NOC 88888: Canada’s simulated job classification for entrepreneurs
Michael, a businessman from Jamaica, is planning to open a company in Canada. Therefore, he needs a work permit to directly run his business. Michael's immigration consultant has applied for a work permit under the IMP C11 category. When Michael reviews the job offer letter, he notices that the occupation code is listed as NOC 88888. However, he could not find the NOC code 88888 on the ESDC website. This made him wonder if the consultant had made a mistake.
What is NOC?
Before discussing the NOC code 88888, it is necessary to understand the concept of NOC. This is an abbreviation for National Occupational Classification – Canada’s National Occupational Classification System. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is the agency responsible for classifying all occupations according to a coding system. Each occupation has a 5-digit code. For example:
- NOC 14200 – Accountants and related occupations
- NOC 00014 – Senior managers in commerce, broadcasting and other services
- NOC 52113 – Audio and video recording technicians
The NOC system plays an important role in the Canadian immigration process. It helps immigration authorities assess the relevance of work experience or job offers to the needs of the labour market. Some immigration programs even focus on specific NOC codes. For example:
- Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
- Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand
- Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand
(If you are not familiar with the NOC system, you can read another article that explains this topic in more detail.)
So what is NOC 88888?
Formerly known as NOC 8888, this code is used for business people. You may encounter this code in the following work permit applications:
- PNP Applicants under Entrepreneur Programs (IMP C60)
- Entrepreneurial Permanent Resident (IMP A77)
- Entrepreneurs or self-employed workers applying for temporary residence only (IMP C11)
NOC 88888 is the result of an agreement between ESDC and IRCC. This code does not exist in the regular NOC system, so it can be considered a “simulated” or “synthetic” code. Therefore, you cannot find this code on the official NOC website.
Which TEER does NOC code 88888 belong to?
TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities – a new system of occupational classification that replaces the old NOC skill hierarchy.
Since NOC 88888 is not listed in the official system, it is not possible to determine exactly which TEER this code belongs to. However, according to IRCC, NOC 88888 can be considered equivalent to TEER 0 or 1, which is a high-skilled occupation. This means that the spouse of a work permit holder under this code can apply for a work permit under IMP C41, while the children can apply under IMP C46.
Where is this code used?
You typically use NOC code 88888 in two situations:
- When creating a job offer for an entrepreneur in the Employer Portal
- In your Express Entry profile, if you want to declare that your work permit is for an entrepreneur
As this is a complex and sensitive issue, you should consult an expert before using this code. Note that NOC 88888 is not the same as NOC 99999.
