How can a change in NOC code affect your Canada PR application?

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 21 May, 2024 | 01:04 PM]
About Author - 6 min read
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If you apply for Canada PR from India with one NOC code, you can change it as the application process progresses. This can happen for quite a number of reasons:

• Occupation change
• New skills acquired
• Different NOC code fits your current job or credentials

Let’s find out.

Impact of NOC Change on your Canada PR Application

Here’s how modifications to your National Occupation Classification (NOC) code will impact your permanent residence application:

1. Impact on your eligibility

Your Canada PR eligibility will be affected when the NOC code changes for many immigration benefits. However, since each program has a different NOC criterion, switching the code may result in your disqualification from the program you initially applied for.

2. Consistency in Documentation

Next, the immigration department may point out the inconsistencies in your PR application like the difference between the NOC code in your initial application and the code in the following paperwork.

3. Credential Confirmation

Another impact of your NOC code change involves the need for immigration authorities to verify that it matches your experience, credentials, and abilities – leading to more verification procedures.

4. Delay in Processing time

Change in your NOC code can delay the Canada PR application processing time as further information or clarifications may be required.

Impact of NOC Change on your PNP Application

The immigration department verifies your documents to see whether the roles and responsibilities align with the NOC code listed in the targeted occupations list of the Canadian province or territory for PNP applications.

After the evaluation, here’s what can happen if your declared NOC code does not match the actual duties and responsibilities of your position:

1. Rejection of your application

If there is a lot of mismatches, the province or territory might reject your PNP application.

2. Request for more documents

Sometimes, the authorities will ask you to provide more proof or documents to authenticate your job responsibilities, ensuring the correct NOC code match.

3. Reassigning NOC code

The province or territory could ask you to reassign your PNP application to a different NOC code that aligns with your job responsibilities.

4. Reevaluating your eligibility

Your eligibility will be reassessed for the program you have applied for, which potentially will affect your ranking or points in the nomination process.

If you find out that your primary NOC code has changed and is not on the targeted list anymore before submission, your application will be considered ineligible. You may choose not to go forward with your provincial nomination application.

If you find out that your NOC code has changed after submitting your application, you can choose to withdraw it. However, doing so may mean losing the processing fees you paid for the provincial nomination application.

Issues with modified NOCs at the federal level

After successfully receiving a provincial nomination, a change in your NOC code may impact your PR application with the federal government.

If you have an NOC-specific nomination, you must maintain the same NOC as your primary occupation that you applied to the province initially. If you change your primary NOC code, your Canada PR application will be rejected due to non-compliance with the eligibility criteria related to your provincial nomination.

Importance of a NOC code for Canada PR

Understanding NOC codes for Canada immigration helps you better understand why changing them at a later stage can impact your PR application.

NOC codes play an important role in checking eligibility for Express Entry’s three economic immigration programs.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

You need to prove you have at least one year of paid and full-time jobs along with other requirements. Otherwise, show an equivalent part-time job that is continuous and skilled in the same NOC (primary NOC) to meet minimum PR eligibility for FSWP. This work experience must fall under one of the below-listed NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For the CEC program, you must show a minimum of one year of paid and full-time or equivalent part-time work experience. You must have Canadian work experience in skilled employment in the last three years in one of the following NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. Experience gained during studies will not be considered.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Along with other program requirements, you need to show at least two years of skilled work experience in a specific eligible NOC group over the last five years to be eligible.

Seek Help?

Connect with Nationwide Visas, one of the best immigration consultants in India. The team will evaluate your case, offering the best solutions to apply for Canada PR from India. Whether you need help with your application, documentation, finding jobs, or else, we’ve got you covered!

Get a free consultation session. Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com.

Good Luck!

Read More: 3-Step Process After Receiving ITA under Canada Express Entry