The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system has been updated by IRCC to the new 2021 version, NOC 2021, as of November 16, 2022. Numerous immigration programs will change as a result of this update to NOC 2021. Included in this will be Express Entry, one of the most well-liked routes to Canadian permanent residence.

 

What is the NOC System, and how does the NOC System work?

 

For the purpose of determining a candidate's eligibility for Canadian immigration programs, the NOC system is used to categorize their employment. All professions are divided into codes by the NOC 2021 system. Then, according to the kind of work and job responsibilities performed by an individual, codes are grouped together. Candidates must choose the NOC 2021 code that most closely resembles their job when submitting applications to Canadian economic immigration programs. A person should consider how closely the primary responsibilities of the NOC 2021 code match the responsibilities they carry out in their job when selecting a code.

 

What has changed in the new NOC System?

 

The NOC system (NOC 2016) currently mandates that candidates be classified under NOC skill types 0, A, or B. These skill types will be replaced by the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories with the transition to the NOC 2021. The current four skill levels have been increased to six TEER categories. In the NOC 2016 system, nearly a third of all occupations are classified as belonging to NOC skill level B. The six categories of the new TEER system will attempt to account for the significant variation in many of these skill types. Here is how the NOC 2016 system's skill type categories compare to the updated TEER categories for NOC 2021.

 

The Positive Impact: Jobs or Occupations Now Eligible for Express Entry

 

The majority of jobs under the previous NOC system will continue to be eligible for Express Entry. However, due to their updated educational and experience requirements, 16 previously ineligible occupations will now qualify for Express Entry under NOC 2021.

 

With the transition to the new NOC 2021, the following professions will be added by IRCC:

• Payroll administrators;

• Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants;

• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates;

• Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants;

• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants;

• Sheriffs and bailiffs;

• Correctional service officers;

• Bylaw enforcement and other regulatory officers;

• Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations;

• Residential and commercial installers and servicers;

• Pest controllers and fumigators;

• Other repairers and servicers;

• Transport truck drivers;

• Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators;

• Heavy equipment operators; and

• Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors.

 

The Negative Impact: Jobs or Occupations Now Ineligible for Express Entry

 

From November 16, 2022 onward, these three professions will no longer be eligible for Express Entry under NOC 2021:

• Other performers;

• Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness; and

• Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners

 

The above professions may still qualify under the Provincial Nominee Programs. Most importantly, candidates who previously were not permitted to submit an Express Entry profile but have experience in one of the aforementioned 16 occupations may now be permitted to do so under NOC 2021.

 

Effects of the new NOC system on existing Express Entry profiles:

Applicants with existing Express Entry profiles need to update their respective NOC codes based on the new NOC 2021 TEER system. They need to replace the existing 4 digit code with the updated 5 digit NOC code under NOC 2021 and submit their profiles. Be careful while updating the NOC codes as this may impact your overall CRS Score. Click here to calculate your CRS Score.

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Immigration Programs affected by the change in NOC System

 

These programs will have updated eligibility requirements because of this change to NOC 2021:

• Express Entry

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • Canadian Experience Class

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

• Atlantic Immigration Program

• Provincial Nominee Program

• Caregivers programs

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

• Agri-Food Pilot

• out-of-status construction workers

• International Mobility Program

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program

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The transition to NOC 2021 is a significant change in the Canadian immigration system. It's essential for candidates to understand the changes and how they might impact their eligibility for various programs. As always, staying informed and updated about these changes is crucial for a successful immigration process.