Transition to NOC 2021
The government of Canada implemented changes to National Occupational Classification (also known as NOC) starting November 16, 2022.
This NOC 2021 will replace the existing NOC 2016 and starting November 16, 2022 only NOC 2021 codes will be followed for the immigration programs such as Express Entry including Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP’s).
What is the NOC Changes?
- NOC 2016’s Skill Type and Skill Levels will be replaced with NOC 2021’s training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) Categories.
- the current NOC 2016 skill type and skill level structure (NOC 0, A, B, C and D) will be replaced with a 6-category system representing the training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) needed to work in an occupation
- 4-digit occupation codes will become 5-digit codes
- the eligibility criteria for all programs that use the NOC will be updated by the IRCC soon.
New TEER categories
Programs that used the NOC skill type or levels will now use TEER categories.
- Most jobs will stay in the TEER category which is equal to the skill level in the table below.
- Some jobs may change to a different TEER category.
- Skill level B jobs may become TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs.
- Find your occupation under the NOC 2021 list to find out what TEER category it belongs to.
| Skill type or level | TEER category |
| Skill type 0 | TEER 0 |
| Skill level A | TEER 1 |
| Skill level B | TEER 2 and TEER 3 |
| Skill level C | TEER 4 |
| Skill level D | TEER 5 |
What should you do as an applicant?
- Update your Express Entry profile with the new NOC (TEER) code which is a five-digit code before November 23, 2022, to be eligible for the Express Entry draws.
- Express Entry draws are expected to resume on November 23, 2022
If you have already submitted a profile, but DID NOT RECEIVE an invitation to apply ITA
You must:
- Search for your occupation under the NOC 2021 list on the ESDC website
- Update your profile with your TEER Category and 5-digit occupation code
If you have RECEIVED an invitation to apply (ITA) before November 16, 2022
You must:
- submit your application for permanent residence using NOC 2016.
How to find your NOC?
You can find your NOC using the following websites
- ESDC – https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/?GoCTemplateCulture=en-CA
- IRCC – https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-national-occupation-code-2021.html
- Alternatively, you can contact us to evaluate your profile and update your NOC.
V9 Immigration can help you with the assessment of your profile for permanent residency
What are the affected programs under the new NOC 2021 System?
Affected programs
These programs will have updated eligibility requirements because of this change:
- 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
What are the new eligibility criteria for Express Entry?
| Eligibility criteria | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker Program | Federal Skilled Trades Program |
| Language skills | English or French skills CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations | English or French skills CLB 7 | English or French skills CLB 5 for speaking and listening CLB 4 for reading and writing |
| Type/Level of work experience | Canadian work experience in an occupation listed in 1 or more of these NOC TEER Categories: TEER 0 TEER 1 TEER 2 TEER 3 | Work experience in an occupation listed in 1 of these NOC TEER Categories: TEER 0 TEER 1 TEER 2 TEER 3 | Work experience in a skilled trade under key groups of TEER 2 or TEER 3: Major Group 72, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers, excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers Major Group 73, general trades Major Group 82, supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production Major Group 83, occupations in natural resources and related production Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers Major Group 93, central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors Minor Group 6320, cooks, butchers, and bakers Unit Group 62200, chefs |
| Amount of work experience | One year in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work) | One year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time, or more than 1 job in your primary occupation) | Two years within the last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work) |
| Job offer | Not required. | Not required. But you can get selection criteria (FSW) points for having a valid job offer. | Required: a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority |
| Education | Not required. | Secondary education is required. You can get more selection criteria (FSW) points for your post-secondary education. | Not required. |
Image is the courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/@hillaryfox/