Canadian immigration applicants can apply for PR with one NOC code but switch the NOC code later on in their immigration journey. Here’s how a change in NOC impacts PR applications. 

An applicant might apply for permanent residence in Canada through one of Canada’s Express Entry-managed programs and can be contacted to pursue PR through one of Canada’s 11 Provincial Nominee Programs. 

Well, it is worth noting that the term Notification Of Interest is what Ontario calls the invitation issued by the OINP, indicating that the province is inviting the selected applicant to submit his/ her application for a provincial nomination. 

Moreover, reference letters should be obtained from each employer, thus allowing the province to verify that the job duties and responsibilities align with the NOC, which was indicated in the federal Express Entry profile. 

Note: NOC codes are five-digit numbers used to categorize and classify professions for purposes of immigration. 

What Happens If NOC Changes During The Immigration Process At The Provincial Level? 

A change in NOC impacts PR applications. Well, the applicant’s supporting documents are assessed to verify if their job role and responsibilities accurately align with an NOC, which is the province’s/ territory’s targeted profession list. 

For instance, if an applicant claims NOC 21232 on his application, then the Ontario government will assess his job more closely, thus aligning it with NOC 21234, i.e., Web developers and programmers. 

Let us take another example – despite claiming NOC 21232, the government assesses the job more accurately, aligning it with 22220, i.e., computer network and web technicians.

In the first example, the applicant’s job doesn’t align with the stated NOC. Therefore, the application might proceed because the assessed NOC is still on the Ontario government’s list of targeted professions for tech draws. The OINP will contact the applicant in this case and request additional clarifications. 

In the second example, the applicant’s NOC is not on the targeted professions list. Thus, the applicant will be deemed ineligible for provincial nomination via the OINP, and the application will be refused. 

What To Do If Primary NOC Is Different From The Initially Applied At The Provincial Level? 

Applicants who realize that their primary NOC has changed and is now listed as the target NOC before they submit their application for a provincial nomination might choose not to proceed with their provincial application as it will be refused as non-eligible. 

Those who submit their application despite this realization, or those who only realize this NOC change after submission, can attempt to withdraw their application but will likely lose out on the processing fees paid for their provincial nomination application. 

Issues With Amended NOC At The Federal Level 

After the successful receipt of a provincial nomination from Ontario, a change in NOC might impact an applicant’s PR applicant with the federal government. 

Note: Applicants with an NOC-specific provincial nomination must maintain the same NOC as their primary profession that they applied with initially to the province. 

NOC-specific provincial nomination applications that amend their primary NOC code at the federal stage might have their application refused due to non-compliance with the eligibility criteria related to their provincial nomination. 

Why Does The NOC Code Matter? 

A change in NOC impacts PR applications and NOC code does matter. 

In simpler terms, NOC codes are an integral part of an applicant’s eligibility for Express Entry – Canada’s application management system for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Workers Program, and Canadian Experience Class.  

  • FSWP

Along with other requirements, applicants need a minimum of one year of paid, full-time, or equivalent part-time, continuous skilled employment in the same NOC to meet the minimum requirements for FSWP eligibility. 

In order to be eligible, this work experience must fall under one of the following NOC TEER Categories: TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

  • CEC

In addition to other program requirements, applicants require a minimum of one year of paid, full-time or equivalent part-time, skilled work experience in Canada over the last three years to meet the minimum requirements for CEC eligibility. Note that work experience gained while studying doesn’t count towards meeting this requirement. 

In order to be eligible, this work experience must fall under one of the following NOC TEER Categories: TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

  • FSTP

Along with other program requirements, applicants need a minimum of two years of skilled work experience in certain eligible NOC groups over the last five years to meet the minimum requirements for FSTP eligibility.