When applying for Canadian immigration through one of the three programs within the Express Entry system, understanding the factors that influence your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is essential.
The National Occupation Classification 2021 (NOC 2021) code related to a candidate’s work experience does not affect their CRS score unless they have secured employment waiting for them upon arrival in Canada.
Nevertheless, NOC codes remain significant in the broader context of Express Entry, especially concerning category-based Express Entry draws and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Continue reading to gain a deeper insight into how Express Entry operates and how your NOC code can enhance your prospects of successfully immigrating to Canada.
Background Information on CRS Scores:
CRS scores serve as the basis for Canada’s federal government to rank applicants in the country's three Express Entry-managed programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
These scores are pivotal in standard Express Entry draws, where candidates are ranked based on their scores, and Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR) in Canada are issued to those surpassing the cut-off score for that specific draw.
It's important to note that this criterion doesn't apply to category-based Express Entry draws, which will be discussed further.
What is NOC
NOC codes, short for National Occupation Classification codes, are a systematic classification system used by the Canadian federal government. These codes categorize, describe, differentiate, and outline jobs based on their main duties, educational requirements, and other pertinent information.
Each occupation within this system is assigned a unique five-digit number, referred to as the occupation’s NOC code. In the context of standard Express Entry draws, a candidate’s NOC can grant them additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, thereby enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
Specifically, in the CRS’ Additional Points section (Category D), the Government of Canada specifies that Express Entry candidates can earn either 50 or 200 extra CRS points for “Arranged Employment.” Candidates with a pre-existing job offer before arriving in Canada, falling under Major Group 00* of the NOC 2021, receive 200 additional points in their CRS score. Likewise, candidates with a qualifying job offer in any other occupation—under NOC TEER 0 (other than Major Group 00), 1, 2, or 3—receive 50 additional CRS points.
In both scenarios, the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points linked to a candidate’s specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) can significantly impact their potential for successful immigration to Canada through standard Express Entry draws.
NOC Codes and Category-Based Express Entry Draws
In the context of NOC Codes and Category-Based Express Entry Draws, the Canadian government prioritizes candidates with recent work experience in specific high-demand sectors, including healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), transport, trades, and agriculture/agri-food. These sectors represent critical areas within the Canadian labor market.
NOC codes play a pivotal role in category-based draws because each eligible occupation within these five in-demand categories is associated with its own unique NOC code. Consequently, individuals with recent work experience in an occupation falling under a particular NOC code may qualify for immigration to Canada through category-based draws, augmenting their standard Express Entry eligibility. This approach assists Canada in addressing crucial gaps in its labor force by bringing in candidates with expertise in these targeted fields.
Below is a selection of occupations, each paired with its corresponding NOC code, that fall under the Express Entry categories targeted for 2023:
- Healthcare: Dentists (NOC: 31110); Massage Therapists (NOC: 32201)
- STEM: Architects (NOC: 21200); Engineering Managers (NOC: 20010)
- Transport: Transport Truck Drivers (NOC: 73300)
- Trades: Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (NOC: 73200)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: Butchers - Retail and Wholesale (NOC: 63201)
If you have any question about your NOC and how to apply for Express Entry, book an appointment with our team. E-Visa Immigration has expert immigration consultants ready to assist you at any time of your process. Contact us!
