Can I declare NOC 21301 (Mechanical Engineer) as principal occupation in Arrima if I currently work in NOC 62100? [Volet 1 vs. Volet 3 question]

[cherry369]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to figure out how to correctly fill the principal occupation field in my Arrima profile, and I'd love some input from people who've thought through the same thing.

My situation:

• I've been working in NOC 62100 – Technical sales specialists (wholesale trade) for about 2 years in Quebec
• I hold a CPI from OIQ (Candidat à la profession d'ingénieur), so I'm a regulated engineering candidate
• I don't currently work in an engineering role, but I intend to transition into one

The definition question:
Arrima defines the principal occupation as: "the occupation you wish to practice in Quebec and in which you have acquired the necessary work experience or skills in recent years."
The key word for me is "wish to practice" - which to me suggests it's about intention, not just current employment.

A relevant data point:
A friend of mine declared NOC 21301 – Mechanical engineers as his principal occupation. He had a CPI but was not actively working as an engineer at the time. He received an invitation under Volet 3. This makes me think CPI alone may be sufficient to satisfy the "skills acquired" part of the definition for 21301.

My question:
Based on this, could I also declare NOC 21301 as my principal occupation - making me eligible for Volet 3 - even though my current employment is in NOC 62100? Or does actively working in 62100 lock me into Volet 1 regardless?

I understand I'm likely eligible for Volet 1 through my current work experience. But I'm trying to understand whether I can legitimately choose Volet 3 by declaring 21301 as my principal intended occupation, backed by my CPI.

Has anyone navigated this or received guidance on it? Appreciate any input.

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to figure out how to correctly fill the principal occupation field in my Arrima profile, and I'd love some input from people who've thought through the same thing.

My situation:

• I've been working in NOC 62100 – Technical sales specialists (wholesale trade) for about 2 years in Quebec
• I hold a CPI from OIQ (Candidat à la profession d'ingénieur), so I'm a regulated engineering candidate
• I don't currently work in an engineering role, but I intend to transition into one

The definition question:
Arrima defines the principal occupation as: "the occupation you wish to practice in Quebec and in which you have acquired the necessary work experience or skills in recent years."
The key word for me is "wish to practice" - which to me suggests it's about intention, not just current employment.

A relevant data point:
A friend of mine declared NOC 21301 – Mechanical engineers as his principal occupation. He had a CPI but was not actively working as an engineer at the time. He received an invitation under Volet 3. This makes me think CPI alone may be sufficient to satisfy the "skills acquired" part of the definition for 21301.

My question:
Based on this, could I also declare NOC 21301 as my principal occupation - making me eligible for Volet 3 - even though my current employment is in NOC 62100? Or does actively working in 62100 lock me into Volet 1 regardless?

I understand I'm likely eligible for Volet 1 through my current work experience. But I'm trying to understand whether I can legitimately choose Volet 3 by declaring 21301 as my principal intended occupation, backed by my CPI.

Has anyone navigated this or received guidance on it? Appreciate any input.

If your friend has not been approved there is a good chance he could still be denied for selecting the wrong NOC if he has the same situation as you do. Given the “recent years” part of the requirement it should be NOC62100 although I would consult an immigration lawyer.

 

[cilin]

Important :

• Vous devez toujours avoir l’intention d’exercer la profession principale que vous avez indiquée dans votre déclaration d’intérêt pour accepter une invitation à présenter une demande de sélection permanente.
• Si vous souhaitez exercer une profession principale différente de celle que vous avez indiquée dans votre déclaration d’intérêt, vous devez refuser l’invitation. Cependant, vous pourrez mettre à jour votre nouvelle profession principale et les renseignements s’y rattachant dans votre déclaration d’intérêt. Ensuite, attendez de recevoir une nouvelle invitation. Sachez qu’il n’est pas garanti que vous en recevrez une autre.
• Toutefois, veuillez noter que vous n’êtes pas obligé d’occuper un emploi dans votre profession principale au moment où vous recevez l’invitation ou lorsque vous présentez votre demande de sélection permanente.

On Mifi website, you don't have to work as your claimed job currently, but you should have at lease one year's experience in that job during the past five years. That is the basic requirements.