What are the NOC Job Classification Criteria?

All you Want to know about Canada NOC Code and Job Categories

What are the NOC Job Classification Criteria?

The two main methods used to categorize occupations in Canada are: 

1. Broad occupational category
2. Skill level category

Sub Categories can be:

1. Industrial Sector 
2. Occupational Mobility
3. Broad Occupational Category

This shows the type of job, the field of education, and the industry when work experience related to the industry is required. The first number of a NOC code represents the broad work category.

2. Skill Level Category

This category includes broad factors like education, training and work experience. It also considers the difficulty of the job’s duties and responsibilities. The second number of a NOC code represents this category. 

To understand the above concepts, some key concepts are discussed in detail below:

Job Title: The name assigned to the job is called the job title. 

Occupation: A group of jobs having identical work responsibilities and activities is an occupation. 

Unit Group: One or multiple jobs included in a NOC is called a unit group. The unit group is called the NOC’s four-digit numeric code.

Minor Group: A domain in which a job takes place is known as the minor group. Many unit groups combine and are called the three-digit code employed by the NOC.

Major Group: The broad occupation category and skill level category of occupation is called the primary group. It consists of many minor groups and is thus represented by the two-digit numeric code employed by the NOC. 

FAQs about NOC

1. What is meant by NOC?

Ans: The full form of NOC is the National Occupation Classification, and it is Canada’s national system for classifying jobs according to their specific job-related skills and experience requirements. This depends on the sort of work done, the industry, the discipline of study, and other elements, including education, training, and work experience.

2. Who can use the NOC?

Ans: NOC is used by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to assess the work experience of the immigration applicant and to identify the shortfall of jobs in the job market in Canada. NOC is also used by students, employers, employees, career guides, vocational guides, and different education and training organizations. 

An application will need an NOC code to show evidence of the work experience required to earn CRS points. 

3. What is the total number of NOC codes?

Ans: As a whole, 500-unit groups include 35,000 job titles.

4. How can you find your NOC code?

Ans: You need to go to the website of the Canadian government and locate the NOC matrix by using filters like industry or keyword input. You can also search by the job title. Let’s take the example of a girl who is a nurse. She inserts her job title and gets the job and its NOC code. In this way, she becomes able to know her occupation, and job title similar to her career along with the NOC code. She can also determine her broad occupation level and skill level which makes it easy for her to decide for which immigration program she is eligible. 

5. How can I provide evidence of my NOC code matching my work experience?

Ans: As soon as you learn about your NOC code, you will have to submit the documents that prove it matches your work experience. 

6. How can I provide evidence for my work experience?

Ans: You have to provide a reference letter that you have got from all your previous employers to prove your work experience.

7. What are the particulars needed to be included in the reference letter?

Ans: This will be different from the typical reference letter that you might be asked to submit while applying for a job back home country. Keep in mind that the purpose of this is to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience required to do the tasks mentioned under your unique NOC code description.

The constituents of the reference letter are: 

¶ Should be on the letterhead of the company

¶ Should be signed by the supervisor along with the supervisor’s name and job title 

¶ Should have the contact details of the company (can have a business card of the supervisor if possible)

¶ Should have your job title written

¶ Should have a period of employment

¶ Should mention your weekly, monthly or annual salary

¶ Should mention your work hours weekly on average

¶ Should have a comprehensive list of your job duties

8. How can I match an NOC code job with my job’s reference letter? 

Ans: The most convenient way to do this is to examine your NOC responsibilities and ensure that almost 75% of them are similar to those mentioned in your job reference letter. 

Let’s move on to the example of the nurse and her NOC code search. She needs to click on the “Registered Nurse NOC 3012” to find out that her job duties mentioned in her job’s reference letter are similar to the responsibilities mentioned in the NOC matrix. 

She will get to know the following particulars: 

¶ Main job responsibilities

¶ Job Requirements

¶ Excluded things

¶ Any further information, typically pertaining to unique provincial or territorial criteria for qualifications, such as whether or not more training is required.

She might use this list of her primary tasks and obligations to include them in her reference letter. As a result, she will be more likely to qualify for PR points and will be more confident when applying for registered nursing employment in Canada.

9. How can I select the correct NOC?

Ans: You need to select an NOC code that is similar to the main tasks of the work experience for which you want to gain CRS points. 

10. Is there any effect of my NOC code on my CRS points?

Ans: No, there is no such impact. The most crucial factor in trying to raise your CRS score is to have more work experience under that particular NOC code, even though your code will show the types of work experience for which you might be entitled to receive PR points.

11. Which NOC codes are eligible for getting Express Entry Immigration?

Ans: You might be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry route if your work has an NOC code of 0, A, or B. This comprises experts like managers, doctors, architects, and licensed practical nurses.

12. What is meant by NOC 0, A, or B?

Ans: These are specified for highly skilled workers. Examples are managers, doctors, engineers, chefs, plumbers, electricians, and nurses. 

13. Is the NOC re-examined regularly?

Ans: No, it is not reviewed regularly. The likelihood that someone’s NOC will change after they decide on it is almost negligible.

14. What should I do after Deciding on NOC?

Knowing how to locate your personal NOC Code will enable you to confidently apply for jobs in Canada as well as identify which immigration and visa programs you are eligible for. Not only does the NOC code assist Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in assessing your degree of expertise and job history. It also enables you to learn what is expected of you once you begin working in Canada and whether you will require additional training based on your profession and credentials.

Nevertheless, having this knowledge does not ensure that your application for a Canadian visa will be approved. The application procedure is comprehensive and complicated, and even the slightest mistake could result in a refused visa or prolonged processing timeframes.