Overcoming Express Entry Complexities: Proving Full-Time Work and Selecting the Right NOC Codes
At Adriana Ryckman Immigration Consulting (ARIC), we pride ourselves on carefully navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration applications. A recent case under the Canadian Experience Class – Healthcare Category illustrates how critical it is to pay attention to detail when preparing an Express Entry submission.
In this case, our client faced several unique challenges: demonstrating that “part-time” employment actually met the 30-hour-per-week full-time threshold, accurately selecting National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, and consolidating supporting evidence when employers were unwilling to provide complete letters.
Proving Full-Time Equivalency Despite “Part-Time” Job Titles
One of the biggest hurdles in this application was that the applicant was classified by her employer as a part-time worker, even though she consistently worked 30 hours or more per week. Since Express Entry requires applicants to demonstrate at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience (or equivalent in part-time hours), this distinction could have been problematic.
To resolve this, we:
Collected detailed pay stubs and T4 slips to demonstrate average weekly hours.
Calculated full-time equivalency using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) standards (30 hours per week as the benchmark).
Explained in our submission letter that, although the employer did not classify her as full-time, her hours met the required threshold.
This thorough documentation ensured that the officer could clearly see the applicant’s employment satisfied Express Entry requirements.
Selecting the Correct NOC Codes
Another complexity arose when the applicant’s official job titles did not match their actual job duties. For example:
The applicant’s foreign employment letters listed roles such as Administrative/Communication Associate and Administrative Manager/Cashier.
After carefully analyzing job duties, we determined these roles aligned best with NOC 13110 – Administrative Assistants, a qualifying occupation under Express Entry.
Similarly, in Canada, the applicant’s experience spanned across two healthcare-related roles:
NOC 33102 – Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates
NOC 42201 – Social and Community Service Workers
We provided a clear explanation of how each role aligned with NOC descriptions, supported by job duty breakdowns, confirmation of employment letters, and supplementary job descriptions. This precision was crucial, as selecting the wrong NOC can lead to refusal.
Addressing Employer Documentation Gaps
In some cases, employers were unable—or unwilling—to provide comprehensive employment letters that included all job duties. Instead of leaving gaps, we:
Submitted separate job duty descriptions alongside official confirmation letters.
Explained to IRCC why the information was provided in multiple formats.
This proactive approach reassured the reviewing officer that all evidence was complete and reliable.
Full-Time Equivalency Calculations
We also prepared detailed hour-by-hour and week-by-week calculations to establish work experience in both Canada and abroad. For example, we converted periods of part-time employment into full-time equivalency, ensuring every eligible day of experience was properly accounted for.
The end result:
Foreign work experience: Over 3 years, 5 months.
Canadian work experience: 1 year, 2 months, 16 days.
This exceeded the one-year minimum requirement for Canadian work experience and strengthened the application.
Why Expert Guidance Matters
This case demonstrates that Express Entry applications often involve more than simply uploading documents. Small details—like job title mismatches, pay stub discrepancies, or incomplete employer letters—can make or break an application.
At ARIC, we take the time to:
Analyze job duties against NOC classifications.
Provide clear calculations and supporting evidence.
Anticipate officer concerns and address them proactively.
Our expertise positioned this client for success under the Canadian Experience Class – Healthcare Category.
