016 version of the NOC is the most recent. It is essentially a system to classify the occupations based on the workers job duties. The system has divided the jobs based on skill level.
| Skill Level 0 | Management Jobs | Managers etc. | EE-Skilled (Accepted) FSW, CEC |
| Skill level A | Professional Jobs | Doctors, dentists etc. | EE-Skilled ( Accepted) FSW, CEC, |
| Skill level B | Technical Jobs | Chefs, Plumbers etc. | EE-Skilled- ACCEPTED ( FSW, CEC, skilled Trades) |
| Skill level C | Intermediate Jobs | Truckers, Food servers | EE-Skilled (NOT Accepted) |
| Skill level D | Labor Jobs | Cleaners, Food pickers etc. | EE-Skilled (NOT Accepted) |
An Express Entry applicant (Skilled Worker and Canada Experience Class) can only apply in the levels 0, A and B. Skilled Trade applicants need to apply under level B. The IRCC website is a valuable resource to seek information at /https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
NOC is a four tiered hierarchical structure. At the base is the classification of 10 broad categories.
- Management occupations
- Business, finance and administration occupations
- Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
- Health occupations
- Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
- Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport
- Sales and service occupations
- Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
- Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations
- Occupations in manufacturing and utilities
The first number of a complete classification of a job or occupation starts with the number of one of the above, where the occupation falls. E.g. Food Service Supervisors (NOC 6311) fall under the sales and service occupations. Category 6; Subcategory 63; Minor group 631; and finally the occupation NOC 6311.
Job Duties
Job title and duties define the category for an applicant. Doctors practicing medicine will fall in category 3. Doctors who are hospital administrators will fall in category 0 or 1. The Job duties, lead statement and main responsibilities of your job should match with or be commensurate with the main duties defined under that NOC. The title of the job may vary and does not have to be the exact same as under the NOC. Applicant must carefully review all his/her job duties and work profile to ascertain which the correct NOC is. Immigration officers review the NOC and job duties for each applicant very carefully. They may ask you to change the NOC if your duties look better suited to a different NOC classification. This can also lead to change of the skill level.
IMB Immigration Law With so many NOC classifications and confusion about job duties, it is imperative that you seek assistance from immigration professional. At IMB Immigration Law, we can help you get clarity on all such matters. Contact IMB Immigration Law at [email protected] for UK, US and Canada immigration.
