Top 5 NOC Code Mistakes in PNP & Express Entry Canada

Choosing the Right NOC Code for Canadian Immigration: Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), choosing the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is one of the most important steps you’ll take. Your NOC code doesn’t just describe your job—it can determine your eligibility for immigration. And guess what? Getting it wrong can lead to your application being refused or, worse, a finding of misrepresentation.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the five most common mistakes people make when choosing their NOC code—and how you can avoid them to put your best foot forward.

Key Highlights

• Choosing the correct NOC code is essential for Express Entry and PNP eligibility.
• Job duties—not just your job title—should guide your NOC selection.
• Using an incorrect TEER level could make your work experience ineligible.
• Your reference letters must clearly support your NOC choice.
• Be consistent across all application documents to avoid red flags.

Why Your NOC Code Matters for Immigration

Your NOC code plays a big role in determining whether you qualify for programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. It also affects whether you qualify for category-based Express Entry draws or certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), such as the Manitoba PNP.

But here’s the thing: if your NOC code doesn’t match up with the job duties you’ve actually performed—and the documentation you submit—IRCC can reject your application. In serious cases, they may even accuse you of misrepresentation, which carries a five-year ban from reapplying.

Alright, let’s dive into the five most common mistakes—and how you can sidestep them.

1. Relying Only on Your Job Title

The Mistake:

Many people assume their job title is enough to pick a NOC code. But titles like “Project Manager” or “Sales Executive” can mean very different things depending on the industry or country you’re coming from.

How to Avoid It:

Start with your title, but dig deeper. Write down your 10–15 core job responsibilities—the tasks you did every day. Then, head over to the official NOC website to search based on your title and compare the results with your duties.

Look for a NOC whose lead statement and main responsibilities match what you actually did. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a 70–80% match in duties, though IRCC doesn’t require an exact percentage. What matters is being able to provide proof that aligns with the role.

2. Choosing the Wrong TEER Level

The Mistake:

Some applicants pick a NOC with a higher skill level (or TEER level) because it sounds better or links to their educational background—even if their actual job didn’t require those qualifications.

But if your job falls outside TEER levels 0 to 3, it likely won’t count as skilled work for Express Entry.

How to Avoid It:

Always double-check the TEER level of the NOC you’re considering. TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities—and it’s what IRCC uses to determine if your job is “skilled enough.”

If you’re torn between two NOCs, go with the one that reflects what you did on a day-to-day basis and that you can prove with documentation. You cannot claim experience in a job you didn’t actually do—doing so is considered misrepresentation.

3. Submitting Weak or Incomplete Reference Letters

The Mistake:

Even if you’ve picked the right NOC, your application can still fall apart if your reference letter doesn’t clearly show how your job matches the NOC duties.

Letters that only list a job title and vague responsibilities won’t cut it. Immigration officers need to see clear, detailed evidence.

How to Avoid It:

Your reference letter should include:

• Job title
• Start and end dates
• Hours worked per week
• Salary and benefits
• Supervisor or HR contact information
• Detailed list of duties and tasks

Write your duties in plain language, and make sure they closely reflect the duties listed under your chosen NOC. You can also include supporting documents like pay stubs, contracts, or a job offer letter to reinforce your claims.

4. Ignoring the “Exclusions” Section in NOC Descriptions

The Mistake:

Each NOC profile includes an “Exclusions” section that lists similar-sounding jobs that are not considered part of that NOC. Skipping this section can lead you to pick a code that doesn’t truly apply to your experience.

How to Avoid It:

Always read the exclusions before settling on a NOC. These notes often point you to the correct code if your job doesn’t quite fit the one you’re looking at. If your duties fall under an excluded occupation, follow the link to the suggested NOC instead.

This extra step can save you a lot of time—and possibly your entire application.

5. Having Inconsistencies Across Your Documents

The Mistake:

Even if you’ve done everything else right, inconsistencies between your documents, forms, and online profile can raise red flags. These might include different job titles, mismatched start dates, or varying descriptions of your responsibilities.

How to Avoid It:

Keep a master employment record—just a simple spreadsheet or document—that includes:

• Exact employment dates
• Official job titles
• Weekly hours worked
• Paid/unpaid status
• Supervisor or HR contact info
• A consistent description of your core duties

Use this master record to copy and paste details into your immigration forms and letters. It’ll save you time and help keep everything consistent and error-free.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right NOC code isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of your entire Canadian immigration application. If you get it wrong, the consequences can be serious. But with a bit of research, some thoughtful reflection on your work experience, and a commitment to consistency, you can absolutely get it right.

Still unsure about how competitive your immigration profile is? Want to be confident that you’ve chosen the right NOC and are on the right path? Don’t leave it to chance.

Check How Competitive Your Express Entry Profile Really Is

And for more helpful guides on Canadian immigration, check out our related articles on Express Entry eligibility and provincial nomination programs.