Here's some updated info. I *think* I have a really good chance of applying with my current role which is largely administrative under NOC code 1221 -- Administrative Officers. I spoke with my AVP and manager today, and they were both willing to modify the job function and description enough so that while it still falls within the job duties for similar roles, it also qualifies for the PR application.
Now I have two new questions!
(1) I know that the lead statement (i.e. the little paragraph at the top of the page for each category) is the most important thing. In my case, my current role matches up with all but the last little bit. Here's what the HRSDC website says (the details that are okayfor me are in BLUE font and the last bit that doesn't qualify is in RED:
Administrative officers oversee and implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations and co-ordinate acquisition of administrative services such as office space, supplies and security services. They are employed throughout the private and public sectors. Administrative officers who are supervisors are included in this group.
Has anyone had a problem with this for their applications? It doesn't have to be under NOC 1221 -- just more of the lead statement being mostly relevant? The list of the main the duties also mostly qualifies in my case.
First, you don't say what you do, so no one can judge whether or not the NOC "fits." This makes it difficult to comment. The general description is important, but you also have to look at the duties and responsibilities identified for the NOC.
Second - Many applicants on this list have had trouble when their job description appears to match elements of an unskilled position (Skill Level C). CIC knows applicants will try to "upskill" their NOC if necessary, and seems to be really strict about interpreting "down" to skill level C where possible. (esp. true of CPP-0).
What we have seen a lot of in the past year is that VOs (at least some of them) will look at the Skill Level C job, and if there is a fit, will refuse your application.
In the case of NOC 1221, "administrative officer" implies a much higher level of responsibility than "administrative assistant" (NOC 1241), which is the same skill level - be sure you're not shooting too high -
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/2011/ProfileKeyword.aspx?val=1&val1=1241&val11=administrative+assistant&val12=0&val13=0&val14=&val15=0&val16=0
But there is also NOC 1411, General Office Support Workers -
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/2011/ProfileKeyword.aspx?val=1&val1=1411&val11=office+assistant&val12=0&val13=0&val14=&val15=0&val16=0
So for example, we've people apply as NOC 1241 and have CIC judge their job to be NOC 1411, and refused.
Another issue is that with the release of 2011 NOC codes, banking-related occupations seem to have a separate set of NOC codes, so that NOC 1221 * might not * be applicable to your work. (Do you work in a bank that serves customers, or in a large corporate office?).
So for example, the VO could check your job duties and see if there is overlap with NOC 1434 (Skill Level C) -
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/2011/ProfileKeyword.aspx?val=1&val1=1434&val11=bank&val12=0&val13=0&val14=&val15=0&val16=0
(2) I work at a major Canadian bank and I read in another posting that this generally has a better effect on the processing officers looking after the applications. Do you think this is really true, that applicants working at larger firms are better off?
Not necessarily. I think it is true that applicants from well-known companies (regardless of size) are less likely to to be "suspect" because large corporations are more likely to have legal controls and less likely to expose themselves through "embellishing" applications.
This is good AND bad for applicants - the employment patterns of large companies are also easier to identify and so applicants who do embellish will be easier to identify. But they probably won't face the issue of having to prove that their employer exists. (Rare, but I've seen it happen for tiny companies).
As for banks - they are in their own category (see above RE special NOC codes for the industry). A lot of jobs in banking that I think would be classified as "Skilled" in other industries are for some reason classified as unskilled when in a bank. I'm guessing this is a deliberate effort by banks/government to keep the cost of labor down.
So - applicants with banking experience seem to get hit particularly often with the downward evaluation of their NOC code.
Bottom line - unless you can demonstrate that you SUPERVISE other people, and/or that you have the authority to develop and implement/enforce policies and procedures, I think it is unlikely that you will succeed with NOC 1221.
If your employer wants to keep you (and it sounds like they do), I would suggest looking into the PNP program.
