What is the NOC system?
NOC stands for National Occupation Classification. It is a system used to describe occupations. IRCC uses the NOC system to sort occupations into groups that represent the potential benefit of a candidate’s occupation to the Canadian economy. Having an occupation that fits within the correct groups is essential for an applicant’s eligibility for Express Entry, as well as for most Provincial Nominee Programs. At the moment, an applicant’s occupation is determined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 version 1.3. As of November 16, 2022, the Canadian government will employ a new system: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 V1.0.
Why is the system changing?
The last time the NOC system received a structural revision was with the publishing of the NOC 2011 version. As Canada continues to expand targets for economic immigration, the need to classify applicants’ occupations in more detail rises. The new NOC system aims to classify jobs more thoroughly, introducing expanded codes and groups.
What are the most significant changes?
While the current NOC system (NOC 2016) sorts occupations into five Skill Levels (0, A, B, C, and D), the new version will use a grouping system titled TEER – Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. This will consist of six groups (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). Under the new system, NOC codes will also have a 5-digit structure, compared to the 4-digit model used in NOC 2016.
The second digit of your new 5-digit NOC code represents the TEER category under which it falls. For instance, the new NOC code for software engineers and designers is 21231, which falls under TEER category 1.
Here are some more examples:
More importantly, several occupations are becoming eligible for Express Entry, and others will lose their eligibility. Currently, the following occupations will become eligible for Express Entry:
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors.
Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators;
Bylaw enforcement and other regulatory officers;
Correctional service officers;
Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants;
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants;
Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations;
Heavy equipment operators; and
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates;
Other repairers and servicers;
Payroll administrators;
Pest controllers and fumigators;
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants;
Residential and commercial installers and servicers;
Sheriffs and bailiffs;
Transport truck drivers;
Unfortunately, the followings occupations will become ineligible on November 16:
Other performers;
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness; and
Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners
Express Entry candidates with the above occupations that have not yet received an ITA (invitation to apply) by November 16, 2022, will become ineligible for Express Entry, but may still meet the requirements for some Provincial Nominee Programs.
What action is required of candidates (or their legal representatives)?
Candidates for Express Entry that receive an ITA by November 16, 2022, will have to apply under the current NOC system. Other candidates must update their profiles on or after November 16 with their new NOC code in order to remain eligible to receive an ITA.
How to find your new NOC Code and TEER level
Under the current system, NOC codes grouped into Skills Levels A, B, and 0 are eligible for Express Entry. In the new system, TEERs 0, 1, 2, and 3 will be eligible. Most occupations will transfer to the new system as follows:
If you have received an invitation to apply
If you have received an ITA before November 16, 2022, you must submit your application for permanent residence using NOC 2016.
Updated NOC 2021 eligibility criteria for Express Entry
Visit this link to find the new NOC code and TEER category for your occupation.
For more information on which immigration option is best for you and your business, or for assistance designing your longer-term immigration strategy, reach out to me directly through my CONTACT page. We can set up a consultation to find the immigration option that works best for your specific needs.
Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post were accurate at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided above. This blog post is not updated on a regular basis.
Co-written by Lucas Almeida and Rebecca Tripp
Originally posted on November 14, 2022
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