How Does My Work Experience Affect My CRS Score?

As immigrants apply through the Express Entry system for Canadian immigration, it’s crucial to understand the factors affecting their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. One key aspect is the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 Code, which plays a significant role when you have a pre-arranged job waiting for you in Canada. This code is also essential for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and category-based Express Entry draws. Understanding these elements can lead to a well-executed immigration process.

The Basics of CRS Scores 

Candidates applying to any of the following Express Entry programs obtain a rank using CRS codes from the Canadian government. 

1. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants who participate in any of the above programs gain eligibility for the Express Entry draw. The score they obtain reveals their capabilities and skillsets. The Express Entry Draw eligibility depends on the CRS scores of the candidates. 

The IRCC sends an ITA (Invitation to Apply) to candidates scoring high enough, helping them obtain Canadian immigration. That is possible by exceeding the cut-off CRS score for your draw. Hence, it is important to become aware of the minimum score. 

NOC Codes Explained 

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system in Canada refers to the federal government’s procedure to describe, classify, define and distinguish jobs. This system depends on the job’s educational prerequisites, primary roles and other crucial details. 

The NOC system helps assign a unique number to every occupation for organizational reasons. We call this numerical identifier the NOC code of the occupation. These NOC codes consist of a five-digit number. 

Impact of NOC Codes in Category-Based Draws 

What is the crucial role of a category-based draw? It allows the government to focus on the candidate’s Canadian immigration based on their industry-oriented recent work experience (specifically in high-demand sectors). French language proficiency is also a priority for candidates. This approach ensures that individuals with relevant work experience in these occupations can immigrate to Canada, thereby fulfilling the nation’s labor market needs. 

Canada has been prioritizing the following occupational categories for 2023: 

• Science 
• Healthcare 
• Mathematics (STEM)
• Technology 
• Agri-food/Agriculture 
• Trades 
• Transportation 
• Engineering 

Furthermore, NOC codes have a significant impact on category-based draws. Every eligible occupation falling under these high-demand categories has a distinct NOC code. This factor brings good news for candidates with relevant work experience under a unique NOC code. They are likely to obtain qualification for Canadian immigration via category-based draws besides meeting the criteria of standard Express Entry. 

Here are some occupation examples for every eligible Express Entry category (for 2023): 

Healthcare – Massage Therapists with NOC-32201 and Dentists with NOC-31110.

Mathematics (STEM) – Engineering Managers with NOC 20010 and Architects having NOC- 21200. 

Agri-Food and Agriculture – Wholesale and Retail Butchers with NOC- 63201. 

Transport – Transport Truck Drivers having NOC 73300. 

Canadian Immigration Success with Standard Draws 

If we look at the standard Express Entry draws, the NOC code of a candidate can make them eligible for gaining additional CRS points. And that leads to another significant advantage: higher chances of obtaining an ITA for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. 

Within the Additional Points section of the CRS (Category D), the Canadian government states that 50 or 200 extra CRS points are possible for Express Entry candidates (for Arranged Employment). Under this particular category, Express Entry candidates securing arranged employment (having a job offer before reaching Canada in a profession under Major Group 00* category of NOC 2021) will add an extra 200 points to the CRS score. 

But what about the candidates with job offers in other occupations within the codes TEER 0 (except Major Group 00), 1, 2, or 3? These candidates will receive an additional 50 CRS points. As we can see, both scenarios show how the receiving of extra CRS points depending on the candidates’ NOC code positively affects their success for Canadian immigration via standard Express Entry draws. 

The Link between the PNP and NOC Codes 

The National Occupation Classification codes are crucial in determining an immigration candidate’s eligibility for various Provincial Nominee Programs. Several provinces face distinct labor market shortages and use their respective PNPs to attract skilled workers to fill these gaps.

When an immigration candidate’s work experience matches a specific NOC code, it can significantly enhance their appeal to provinces or territories actively seeking skilled workers with particular skill sets and work backgrounds. This alignment between NOC codes and PNP requirements can boost a candidate’s chances of receiving a provincial nomination, which in turn can increase their Comprehensive Ranking System score in the Express Entry pool.

Do you have specific questions about NOC codes or want to increase your CRS score? Immigrationway is here to guide you through the Express Entry system. Our expert team can assist you with the Canadian immigration process. Contact us to get started with your application.