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1. Finding your National Occupational Classification
You need to understand what is the NOC, and which skill type or level is eligible under Express Entry
Home > Work in Canada > Permanent Residency > Express Entry: The Ultimate Guide > Express Entry: Step-by-Step Guide > 1. Finding your NOC
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the official resource used by all Canadian governmental bodies in relation with job/occupational information. This is a means to provide a standard structure for analysis and assessment, gathering more than 500 NOC codes. Each NOC code represents in average 60 job titles, and each NOC is organized by skill level (A, B, C or D) or skill type (0).
Main NOC skill type or levels
For immigration purposes, the main job skill type or levels are:
You have to make sure you are using the 2016 version of the NOC. 2006 and 2011 versions also exist and there are differences with the 2016 version that is currently in use by IRCC.
- Skill Type 0: occupations related to management, such as factory managers, resort managers, or office managers.
- Skill Level A: professional occupations that usually need a university degree, such as chemists, veterinarians, or pharmacists.
- Skill Level B: technical occupations that usually require a college diploma or apprentice training, such as administrative assistants, firefighters, photographers.
- Skill Level C: intermediate occupation that usually need a high school diploma, such as truck drivers, travel guides, or receptionists.
- Skill Level D: labour occupation that usually only require training, such as dry cleaners, kitchen helpers, or receptionists.
You have to make sure you are using the 2016 version of the NOC. 2006 and 2011 versions also exist and there are differences with the 2016 version that is currently in use by IRCC.
NOC requirements for Express Entry
To be eligible under the three federal programs of Express Entry, you must have previous work experience under either skill type 0, or level A or B.
How to identify your correct NOC?
You can begin by looking into the NOC website and search for the NOC job code whose description would be the most comparable to your current job. You need to base your NOC code search on job duties and not job titles.
Job duties are the most important because when submitting your proof of work experience, it has to include your job duties. IRCC will compare your job duties with those set out in the NOC job code. You should focus on the lead statement (first paragraph) and the main duties in the NOC job code.
Another option would be to use the JobBank website. Find a job opening that matches your current job (or any previous job) and whose job duties match yours. On the job opening page, you can find the corresponding NOC code in the "Job Market Information" page.
Job duties are the most important because when submitting your proof of work experience, it has to include your job duties. IRCC will compare your job duties with those set out in the NOC job code. You should focus on the lead statement (first paragraph) and the main duties in the NOC job code.
Another option would be to use the JobBank website. Find a job opening that matches your current job (or any previous job) and whose job duties match yours. On the job opening page, you can find the corresponding NOC code in the "Job Market Information" page.
Example of NOC job code page
What is the skill type or level of my NOC?
When you find your NOC, you can check its skill type or level here. Doing this will let you know if your NOC is skill type 0 or level A, B, C or D.
Express Entry Step-by-Step Guide
1. Finding your NOC (National Occupational Classification) - YOU ARE HERE
To be eligible, you need to first check that you work experience, as defined by the NOC system, is eligible for Express Entry.
2. Getting your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you credential is not Canadian
You need to get your foreign educational credential assessed by one of IRCC's approved third parties.
Go to step 2.
Go to step 2.
3. Taking your English and/or French language tests
For all the three Express Entry programs, you need to take English and/or French test(s) and score a number of points to be eligible.
Go to Step 3.
Go to Step 3.
4. Checking your eligibility to Express Entry
Check if you eligible to Express Entry under one of the three economic immigration programs.
Go to Step 4.
Go to Step 4.
5. Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
You need next to understand how to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is the one you will be ranked with in the Express Entry pool.
Go to Step 5.
Go to Step 5.
6. Getting into the Express Entry Pool
After taking your language exam(s), and getting your ECA (if your credential is not Canadian), you need to verify your eligibility through the Come to Canada Tool and then create your Express Entry profile to get into the pool of applicants.
Go to step 6.
Go to step 6.
7. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you have enough CRS points, you will get an Invitation to Apply. You will have 60 days to fill additional forms and submit your supporting documents.
Go to step 7.
Go to step 7.
8. Your document checklist: Tips and Advice
After receiving you Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will need to upload the requested supporting documents. Get ahead and make sure you will not have a problem gathering them.
Go to step 8.
Go to step 8.
9. From Ackownlgedgment of Receipt (AoR) to Passeport Request (PPR)
After submitting your documents, learn about the process of approval of your application and the different updates that will let you have an idea on where you application is at.
Go to step 9.
Go to step 9.
10. Preparing your landing in Canada
Check out our before landing and living pages, to learn all about Canada, its biggest cities, its healthcare and education systems, what things to do first when arriving in Canada, etc.
