A job can sound skilled in everyday conversation but fail to meet the strict definitions required for Canadian immigration. Graduates often assume that their job title is enough to prove skilled work experience. This is a common error. IRCC looks at the actual duties, not just the label. You must carefully match your role against the official occupation descriptions.

The right way to compare your job is to use the National Occupational Classification. Look at the TEER category and the lead statement. The lead statement summarizes the main duties of the occupation. If your daily tasks do not align with this summary, your experience may not count. The title is secondary. A sales representative might be TEER 2 or TEER 3 depending on the complexity of the role and the level of autonomy.

Wage and hours matter, but they are not the primary determinant of skill level. However, they are important for proving full-time status. You need to show that you worked at least 30 hours per week. If you worked part-time, you must combine the hours to meet the full-time equivalent. Keep detailed records of your hours worked. Timesheets or payroll summaries can help prove this.

Documents should be kept while you are working, not just at the end. This includes employment letters, pay stubs, tax documents, and any internal communications that show your duties. An employment letter should clearly state your job title, start and end dates, salary, hours, and a detailed list of your duties. If the letter is vague, it may not be accepted.

When is the match uncertain? If your job is new or does not have a clear NOC code, you may need professional help. Some roles are hybrids of different occupations. In these cases, a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer can help you argue for the correct classification. Do not guess. Incorrect classification can lead to a refusal and a loss of time and money.

Check the official IRCC pages for the NOC dictionary. Use the tool to search for your occupation. Read the lead statement and the main duties carefully. Compare them to your actual work. If you are unsure, seek advice. The stakes are high, and the consequences of error are significant.

If you have verified your job status, what was the most challenging part? Was it finding the right NOC code or proving the duties matched the description? Share how you documented your work experience. Did you keep daily records or rely on annual summaries? Discuss any discrepancies you found between your job title and the official classification.