Changes to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and how they affect Express Entry applicants
A number of changes have been made to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system recently, which have an impact on how your work experience must be listed in your Express Entry profile and eligibility for some permanent residence (PR) candidates.
The Canadian immigration application process can become confusing and stressful if eligibility criteria or the way information is entered are changed.
This shift in eligibility criteria will affect 100+ immigration programs in Canada, including the Express Entry program.
What is the NOC? How does it work?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the national reference for occupations in Canada. It provides a systematic classification structure that categorizes the entire range of occupational activity in Canada. This works for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating occupational data for labor market information and employment-related program administration.
In addition, occupational information is critical for the provision of the labor market and career intelligence, skills development, occupational forecasting, labor supply and demand analysis, employment equity, and numerous other programs and services.
What changes are being made under NOC 2021?
From November 16, 2022, changes to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) had been made to replace the NOC 2016. This represents an introduction to new terminology and a revised classification structure for occupations. Here are the three significant changes being made under NOC 2021:
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NOC 2021 accounts for the differences between educational requirements and formal training, and consequently, the new classification reflects the knowledge and skills gained through on-the-job work experience.
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NOC 2021 replaces the former four-category “Skill Level” structure with six TEER levels, from TEER 0 to 5. TEER levels represent the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities for each occupation, with TEER 0 having the highest requirements and TEER 5 the lowest. The table below describes TEER levels and explains how they differ from Skill Levels under NOC 2016:
| TEER | Requirements | How it differs from NOC 2016 Skill Levels |
| TEER 0 | Management | Management was classified as Skill Type 0. |
| TEER 1 | University degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate); OR Previous experience and subject matter expertise in a related TEER 2 occupation. |
Skill Level A required a university degree but did not account for prior experience or expertise in related occupations. |
| TEER 2 | Completion of a two- to three-year post-secondary program (diploma or certificate) at community college, institute of technology or CÉGEP; OR Completion of a two- to five-year apprenticeship training program; OROccupations with supervisory or safety responsibilities (e.g. police officers and firefighters); ORSeveral years of experience in a related TEER 3 occupation. |
The requirements under Skill Level B have been split into TEER 2 and 3. The TEER levels also account for prior experience in related occupations, which was not considered eligible under Skill Level B. |
| TEER 3 | Completion of a post-secondary college program shorter than two years (diploma or certificate); OR Completion of an apprenticeship training program of under two years; OROver six months of on-the-job training, training courses or specific experience in addition to some secondary (school) education; ORSeveral years of experience in a related TEER 4 occupation. |
The requirements under Skill Level B have been split into TEER 2 and 3. The TEER levels also account for prior experience in related occupations, which was not considered eligible under Skill Level B. |
| TEER 4 | Completion of secondary school; OR Several weeks of on-the-job training with some secondary education; ORExperience in a related TEER 5 occupation. |
Skill Level C included up to two years of on-the-job training with some secondary education, whereas under TEER 4, several weeks of on-the-job training is accepted. TEER 4 also accounts for prior experience in related occupations. |
| TEER 5 | Short work demonstration and no formal educational requirements. | Similar to Skill Level D. |
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Also, the new NOC 2021 has changed from a four to a five-digit coding system. Let’s use Advertising, marketing and public relations managers as an example to explain the NOC classification hierarchy. Under NOC 2016 its code was 0124; under NOC 2021 its code is 10022. Here we breakdown the differences between the two codes for Advertising, marketing and public relations managers:
| Level | Details | Under NOC 2021 (10022) | Under NOC 2016 (0124) |
| Broad occupational category (first digit of code) | Business, finance and administration occupations (1) | 1 | 0 (Management occupations) |
| Major group (TEER or Skill Level) (second digit of code) | TEER 0 – Management (0) | 10 | 01 (Skill level A) |
| Sub-major group | Specialized middle management occupations in administrative services, financial and business services and communication except broadcasting (0) | 100 | N/A |
| Minor group | Managers in financial and business services (2) | 1002 | 012 (Managers in financial and business services) |
| Unit group (or occupation) | Advertising, marketing and public relations managers (2) | 10022 | 0124 |
This is how the skill type categories of the current NOC system match the TEER categories of the 2021 NOC system:
| NOZ 2016 | NOK 2021 |
|---|---|
| Ability type 0 | TAR 0 |
| Skill level A | TEA 1 |
| Skill Level B | TEA 2 |
| Skill Level B | TEA 3 |
| Skill level C | TEA 4 |
| Skill level D | TEA 5 |
Updated NOC 2021 Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry
| Eligibility Criteria | Canadian experience class | Federal skilled worker program | Federal handicraft programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge of English or French | CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations | KLB 7 | 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 one or more of these NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. | Work experience in an occupation listed in one of these NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2 or TEER 3. | Work experience in a trade in key groups of TEER 2 or TEER 3.* |
| Scope of work experience | One year in Canada in the last three years (either a combination of full-time or part-time work). | One consecutive year within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time, or more than one full-time job). | Two years within the last five years (either combination of full-time or part-time employment) |
| job offer | Not required. | Not required, but you can earn Eligibility Criteria (FSW) points if you have a valid job offer. | A valid job offer for full-time employment for a cumulative period of at least one year, or a certificate of qualification in the craft issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal agency. |
| education | Not required. | Secondary school diploma required. You can get more Eligibility Criteria Points (FSW) for your post-secondary education. | Not required. |
You can view the full list of occupation classifications under NOC 2021 on the ESDC site. Choose “NOC 2021” from the drop-down menu to search for your occupation.
Do I need to update the NOC codes in my existing Express Entry profile?
How is your particular situation affected by this?
A candidate’s IRCC action requirements will vary according to where they are in their Express Entry journey. Therefore, the best course of action is to speak with a licensed consultant and analyze your situation together to find the best alternative for your case.
Contact us today! One of your licensed immigration consultants will be happy to help you.
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