What's the NOC code for a marketing manager?

Short answer: NOC 10022 if you manage a team and a budget. If you're an individual-contributor specialist (even at "Senior" or "Lead" level), the 11202 NOC code is the marketing specialist NOC code you want.

Knowing your NOC code is only half the equation. IRCC doesn't ask what your code is — they ask whether your reference letter duties prove it. Most refusals at the eligibility stage aren't wrong NOC codes, they're correct codes (like 10022 for marketing managers) with reference letters that don't back them up.

A NOC code that doesn't match your actual duties isn't just a paperwork issue — IRCC can treat it as misrepresentation, which carries consequences that go well beyond a single refused application.

Confirming your NOC code before you submit is a lot cheaper than correcting it after.

Educational information only, not legal advice. Consequences vary based on individual circumstances.

Real example: A Marketing Manager applicant claimed NOC 10022 but their reference letter described campaign execution and content scheduling — NOC 11202 specialist work, not the senior-management duties NOC 10022 requires. Refused at the eligibility stage.

The 30-second answer

Direct reports + budget
NOC 10022
Advertising, marketing and PR managers · TEER 0
Individual contributor
NOC 11202
Marketing & PR specialists · TEER 1

How IRCC decides

IRCC officers read your reference-letter duties against the NOC main duties. For NOC 10022 they look for "plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate" phrasing and people-management language. For NOC 11202 they look for "assist," "develop," "conduct," "prepare" — execution language.

Title-to-NOC quick map

  • Marketing Manager (with reports): NOC 10022.
  • Marketing Manager (solo): Usually NOC 11202.
  • Head of Growth, Head of Marketing: NOC 10022 if you direct a function and own budget; NOC 11202 if you execute alone.
  • Senior Marketing Specialist, Senior PR Specialist: NOC 11202.
  • CMO / VP Marketing: NOC 00012 (Senior managers — trade, broadcasting and other services) — TEER 0.

What IRCC actually checks

What surprises most applicants: IRCC officers compare your reference letter duty lines word-by-word against the official NOC duty list. Generic phrases like “managed projects” or “supported the team” fail this check every time.

IRCC refused 23% of Express Entry applicants at the eligibility stage. A $9.99 check is insurance against a $1,500+ mistake.

Marketing Manager? 10022 is TEER 0 — 11202 is TEER 1. Big difference.

Officers re-classify weak 10022 claims as 11202 (or refuse them). Score your reference letter against both before you upload — then pick the one your duties actually support.

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FAQ

What is the NOC code for a marketing manager?
Marketing managers with direct reports and budget responsibility usually fall under NOC 10022 (Advertising, marketing and public relations managers, TEER 0). Individual contributors and senior specialists without reports usually fit NOC 11202 (TEER 1).
Is NOC 10022 TEER 0 better than NOC 11202 for Express Entry?
Not necessarily. TEER 0 carries no CRS advantage over TEER 1 — both are skilled work. What matters is that your duties genuinely match the NOC you claim. A weak 10022 claim is worse than a strong 11202 claim.
What if my title is Marketing Manager but I have no reports?
Title alone does not make you NOC 10022. IRCC reads your duties. Without people-management and budget authority, your work is more likely to fit NOC 11202 (marketing specialist).

Last updated: June 2026

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