Does work experience impact CRS score in Express Entry?

 When applying for a Canada PR visa from India through the Express Entry system, knowing what does and does not impact the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is important. 

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) code that corresponds with your work experience will not impact your CRS score - unless you have a job offer waiting when you arrive in Canada. 

However, when considering category-based Express Entry draws and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), NOC codes are still important. So, how exactly does your NOC help increase your chances of successful Canada Immigration from India?

Express Entry and CRS score

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are used by Canada’s federal government to rank candidates who apply for Canada PR visa under any of the three programs managed under the Express Entry system:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 

Candidates are ranked against each other prior to an Express Entry draw. CRS scores are the determining factor in Express Entry draws. Candidates with the highest scores are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. 

What are NOC codes?

Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is how the federal government classifies, describes, differentiates, and outlines in-demand jobs in Canada according to their main duties, educational requirements, and other relevant information. Each occupation classified under the NOC system is assigned a unique NOC code. Every NOC code is represented by a five-digit number.

NOC codes for standard Express Entry draws

A candidate’s NOC in a standard Express Entry draw may make them eligible for additional CRS points - which improves their chances of receiving an ITA for Canada PR. Express Entry candidates can earn an additional 50-200 points for the “Arranged Employment” factor in the CRS score calculator. 

NOC codes for category-based Express Entry draws

Category-based Express Entry draws to allow the government to prioritize candidates with recent work experience in one of the five categories selected for these draws. NOC codes are important for category-based draws because every eligible occupation under each of the five categories has its own unique NOC code. Therefore, candidates with recent work experience in an in-demand occupation that falls under a certain NOC code may be eligible for immigration to Canada through category-based draws in addition to their standard Express Entry eligibility.

NOC codes for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

The value of a candidate’s NOC code as it relates to their work experience lies in the fact that all provinces in Canada with a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - have different labour market gaps that they need to address. Meaning, that if a candidate’s work experience falls under a certain NOC code, they may make themselves a more desirable candidates - to a province looking for skilled workers with their specific employment history and skill set.

To apply for Canada PR visa from India, it is important that you have a basic understanding of how the NOC works under the federal government's Express Entry program. Choosing the right NOC code is one of the most crucial steps for your Canada PR application. If your NOC code does not match your work experience, your Canada PR application may get rejected or returned.

If you’re having trouble, seek guidance from immigration and visa consultants in Delhi. 

Read More: Category-based Selection Draws for Express Entry