Effects of NOC Code Change on Your Canada PR Application
Here’s how altering your NOC code can influence your permanent residency application:
1. Eligibility Impact
Changing your NOC code can affect your eligibility for various immigration benefits. Since each immigration program has specific NOC requirements, switching codes might disqualify you from the program you originally applied for.
2: Documentation Consistency
The immigration authorities may highlight discrepancies in your PR application if inconsistencies exist between the NOC code in your initial submission and subsequent documents.
A change in your NOC code may prompt immigration officials to verify that the new code accurately reflects your experience, qualifications, and skills, leading to additional verification steps.
4: Processing Delays
Adjusting your NOC code can delay the processing of your Canada PR application, as it may necessitate further information or clarifications.
Impact of NOC Code Change on Your PNP Application
The immigration authorities review your documents to ensure that your job roles and responsibilities align with the NOC code specified in the targeted occupations list for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) of the relevant Canadian province or territory.
Consequences if Your NOC Code Does Not Match Your Actual Job Duties
1. Application Rejection
A significant discrepancy between your declared NOC code and your actual job duties may lead to the rejection of your PNP application by the province or territory.
2. Request for Additional Documentation
In some cases, the authorities might request additional documentation or evidence to verify your job responsibilities and ensure they align with the correct NOC code.
3. NOC Code Reassignment
The province or territory may ask you to reassign your PNP application to a different NOC code that better matches your job duties and responsibilities.
4. Eligibility Reevaluation
Your eligibility for the PNP program will be reassessed, which may impact your ranking or points in the nomination process.
Actions to Take if Your NOC Code Changes
Before Submission: If you discover that your primary NOC code has changed and it is no longer on the targeted list, your application will be deemed ineligible. You may choose to discontinue your provincial nomination application.
After Submission: If you learn of the NOC code change after submitting your application, you have the option to withdraw your application. However, withdrawing your application may result in the loss of the processing fees you have already paid.
Issues with Changing NOCs at the Federal Level
After securing a provincial nomination, altering your NOC code can affect your Permanent Residency (PR) application with the federal government.
If your nomination is NOC-specific, you must maintain the same NOC as your primary occupation that was used in your provincial application. Changing your primary NOC code will result in the rejection of your Canada PR application due to non-compliance with the eligibility criteria tied to your provincial nomination.
Significance of NOC Codes for Canada PR
Understanding the role of NOC codes in Canadian immigration is crucial, as changes can significantly impact your PR application.
NOC codes are essential for determining eligibility for the Express Entry system’s three economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
To qualify for FSWP, you need at least one year of paid full-time work, or equivalent part-time work, in a continuous and skilled role under your primary NOC. This work experience must be in one of the following NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For the CEC program, you must have at least one year of paid full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. This experience must be in one of the NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. Work experience gained while studying is not considered.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
In addition to meeting other requirements, you must have at least two years of skilled work experience in a specific eligible NOC group within the last five years to be eligible for the FSTP.
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