What is NOC?

NOC stands for National Occupational Classification. It is Canada’s national system for describing occupations by dividing various occupations into categories and subcategories.

 

Where can you search for your NOC?

NOC Code can be searched on this website - National Occupational Classification - Canada.ca (esdc.gc.ca)

 

Why does NOC matter?

Almost all economic programs across Canada use the NOC system to determine eligibility for a certain program. Be it the express entry or the provincial nominee programs. All of them consider the type of job you are working, your job duties, and your NOC Code.

 

How do you determine your NOC Code?

Two factors determine your NOC:

1. Actions described in the lead statement

       

    2. Perform a substantial number of the main duties

       

 

Example

Let’s see an example to understand this concept. For example, Jane is working as an administrative assistant. When she searches on the NOC website, she sees three different NOCs come up:

   

 

To determine her NOC, she reads these one by one.

 

   

 

Jane knows that since she works at a vision clinic, 13111 would not apply to her. To narrow it down more, she goes on to read the main duties.

 

 

 

 

Jane aligns her day-to-day activities and duties at the job to the main duties and concludes that her NOC Code is 13112.

Determining your NOC is a tricky process as sometimes two different NOCs can seem to be aligned to your situation. We have to choose one NOC that closely matches our job duties for immigration applications.

 

Disclaimer: The above application is meant for informational and knowledge purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

For further information and to discuss specifics of your case, contact us at [email protected]; or 226-881-3343. We will be happy to assist you!