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When pursuing Canadian immigration through the Express Entry system, it’s essential to understand how your work experience can affect your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Express Entry encompasses three programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). This article sheds light on how the National Occupation Classification 2021 (NOC 2021) code corresponding to your work experience influences your CRS score within the Express Entry system.
CRS scores are pivotal in Canada’s federal immigration system, as they rank candidates applying for the Express Entry-managed programs. These scores determine who receives Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence (PR) during Express Entry draws. While CRS scores primarily govern standard Express Entry draws, there are specific considerations for category-based draws and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Canada’s NOC system categorizes and describes jobs based on their main duties, educational requirements, and other relevant information. Each occupation is assigned a unique five-digit code known as the NOC code.
For standard Express Entry draws, a candidate’s NOC code can make them eligible for additional CRS points, enhancing their chances of receiving an ITA for Canadian PR. In the CRS Additional Points section (Category D), candidates can earn extra points for “Arranged Employment.”
These extra points based on NOC codes significantly impact a candidate’s success in standard Express Entry draws.
Category-based draws prioritize immigration candidates with recent work experience in specific in-demand industries and French-language proficiency. The chosen categories for 2023 include healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), transport, trades, and agriculture/agri-food. NOC codes play a role in category-based draws because each eligible occupation in these categories has its own individual NOC.
Here are examples of eligible occupations and their corresponding NOC codes for each category:
Candidates with work experience in these occupations may qualify for immigration to Canada through category-based draws, in addition to their standard Express Entry eligibility.
The value of an immigration candidate’s NOC code is evident in the context of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Different provinces have unique labor market gaps that they aim to address through their local PNPs. Candidates with work experience in specific NOC codes can become more attractive to provinces or territories seeking skilled workers with their employment history and skillset.
PNPs allow local governments in each participating province or territory to select specific immigration candidates and offer them permanent residence in their region. This strategy helps address labor market gaps and encourages individuals to settle in specific areas. Each PNP operates various streams catering to foreign nationals with diverse professional backgrounds.
As an example, provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta offer streams for professionals in many occupations through their PNPs.
Table: Examples of Eligible Occupations for Different Express Entry Categories
| Category | Eligible Occupations | NOC Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Note: The table data has been presented in a tabular format for clarity and reference.
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