How the Canada NOC List Determines Eligibility for Immigration

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) of Canada categorizes occupations based on the skill level required to practice them, and the job duties associated to the position. Skilled immigration to Canada is essentially based on an applicant’s ability to fulfill shortages in the local labor market by participating in the workforce, and thus contribute to the Canadian economy. Identifying your occupation on the Canada NOC List is an initial and essential step towards the goal of immigration.

This list does not indicate which occupations are in-demand in the country. Rather, it helps you understand and shortlist immigration pathways that you may be eligible for, if you are qualified in a certain occupation. Skills are divided into the follow types or levels:

• Skill Type 0: Management Jobs
• Skill Level A: Professional Jobs requiring a university degree
• Skill Level B: Skill Trades and technical jobs requiring apprentice training or college diploma
• Skill Level C: Intermediate jobs requiring high school education and/or job-specific training
• Skill Level D: Labor jobs that typically provide on-the-job training 

Identifying your Skill Type/Level and NOC code – which is a numeric code that signifies your occupation – can be complicated, since several different job profiles can fall under the same occupation. To make an informed choice that will not hinder your application process, it is advisable to seek the assistance of the best immigration consultants in Delhi at Visa Experts, who use more than 25 years of experience to accurately select your NOC code and immigration pathway, and navigate the entire process.

After selecting the correct NOC code, you can consider the eligibility criteria of some popular immigration programs, to decide a feasible route for moving to Canada from India:

• The Express Entry System is suitable for applications from people qualified in occupations Listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B.
• The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is suitable for those who have work experience in occupations listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A, B or C.
• The various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) consider workers belonging to occupations listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A, B, C or D. Certain PNPs may only consider specific occupations, and refuse to consider some occupations – depending on the province or territory’s unique labor market requirements.
• People belonging to occupations listed under any Skill Level or Type – including Skill Level C or D – can apply to work in Canada temporarily, by obtaining a work permit, if eligible.

The Canada NOC List is one of the major factors that determines eligibility for immigration. In a sense, identifying the NOC code is the starting point for most aspiring immigrants. It not only provides a direction to your goals, but subsequently helps with the job search and visa application process. It is essential to fulfill this step, either independently or with the help of experts, before commencing the ambitious journey of immigration.

Where Does Your Occupation Feature on the Canada NOC List?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) divides all the occupations practiced in Canada according to the skill level required to perform the associated tasks, and work duties involved in performing the job. These occupations, along with their corresponding numeric codes and skill type or level, are represented on the Canada NOC List.

In order to check your occupational code and skill classification, you must visit the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, locate the ‘Find your NOC’ page, and type your job title into the ‘Filter items’ tab. Once you have correctly identified your occupation, note down the NOC code, NOC title and the skill type or level mentioned alongside.

Further, it is essential to visit the NOC website and check the main duties of the occupation that you have identified. These duties must match the tasks that you perform while doing your job. If not, you have selected an incorrect NOC. Several job profiles can be listed under a single occupation. To accurately identify your NOC code and skill type/level, it is advisable to seek the assistance of the best immigration consultants in Delhi – Visa Experts.

The seasoned consultants at Visa Experts draw on more than 25 years of experience to select the precise NOC for your profile, and assist you at every stage of the immigration procedure. This is a huge advantage for those who do not have complete knowledge of the steps and requirements for moving to Canada from India. Having a helping hand to navigate the process and file and application on your behalf provides a sense of certainty and security.

Your NOC code not only determines your skill type/level, but also impacts which immigration programs you can be eligible for. Thus, it is a critical stage that is a prerequisite of the larger and more complex immigration process. Identify your job on the Canada NOC List wisely, to ensure a smooth and seamless journey to your new home!