Understanding How Work Experience Affects Your CRS Score

For candidates seeking Canadian immigration through the Express Entry system, understanding the factors that influence your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is crucial. Among these factors, the National Occupation Classification 2021 (NOC 2021) code corresponding to your work experience plays a significant role, especially if you have arranged employment waiting for you in Canada.

The Role of NOC Codes in Express Entry

NOC codes are essential for Express Entry, as they classify and describe jobs based on their main duties, educational requirements, and other relevant information. Each occupation is assigned a unique five-digit NOC code, which is crucial for categorizing job roles.

NOC Codes in Standard Express Entry Draws

In standard Express Entry draws, your NOC code may make you eligible for additional CRS points, improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. These additional points fall under the CRS’ Additional Points section (Category D) and are awarded for “Arranged Employment.”

• Express Entry candidates with arranged employment, meaning they have a job offer before arriving in Canada in an occupation classified under Major Group 00* of the NOC 2021, receive 200 additional CRS points.
• 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.

These additional CRS points based on your NOC code can significantly impact your chances of success in obtaining permanent residence through standard Express Entry draws.

NOC Codes in Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Category-based Express Entry draws prioritize candidates with recent work experience in specific in-demand industries. The selected industries for 2023 are healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), transport, trades, and agriculture/agri-food. Each of these in-demand categories has its own set of eligible NOC codes.

Candidates with recent work experience in an occupation falling under a specific NOC code may be eligible for immigration to Canada through category-based draws, in addition to their standard Express Entry eligibility. Below are examples of eligible occupations and their corresponding NOC codes for the 2023 Express Entry categories:

Category	Examples of Eligible Occupations	Corresponding NOC Codes
Healthcare	Dentists, Massage Therapists	NOC: 31110, 32201
STEM	Architects, Engineering Managers	NOC: 21200, 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

NOC Codes and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

NOC codes are valuable in the context of provincial nominee programs (PNPs). Different provinces in Canada have specific labor market gaps they aim to address through their local PNPs. Candidates with work experience falling under specific NOC codes can make themselves more attractive to provinces or territories seeking skilled workers with their particular employment history and skills.

Understanding Canada’s PNPs

Canada’s PNPs are provincial/territorial immigration programs operating across the country, excluding Quebec and Nunavut. These programs aim to help regions bring in foreign nationals who can assist in addressing local labor market and economic challenges.

Within each PNP, provinces and territories offer various streams catering to professionals with diverse backgrounds. For instance:

• Ontario offers the Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream, which includes occupations such as Nurse Aides, Transport Truck Drivers, and Construction Trades Helpers/Labourers.
• British Columbia has the Skills Immigration: Healthcare Professional Category, featuring occupations like Nurses, Physicians, and Psychiatric Nurses.
• Alberta has the Alberta Farm Stream, which focuses on Farm Workers.

Understanding the NOC codes relevant to your work experience and their impact on Express Entry and provincial nominee programs can be instrumental in your journey toward Canadian immigration.

Note: The NOC’s Major Group 00 includes “Senior Management” positions, such as legislators, senior government managers and officials, and senior managers in various industries.