Prospective Canadian immigrants must grasp how various factors impact their CRS score when applying through the Express Entry system. Understanding these influences is key for a successful immigration process.
Your work experience’s National Occupation Classification 2021 (NOC 2021) code will only affect your CRS score if you have pre-arranged employment waiting for you upon your arrival in Canada. Nevertheless, NOC codes remain a significant aspect of the broader Express Entry process. Particularly in category-based Express Entry draws and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Continue reading to understand how Express Entry operates. Discover how your NOC code can enhance your prospects of a successful immigration journey to Canada.
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What Are NOC Codes?
In Canada, the NOC (National Occupation Classification) system is the federal government’s method for classifying, describing, distinguishing, and defining jobs. It’s based on their primary responsibilities, educational prerequisites, and other pertinent details.
Besides, this system assigns a distinct number to each occupation for organizational purposes. This numerical identifier is known as the occupation’s NOC code. A five-digit number represents each NOC code.
NOC Codes and Category-Based Express Entry Draws
Category-based draws enable the government to prioritize immigration candidates with recent work experience in specific high-demand industries and those with proficiency in the French language. Bringing candidates to Canada with work experience in these occupations helps address some of the country’s most significant labor market needs.
For 2023, Canada has chosen to focus on five occupational categories. Healthcare, science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), transportation, trades, and agriculture/agri-food.
Additionally, NOC codes play a role in category-based draws because each eligible occupation within these five in-demand categories has its unique NOC code. Therefore, candidates with recent work experience in an occupation falling under a specific NOC code may qualify for immigration to Canada through category-based draws in addition to meeting their standard Express Entry criteria.
Here is a list of examples of occupations eligible under each of the Express Entry categories selected for 2023:
- Healthcare: Dentists (NOC: 31110); Massage Therapists (NOC: 32201).
- Trades: Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (NOC: 73200).
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: Butchers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC: 63201).
- STEM: Architects (NOC: 21200); Engineering Managers (NOC: 20010).
- Lastly, transport: Transport Truck Drivers (NOC: 73300).
NOC Codes and Regular Express Entry Selections
In the context of standard Express Entry draws, a candidate’s NOC code can render them eligible for extra CRS points. Which enhances their prospects of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
Specifically, within the CRS’ Additional Points section (Category D), the Government of Canada specifies that Express Entry candidates can secure 50 or 200 additional CRS points for “Arranged Employment.”
Under this category, Express Entry candidates who have secured arranged employment, meaning they have a job offer before arriving in Canada, in an occupation categorized under Major Group 00* of the NOC 2021 will receive an additional 200 points to their CRS score. Meanwhile, candidates with a qualifying job offer in any other occupation within the NOC codes TEER 0 (other than Major Group 00), 1, 2, or 3 will obtain 50 extra CRS points.
Furthermore, in both scenarios, the extra CRS points that candidates can earn based on their NOC code can substantially impact their prospects for successful immigration to Canada through standard Express Entry draws.
NOC Codes and the PNP
The significance of an immigration candidate’s NOC (National Occupation Classification) in connection with their work experience is rooted in the reality that various provinces have unique labor market shortages they seek to alleviate through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). In addition, suppose a candidate’s work experience aligns with a particular NOC code. In that case, they can enhance their appeal to a province or territory actively seeking skilled workers with their specific work background and skill set.
