NOC 88888: Canada’s pseudo-NOC for entrepreneurs
Michael, an entrepreneur from Jamaica, intends to start a business in Canada. Consequently, he needs a work permit to manage his business. Michael’s immigration consultant applied for a work permit under IMP C11. Michael notices the job offer NOC code is 88888. However, he can’t locate NOC 88888 on the ESDC website. Michael wonders if his consultant has made a mistake.
Table of contents
What is NOC?
Before discussing NOC 88888, let’s focus on the concept of NOC. This acronym reflects the National Occupational Classification in Canada. The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is the organization that classifies all jobs under a coding system. Each job classification consists of a five-digit code. Here are some examples:
- NOC 14200 – Accounting and related clerks
- NOC 00014 – Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services
- NOC 52113 – Audio and video recording technicians
The NOC system is helpful for the immigration process in Canada. It could assist the authorities in realizing the usefulness of a person’s work experience or job offer for Canada. Some immigration options focus on specific NOC codes and invite potential immigrants accordingly. Here are some examples:
- Ontario Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
- Saskatchewan International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand
- Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand
I have another article that explains NOC in more detail. If you are not familiar with this concept, consider reading that article.
What is NOC 88888?
Formerly known as NOC 8888, this code covers Entrepreneurs. You may find the traces of this code in work permit options under the following programs:
- PNP applicants under Entrepreneur programs (IMP C60)
- Start-up business class PR applicants (IMP A77)
- Entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals seeking only temporary residence (IMP C11)
This code is the product of an agreement between ESDC and IRCC. NOC 88888 does not exist under regular NOC codes. Consequently, we could call this code a pseudo-code or a synthetic code. Don’t try to locate it on the NOC website.
What is the TEER level of NOC 88888?
TEER, standing for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities, is a new categorization system introduced in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, replacing the former skill level structure to better categorize jobs based on their requirements.
Since NOC 88888 does not exist on the NOC website, you may not easily identify its TEER level. However, according to IRCC, you could consider it a TEER 0 or 1. Moreover, these TEERs fall under the high-skilled jobs. Therefore, their spouses may apply for a work permit under IMP C41 and their children under IMP C46.
Where do you use this code?
You usually enter this code in two specific circumstances:
- When creating a job offer for an entrepreneur in the Employer Portal.
- In Express Entry, you claim your work permit was for an entrepreneur.
Since this is a sensitive matter, consult a professional before using this code. Please also note that this code is different from NOC 99999.
Let us help!
I have practiced as an immigration consultant since January 2011. Moreover, I have had tens of clients who applied for a work permit under NOC 88888 and later applied for PR. Please book a consultation session for official immigration advice. If you face complexities, you may alternatively fill out the following form.
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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