How to Find the Right NOC Code for Your Occupation?

Selecting the appropriate National Occupation Classification (NOC) code based on one’s job experience can significantly affect an immigration application, particularly as various NOC codes apply to various immigration streams.

The possibility of misrepresentation—a legal criterion that applies to immigration petitions and may be construed as a form of fraud—increases when an improper NOC code is chosen. This implies that immigration applicants may have their applications canceled or denied due to an incorrect NOC declaration.

Understanding NOC Code

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code system is used nationwide in Canada to categorize and describe different occupations. The training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) component was added to the NOC system in 2021 as part of an upgrade. This component indicates the degree to which the four aforementioned components are required to effectively carry out the function.

This means that positions are given an NOC according to the duties, education, training, and experience they require. Jobs with the highest education, training, or experience requirements are indicated by TEER 0, while those with the lowest requirements are indicated by TEER 5.

Here is a clear breakdown of each TEER level, along with the corresponding requirements for training, education, and experience:

TEER Number	Occupation Type
TEER 0	Management occupations.
TEER 1	Occupations that typically require a university degree to perform effectively.
TEER 2	Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or involve supervisory duties.
TEER 3	Occupations that generally require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or over 6 months of on-the-job training.
TEER 4	Occupations that usually require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training.
TEER 5	Occupations that typically require short-term work demonstrations with no formal education are needed.

This structure helps categorize jobs based on the required qualifications, aiding in both employment classification and immigration processes.

How Can You Select the Right NOC?

Choosing the right NOC (National Occupational Classification) code can be challenging because there are many job titles. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the right NOC code using resources from the Government of Canada:

1. Go to the NOC Website:

Start by visiting the official Government of Canada’s NOC page. This is easily found by Googling “NOC Canada.”

2. Enter Your Job Title:

On the page, look for the table at the bottom. In the “Filter items” field, type your job title.

Tip: If your exact job title doesn’t show up, try using a similar or broader title. For example, if “forensic accountant” isn’t listed, just try “accountant.”

3. Copy the TEER and NOC Code:

Select the result that most closely resembles your work, then note the NOC code and the TEER number.

4. Check the Code:

Next, visit Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) webpage.

Click on “Search by NOC Code” and enter the NOC code you copied earlier to see more details about the job.

5. Look at the Main Duties:

Read the “main duties” section to make sure it matches what you do in your job.

Important: If the duties don’t match closely, go back to step 1 and try different job titles.

By following these easy steps, you can find the right NOC code for your profession, which is important for immigration and job applications in Canada.

If you can’t find your NOC code using the previous method, here’s what to do:

Steps to Find Your NOC Code

1. Visit the ESDC NOC Search Page:

• Go to the search page on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) NOC website.

2. Select NOC Version:

• Choose NOC 2021 Version 1.0 from the options available.

3. Search for Your Job Title or NOC Code:

• Type in your desired job title or NOC code in the search bar.

4. Identify the Closest Match:

• Sort the list to find the item that most closely resembles your work. Make sure the main duties listed match what you do in your job.

Important: If the duties don’t align, try finding a different job title that better reflects your responsibilities.

5. Record the Information:

• Jot down the job title and the code. Then, go back to the original table and enter the code in the “Filter items” field. Make sure to note the TEER level from the first column.

Steps to Take After Identifying the Correct NOC Code

Once you have found and confirmed the correct NOC code that matches your job responsibilities, you can add this information to your immigration application.

• Ensure Accuracy: Make sure the NOC code accurately reflects your actual role and responsibilities. This is crucial because it helps determine your eligibility for specific immigration pathways.
• Avoid Misrepresentation: Being accurate with your NOC code can help you avoid potential issues related to misrepresentation in your application.

By following these steps, you can confidently identify the right NOC code, which is essential for a smooth immigration process.