Navigating NOC for Software Developers

Updated in November 2023.

Canada is renowned for its inclusive immigration policies, which have attracted talented individuals from around the world to pursue a career and life in this diverse country. For software developers seeking to make Canada their new home, understanding the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is crucial. 

The NOC is not about job titles but focuses on the duties and responsibilities associated with various professions, including software development. In this blog, we’ll delve into what the NOC is, how it works for software developers, and how it can be a useful tool in your Canadian immigration journey.

What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a comprehensive system used by the Canadian Government to categorize and classify jobs across various industries. The NOC system is designed to group similar job roles based on the type of work performed, as well as the skills and qualifications required to do the job. This classification system plays a crucial role in Canada’s immigration and labor market policies.

The NOC is structured around a five-digit code for each occupation, and it considers the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a particular job, rather than focusing only on job titles. This makes it a versatile and important tool for both immigrants and Canadian employers to match the right individuals with the right job opportunities.

How Does the NOC Work for Software Developers?

To apply for immigration or work permits in Canada, you must identify the correct NOC code that best matches your job duties; software developers typically fall under NOC code 21232. However, it’s crucial to accurately describe your job duties, as this will impact your eligibility for various Canadian Immigration Programs – for example, the Express Entry system uses the NOC to allocate Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, and certain programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) require a specific NOC code. By selecting the correct NOC code, you can maximize your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.

Also, some provinces in Canada have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) streams tailored to specific NOC codes, including those in the tech sector. By aligning your NOC code with the demands of a particular province, you may increase your chances of obtaining a provincial nomination and ultimately achieving permanent residency.

Therefore, understanding the NOC is essential for your immigration goals, Canadian employers often use the NOC to describe job openings and to ensure they hire individuals with the right skills and qualifications. 

NOC Recommended Salary for Immigration Programs & VH’s Canadian Engineering Office

The official NOC website offers a tool to assist you in identifying the appropriate NOC code for your occupation. Below, you will find a table featuring some of the most frequently encountered occupations here at VanHack, along with the minimum wage (which may vary depending on the location). Please note that the salaries mentioned below are the government’s requirements for work permit programs.

In this table, we have used Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary as examples. Click the occupation below to go to the official government website. When exploring the occupation, click on the “Wages Tab” to view the hourly rates associated with the NOC code in each region. To calculate the annual salary, simply take the hourly wage in the “Median cell” and multiply it by 2080 (the number of working hours per year). Note: these wages are from November 2023 and can change anytime.

* requires Bachelors degree 

Rates for Vancouver, Ottawa , Edmonton as VH offices are registered there. 

VanHack’s Canadian Engineering Office & Your NOC

When applying to relocate to Canada through VanHack’s Canadian Engineering Office program as a software developer (or other tech role), it’s crucial to thoroughly research and ensure that your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is not only eligible for the VanHack program but is also aligned with the possibility of obtaining permanent residence in the future. 

This proactive approach is essential for a successful and long-term transition to Canada, as it ensures that all parties involved, including VanHack, yourself, and your current company, are aware of the alignment between your job description and the NOC.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Self-Assessment: 
  • When trying to determine your NOC codes it is often very hard to distinguish the differences between them.  Look for KEYwords, for example web developer vs engineer. Are you working on a web application?
  • Different locations, have different wage mins, look where you are eligible, and cross reference with our COST of living guides.
• Long-Term Goals: Keep in mind that your choice of NOC code not only impacts your eligibility for the VanHack program but also your prospects of obtaining permanent residence in Canada. Skilled workers categories often rely on the NOC code, so selecting the right one is critical for your long-term goals.
• Salary: The policy under which you will relocate has strict guidelines for annual salary increases, not more than  (1)  2%  (2) the prevailing rate (defined as the higher of either: median rate on Job Bank or the wage that is within the wage range of VH employees doing the same job.) (3) Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index of the previous year.
  
  

HOT TIPS 🔥

There may be an opportunity to get your employer to increase your fees (include your variable compensation to base compensation) to help you be eligible. 

There are more places to live than in Vancouver or Toronto, and you will save significantly on your cost of living if you look at outlier cities/regions.

This will be where you will live for up to two years; once you have PR, you can move between provinces.

❗The information provided in this context regarding the selection of a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for Canadian immigration and career purposes is intended for general reference and informational use only. It is recommended to recognize that the choice of an NOC code is an important decision, influenced by individual circumstances, regulatory changes, and job descriptions within the tech industry.

Relocate to Canada With VanHack

VanHack is your gateway to a world of exceptional job opportunities and exciting prospects.

Here’s how VH can help you make Canada your home:

📌 Job Board: VanHack’s job board is your one-stop destination for a wide array of job openings in Canada and other parts of the globe. Most of the job postings offer sponsored visas, making your international job search a breeze. Plus, we’ve carefully curated our hiring partners to ensure you’ll be working with some of the best companies out there. Secure your job in Canada and relocate with peace of mind: VanHack.com/Jobs.

🏢 Canadian Engineering Office: Maybe you’re already in a fulfilling role with your current employer, but they don’t have an office in Canada. No worries! With VanHack, you can join our Canadian Engineering Office program and enjoy all the benefits of being part of an international team. This option offers you the best of both worlds—staying with a company you love and experiencing the perks of working in Canada. Discover if you are eligible: VanHack.com/MoveToCanada.

Other Sources/Resources:

• VanHack Canadian Engineering Office
• Benefits With Canadian Engineering Office
• Eligibility to Employment Insurance
• Visa Types & Process: Understanding ‘Closed Work Permits’ and What Happens When Terminating a Contract with Your Canadian Employer
• Canada Health Care System
• Cost of Living in Canada
• Cost of Living in British Columbia
• Cost of Living in Ontario
• Cost of Living in Alberta