NEW JOB LIST IS MORE TO POINT
CANADA has introduced changes to the way in which it classifies and assesses those trades and professions deemed in demand in the country, writes Steve Hartridge.
The old Canadian Classification Dictionary of Occupations (CCDO) an important early reference point for applicants for migration under the General Skills category, has been replaced by a new "jobs list" based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
Under the NOC several job titles have been banded together. Previously there were over 7,000 listed jobs, now there are around 700.
For example, whereas previously there were six classifications of accountants now there is just one. Welders once had to fathom their skills and experience under 15 different classifications, now they are all grouped under a single listing.
In addition, a more explicit emphasis has been placed on the amount of education required to perform a certain trade or profession, a move away from vocational preparation or experience. Thus the old SVP (Specific Vocational Preparation) points-scoring band has been replaced by a new label, ETF (Education Training Factor).
Put simply, individuals must be able to establish a minimum level of education, depending on their education, as outlined in the NOC system books.
A spokesperson for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) commented that the NOC list more accurately reflects the skills needed to work in professions in Canada that the old.
"It's more effective classification system and much more reflective of the current Canadian job market."
"Many of the old general categories contained unwieldy subcategories and subclasses and these have been streamlines under the new list."
"There was a lot of nit-picking going on in the past, now it is much easier to see whether someone qualifies."
"There has been a feeling that the many previous subclasses, in trying to be precise, were actually counter-productive."
The CIC say that no professions or trades have disappeared entirely from the Occupations List.
The amended list, in use by other government departments such as Statistics Canada and provincial governments since 1991, is a vital checklist for applicants applying under the General Skills migrants must be working in a trade or profession that is included on the NOC (unless it is a designated occupation and/or they have obtained a job offer which has been certified by a Canada Employment Centre stating that there is no suitably qualified and available Canadian or permanent resident to fill the position.)
Once they have established that they are skilled and experienced in an occupation included on the list and have garnered at least 60 points, applicants van proceed with their applications.
CIC stress the changes are limited in that the actual selection criteria remains the same, that is, as before, the NOC will assess the occupation not the individual.
According to CIC, the changes are technical and administrative, rather than a radical departure from policy.
