Clarification about Express Entry primary occupation and NOC exclusions

[applicant_49285]

Hi– I have researched this topic online, but am still unclear. Hoping I can get clarification here.

I want to apply to Express Entry through Canadian Experience Class. I am a biologist by training (both my degrees are biology), so I was going to choose 21110 "Biologists and Related Scientists" as my primary occupation. My current job (6 months experience) closely matches the 21110 NOC description. But, my previous job (14 months) matches NOC 41400 "Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers." But, I noted that 41400 lists "Life science professionals (2111)" as an exclusion.

Can I still list 21110 as my primary occupation? Or is this a problem, because more of my Canadian work experience is with 41400, which excludes 2111? I guess I'm just not clear on whether/how exclusions affect the primary occupation that I list. Thanks!

 

[kazesora]

The primary occupation is only used for calculating whether you are eligible for express entry. You can have multiple NOCs and select any of them as your primary NOC.

 

[applicant_49285]

Okay, thank you. Can you explain what the "exclusions" mean? I don't understand what it means if one of my NOCs is listed as an exclusion on another one of my NOCs.

 

[kazesora]

Okay, thank you. Can you explain what the "exclusions" mean? I don't understand what it means if one of my NOCs is listed as an exclusion on another one of my NOCs.

It just means "Life science professionals" use a separate NOC other than 41400

 

[applicant_49285]

Ah okay, thanks. So, I can use NOC 21110 (which falls under "life science professional") for my primary occupation, and also use 41400 as one of the NOCs for my work history without a problem. But someone would not want to use NOC 41400 as their main occupation if they consider themselves to be a life science professional (i.e., the exclusion is meant to direct you away from NOC codes that are not so relevant for you)?

 

[kazesora]

Ah okay, thanks. So, I can use NOC 21110 (which falls under "life science professional") for my primary occupation, and also use 41400 as one of the NOCs for my work history without a problem. But someone would not want to use NOC 41400 as their main occupation if they consider themselves to be a life science professional (i.e., the exclusion is meant to direct you away from NOC codes that are not so relevant for you)?

Your title or what you consider you are are not important. The important thing is that you can convince IRCC that your job matches the main duties described in a NOC. My understanding of NOC exclusion is that it is a reminder for you to check another NOC.

 

[applicant_49285]

Thanks!