Check My NOC
Check my NOC

You Got an ITA. Here's What Actually Needs to Happen in the Next 60 Days.

Once you receive your Invitation to Apply, IRCC gives you 60 days to submit your complete application. That includes your work experience documentation — reference letters, proof of duties, and NOC code verification for every job you're claiming points for. Miss the deadline and the invitation expires; you'd need to re-enter the pool and wait for another draw.

The documents that trip people up most: reference letters that don't match IRCC's expected format, and work experience claimed under the wrong NOC code.

✓ 3,000+ NOC codes verified

Am I safe to submit? →Generate my reference letter →

The sequencing mistake that costs weeks

Here's the mistake that costs people the most time: they go straight to writing or requesting their reference letter, then find out — sometimes weeks in — that the NOC code they've been claiming doesn't actually match their duties closely enough. Now the letter has to be rewritten, requested again from an employer who may be slow to respond, and the clock is still running.

The letter is only as good as the code underneath it. If the code's wrong, a well-written letter doesn't fix that — it just documents the wrong thing more convincingly.

Real example: A Marketing Manager applicant claimed NOC 10022 (senior managers) but their reference letter described running campaigns and managing a small team of specialists — duties that fit NOC 11202, not 10022. The letter was detailed and well-written. Refused at the eligibility stage.

Start with the code, not the letter

Confirm your NOC matches your real duties before you spend a week chasing an employer for a letter that documents the wrong occupation.

Confirm your NOC code first →

Already confident in your NOC? Generate your letter →

Related guides

FAQ

How long do I have to submit my PR application after receiving an ITA?
IRCC gives you 60 days from the date of your Invitation to Apply to submit a complete e-APR. If you miss the deadline, the ITA expires and you have to re-enter the Express Entry pool and wait for another draw.
Can I change my NOC code after receiving an ITA?
You cannot change the NOC code on the profile that generated your ITA. If your duties don't actually match that NOC, the safer path is usually to decline the ITA, correct your profile, and wait for a new invitation — rather than submit an application that is likely to be refused for misrepresentation or eligibility. Read more: NOC mismatch refusals →
What happens if my reference letter doesn't match my NOC code?
IRCC officers compare the duties in your reference letter to the NOC's main duties. If they don't line up, you'll typically receive a procedural fairness letter or an outright refusal at the eligibility stage. A well-written letter that documents the wrong NOC won't save the application.
Should I get my reference letter or verify my NOC code first?
Verify your NOC first. Reference letters take time to request, revise, and re-sign — especially from slow employers. If you confirm the wrong NOC after the letter is written, you'll have to start the letter process over with your 60-day clock still running.
What if my employer refuses to write a reference letter?
You can submit a self-declaration with supporting evidence (pay stubs, T4s, employment contract, tax records, and a detailed statement of duties). It's weaker than an employer letter, so include as much third-party proof as possible — and make sure the duties you describe match your claimed NOC.

Last updated: July 2026