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Canadian Experience Class

Have you worked in Canada for at least one year? If so, CEC might be your Canadian permanent residence pathway.

CEC - Refusal on NOC 2171

By: Amit on May 13, 2020 09:21 AM EST
Hello All,


I am writing to get some help on my CEC application which was recently refused. Here is my timeline for your reference:


ITA – Dec 11th, 2019

AOR – Dec 12th, 2019

Biometric Submitted – Jan 13th, 2020

RPRF Requested on – Jan 07th, 2020

Refusal – May 07th, 2020


My profile score was 475 when I submitted my EE profile. The CRS cut-off score was 473 when I received my ITA.

I have shown 1 year of foreign experience & 1 year of Canadian Experience (8 months + 4.5 months). Hence, I applied under the CEC. I acquired 1 year of Canadian experience with 2 different jobs/NOC.


Canadian Exp 1(Primary Occupation) - IT Project coordinator - NOC - 2171 – There is no NOC code for IT project coordinator hence, I chose 2171 which was relevant to IT job roles

Provided all the necessary documents (Emp letters with roles & responsibilities, all paystubs)

Duration – 8 months


Canadian Exp 2 - IT Project Manager – NOC – 0213

Provided all the necessary documents (Emp letters with roles & responsibilities, all paystubs)

Duration – 4 months (at the time of application)


Foreign Exp 1 – Application Support – 1 year – NOC - 2282

The Employer provided a reference letter explaining that they cannot provide role & responsibilities as it is against their policy. Hence, I attached a letter of explanation including my roles & responsibilities & a contact reference for verification.

My application was rejected on the grounds of not meeting the eligibility requirements for CEC. Below is an excerpt of my refusal letter –


“I note that you have provided employment reference letters from them, however, I am NOT satisfied that you have accumulated at least one year of full-time work experience according to your declared primary occupation (National Occupational Classification - 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants).

I am not satisfied that you meet the requirement(s) under paragraph(s) a) b) and c) because you have not submitted sufficient evidence to satisfy me that you have performed the actions described in the lead statement for the declared primary occupation identified in your application as set out in the occupational descriptions of the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants).

I note that you have not submitted sufficient evidence to satisfy me that you have performed a substantial number of the main duties for the declared primary occupation identified in your application as set out in the occupational descriptions of the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants).”

Therefore, your claim of having acquired Canadian and foreign work experience under occupational descriptions of the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2171 – Information systems analysts and consultants) cannot be considered. As per the information noted above.

This change in your qualifications resulted in a loss of points that brought your rank below the lowest ranking person who was invited to apply in your round of invitation, under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System. Therefore, I am not satisfied that you have met the minimum entry criteria"


After reading the highlighted red text above I am confused if my application was refused due to NOC mismatch, due to insufficient documentation or due to insufficient work experience (which is not true & it might be just an error from the officer)


While I wait for GCMS notes. I would like to know if I should submit my application for reconsideration.


Any advice or suggestion from anyone who might have experienced a similar situation will be highly appreciated.


Thanks in advance!
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