
CHOOSE THE RIGHT NOC
Immigration law
14 Feb
The National
Occupation Classification (NOC) system is Canada's official way of grouping and
describing jobs. In 2021, the system was updated to include a new feature
called TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities). This shows
how much of each of these factors is needed to do a job well.
Choosing the
wrong NOC code is like picking the wrong outfit for a job interview-except
instead of just feeling awkward, it could lead to misrepresentation, which is a
serious legal issue. In the world of immigration, that could mean your
application gets rejected or even tossed out. So, make sure you pick the right
NOC code. Trust me it's the first step to dressing your application for success.
Picking the
right NOC code for your work experience is crucial for your immigration
application-kind of like choosing the right key to unlock the door. Different
codes open up different immigration
programs, and getting it right ensures your experience matches the specific
requirements. This boosts your chances of approval and helps you avoid any
unwanted delays or rejections. After all, nobody likes to be stuck in the
immigration waiting room. Eh!
Jobs are
assigned a NOC code based on the level of training, education, experience, and
responsibilities they require. TEER 0 represents jobs that need the highest
level of education, training, or experience, while TEER 5 refers to positions
that require the least.
The table below
outlines TEER level and the required training, education, and experience for
each:
TEER NUMBER |
OCCUPATION TYPE
|
Teer 0 |
Management Occupations |
Teer 1 |
Occupations that usually require
a university degree to adequately perform. |
Teer 2 |
Occupations that usually require
a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years to adequately
perform, or supervisory occupations. |
Teer 3 |
Occupations that usually require
a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than
6 months of on-the-job training to adequately perform. |
Teer 4 |
Occupations that usually require
a high school diploma, or several weeks of on-the-job training to adequately
perform. |
Teer 5 |
Occupations that usually need
short-term work demonstrations to learn, and no formal education. |
Now if an immigration candidate cannot find their NOC using the above method, they can try these steps:
- Go to the "search page" on ESDC’s NOC website.
- Select NOC 2021 Version 1.0 and search for the job title or NOC code they need.
- Find the closest match from the list and make sure the listed duties match their actual job responsibilities. If not, they should look for a different job title that better fits their duties.
- Note down the numeric code and job title, then enter the code in the "Filter items" field of the table on the original page. Also, take note of the TEER level shown in the first column.
With so many NOC
codes to choose from, finding the right one for your job can feel like
searching for a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry, the Canadian government
has handy resources to help you out and make the process a lot easier. Think of
it as your personal GPS through the NOC maze.
To find your NOC code, IRCC suggests following these steps:
- Go to the table at the bottom of the page and type your job title into the “Filter items” field at the top.
- If your exact job title doesn't show up, try using a close match (for example, instead of "forensic accountant," you might just enter "accountant").
- Copy the TEER number and the NOC code number for the job that best matches your profession.
To double-check it's the right code, go to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website, click on "Search by NOC Code," and enter the NOC code you copied. Then, review the information to make sure it matches the job you're looking for.
Take a peek at
the “main duties” section on the page and make sure they closely match the
tasks you actually do. If it’s a bad match, don’t panic-just hit the reset
button and start over from step 1. Think of it like finding the perfect pair of
shoes-sometimes it takes a few tries.
Once you've found the right NOC and confirmed it matches the job duties, you can add this information to your application. It's important to make sure the NOC code you choose closely matches your actual job and responsibilities. This not only helps you understand if you're eligible for a specific immigration program but also helps avoid any issues with misrepresentation in your application.
An immigration lawyer can be a huge help in ensuring your immigration application goes smoothly. Here’s how they can assist:
- Choosing the Right NOC Code: They can guide you in selecting the correct NOC code that accurately matches your job experience, helping you avoid mistakes that could cause delays or rejections.
- Ensuring Proper Documentation: They can ensure that all required documents, including those related to your work experience and NOC code, are properly prepared and submitted.
- Navigating Immigration Programs: They can explain which immigration pathways or streams you qualify for based on your NOC code, work experience, and other factors, ensuring you’re applying for the right program.
- Avoiding Misrepresentation: They can help prevent misrepresentation by making sure your application is truthful and consistent, avoiding legal issues down the line.
- Handling Complex Cases: If your situation is complex or unique (like work experience in multiple fields), they can help you navigate tricky areas to maximize your chances of success.
In short, at RRM
Law, an immigration
lawyer can help make the entire process clearer, smoother, and more likely
to succeed. Call 905-798-3776.