National Occupational Classification (NOC)
Most of the Canadian programs for economic immigration, including the Express Entry Programs, make use of the National Occupational Classification or NOC system for assessing the immigrant’s working experience, employment requirements, and job offers.
1. What is NOC list Canada?
The National Occupational Classification list is a database that is developed by the government of Canada to categorize every possible occupation that is facing a shortage in Canada.
Apart from categorizing the occupations of high demand, the NOC systems helps by providing information about each of these occupations, which includes the job titles, descriptions of responsibilities and duties which are related to that occupation, and the training that the person requires before they work in that particular occupation.
When a particular occupation is categorized within the NOC system, it contains a 4 digit code. This is known as the National Occupational Classification system code or the NOC code.
Many different Canadian organisations use these NOC codes which help them out in developing several recruitment strategies, Canadian immigration and in conducting analysis and research.
2. What is the skill type or level of your NOC?
Several Canadian immigration programs are targeted towards prospective immigrants who have working experience at a certain NOC skill level. The NOC system divides these occupations into five different types of skill levels:
- NOC skill level 0
- NOC skill level A
- NOC skill level B
- NOC skill level C
- NOC skill level D
In the Canadian immigration, the skilled work experience is the working experience which is obtained at NOC skill level 0, A, or B. the work experience which is obtained at NOC skill levels C or D is considered to be intermediate or low skilled working experience.
3. How do you find your NOC code and skill level?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC has designed a specific tool which makes finding your NOC code very easily. All you have to do is head over to the online portal of the IRCC and go to the “find your NOC code” search tool.
With this tool, you can easily search for your job title by using words until you find a correct match. When you choose a NOC code, the most important detail you have to keep in mind is that the responsibilities and duties which are listed on the NOC database match the responsibilities and duties you have performed while you held that position.
In case you apply for the Canadian Permanent Residence through the Skilled Worker Program, including the Express Entry programs, you would have to submit a letter of reference from your current and previous employers.
The most difficult aspect of finding the NOC is most of the times the job title does not relate to the given details. So it is best suggested to consultant an immigration consultant or a visa case office to check and ensure all your responsibilities and duties match to those of the NOC code which you have claimed. Consultants will also consider the job title, salary, related education, etc., in order to check if your NOC code selection is valid or not.
4. Which occupations are in demand in Canada?
While the NOC has over 200 occupations, we are listing out the top categories based upon their major skill level.
| S.No | NOC | Job Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0112 | Human resources managers |
| 2 | 0113 | Purchasing managers |
| 3 | 0114 | Other administrative services managers |
| 4 | 0122 | Banking, credit and other investment managers |
| 5 | 0631 | Restaurant and food service managers |
| 6 | 0211 | Engineering managers |
| 7 | 0714 | Facility operation and maintenance managers |
| 8 | 0911 | Manufacturing managers |
| 9 | 0912 | Utilities managers |
| 10 | 1111 | Financial auditors and accountants |
| 11 | 1112 | Financial and investment analysts |
| 12 | 1114 | Other financial officers |
| 13 | 1221 | Administrative officers |
| 14 | 1223 | Human resources and recruitment officers |
| 15 | 1225 | Purchasing agents and officers |
| 16 | 1241 | Administrative assistants |
| 17 | 2131 | Civil engineers |
| 18 | 2132 | Mechanical engineers |
| 19 | 2171 | Information systems analysts and consultants |
| 20 | 2172 | Database analysts and data administrators |
| 21 | 2173 | Software engineers and designers |
| 22 | 2174 | Computer programmers and interactive media developers |
| 23 | 2175 | Web designers and developers |
| 24 | 2281 | Computer network technicians |
| 25 | 2282 | User support technicians |
| 26 | 0422 | School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education |
| 27 | 0423 | Managers in social, community and correctional services |
| 28 | 0431 | Commissioned police officers |
| 29 | 0432 | Fire chiefs and senior fire fighting officers |
| 30 | 0433 | Commissioned officers of the Canadian Forces |
| 31 | 0511 | Library, archive, museum and art gallery managers |
| 32 | 0512 | Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts |
| 33 | 0513 | Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors |
| 34 | 0601 | Corporate sales managers |
| 35 | 0621 | Retail and wholesale trade managers |
| 36 | 0015 | Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services |
| 37 | 0632 | Accommodation service managers |
| 38 | 0651 | Managers in customer and personal services, n.e.c. |
| 39 | 0711 | Construction managers |
| 40 | 0712 | Home building and renovation managers |
5. What is so important about Canada NOC?
The IRCC uses the National Occupational Classification primarily to classify the skills shortage in Canada. One of the primary ways it chooses it differentiate the occupations based upon the Skill Level.
The NOC helps both Canadian government and employers is choosing a right candidate for the given roles or the job duties mentioned.
The NOC is significant in Canada immigration process. Be it through the FSW program or the Nominee programs, you will have to find out your NOC and mention it in your application. Without doing so it is not possible for you to proceed with the application.
6. How to identify your correct NOC?
Your National Occupational Classification code or the NOC code is the number of the job that is listed under the official classification system of Canada. You are required to check your NOC using your job title, followed by job duties that best relate to your current position.
7. How many NOC codes are there?
The NOC skill level identifies the occupations and differentiates them by the type and amount of training and education which is generally required to perform the several duties of that particular occupation.
The responsibilities and complexity of the occupation are also considered when the skill level is assigned. There are basically four skill levels in the matrix of the National Occupational Classification list.
- Skill A- occupations which generally require an education from a university
- Skill B- occupations which generally require apprenticeship training or a college education
- Skill C- occupations which usually require occupation specific training and/or secondary school
- Skill D- occupations which generally requires training on the job
Each of these skill levels is generally represented by the second digit when it comes to the NOC codes. These digits are:
A - 0 or 1, B – 2 or 3, C – 4 or 5, D – 6 or 7
8. What do you do if you don’t have NOC?
In case you do not have the National Occupational Classification or the NOC code, you can check a code that is relatively similar to your job description or job duties.
9. How many days it will take to get NOC?
It is a matter of few hours to understand a proper NOC. With Kansas Overseas Careers, you can find out your NOC through our Initial Evaluation service within 3-4 hours (exclusive services) or maximum before 48 hours (regular service).
You can contact our Canada immigration experts who would guide you with the needed information in this regards.
You can reach out to our consultant on 1800-102-0109 or write to info@kansaz.in in order to understand your NOC under the given top in-demand occupations.