Does a change in my NOC impact my Canada PR application?

Highlights: How does a change in NOC code affect my Canada PR application?

• Canada immigrants can change their NOC codes after applying for Canada PR.
• IRCC may contact an Express Entry applicant through one of Canada’s 11 Provincial Nominee Programs.
• The ITA issued via Ontario PNP is known as a Notification of Interest (NOI).
• NOIs are issued when a candidate meets the specific draw requirements and has a primary NOC code listed under the OINP-targeted professions.

 

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Impact of changed NOC codes on PR application

Abraham is a software developer who applied under a category-based tech draw. The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program issued a NOI to him, following which he sent his Express of Interest (EOI) to the Express Entry pool. The Ontario Government issued a NOI to him as Abraham fulfilled the requirements specified in the tech draw and had a NOC code listed under OINP-targeted professions.

 

Abraham is now eligible to apply for the Ontario PNP if he provides relevant documents to support the NOC code he claimed. Letters of reference can be submitted as supporting documents, provided they are obtained from each employer and are verifiable by the province. The province will further check if his job role and duties are in keeping with the NOC mentioned in his Express Entry profile—Software Developer and Programmers (NOC 21232).

 

Change of NOC code during the provincial immigration process

The provincial government verifies the supporting documents provided by candidates to check if the NOC code listed under the province’s occupation list is in keeping with the job role and duties of the candidate. A decision is made on the candidate’s profile based on this verification.

 

The following examples will help in understanding the probable results:

 

Probability 1: NOC 21234 (Software Developers and Programmers) was mentioned on Abraham's application, but the provincial government found that his job aligns more with NOC 21234(Web Developers and Programmers)

 

Abraham’s application can still be processed as his job description matches another NOC code listed under the targeted occupations for that tech draw. Abraham might be contacted to provide clarifications to the OINP.

 

Probability 2: NOC 21234 (Software Developers and Programmers) was mentioned on Abraham's application, but the provincial government found that his job aligns more with NOC 22220 (Computer Network and Web Technicians)

 

Abraham's application will be rejected as his assessed NOC code is not on the targeted list of occupations, which makes him ineligible for the OINP.

 

What to do if your primary NOC is different than the initial one at the provincial level?

Once you realise that your primary NOC is not the same as was mentioned and does not appear under the list of targeted NOC for that draw, you may either withdraw your application or still submit the application if you are willing to lose out on the processing fees.

 

Note: If the assessed NOC does not appear on the list of targeted NOC for that particular draw then your application will either be refused or non-acceptable.

 

Impact of changed NOCs at the federal level

Changes in the NOC code may directly affect your PR application after the federal government has successfully received your provincial nomination from Ontario. Maintaining the same NOC as your primary occupation is crucial for NOC-specific provincial nomination.

 

Changing NOC codes at the federal level may result in your application being refused or deemed ineligible for NOC-specific provincial nomination.

 

Why is NOC code important?

NOC codes are 5-digit numbers used for categorizing and classifying occupations for immigration purposes. It is used to assess the eligibility of candidates immigrating through the Express Entry system. 

 

Following are the three economic immigration programs under the Express Entry system:

 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: Apart from other requisites, applicants need a minimum of one year of experience in works listed under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Canadian Experience Class: In addition to other eligibility requirements, applicants require a minimum of one year of paid work experience in job roles listed under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Federal Skilled Trader Program: Apart from other requisites, applicants need a minimum of two years of skilled work experience in specific NOC categories over the last five years.

 

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