On November 16, 2022, IRCC made a big statement that it was transitioning its immigration system to the NOC 2021 (TEER) system. It will influence practically every immigration program in Canada. Here’s all you need to know about the latest developments.
This is how the NOC 2016 system’s skill type categories correspond to the TEER categories of the 2021 NOC system.
Skill Type OR Level TEER Category ( New NOC TEER codes )
| NOC 2016 | NOC 2021 |
|---|---|
| Skill Type 0 | TEER 0 |
| Skill Level A | TEER 1 |
| Skill Level B | TEER 2 |
| Skill Level B | TEER 3 |
| Skill Level C | TEER 4 |
| Skill Level D | TEER 5 |
The Canadian government has altered the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which affects how your work experience is displayed in your Express Entry profile as well as the eligibility of some permanent residence (PR) candidates. These changes can potentially make the Canadian immigration application process more complex and unpleasant.
Significant changes introduced with NOC 2021 system
The first digit of the NOC code denotes the principal occupational category, while the second digit represents the employment skill level. Because NOC 2021 changed educational requirements and formal training, the new categorization represents knowledge and abilities earned via on-the-job professional experience. NOC 2021 replaced the four Skill Levels of NOC 2016 with six TEER levels ranging from TEER 0 to TEER 5. In NOC 2021, the four-digit coding scheme was replaced by a five-digit coding system.
Candidates who have already received their ITA should apply for permanent residency (PR) using their NOC 2016 numbers by November 16, 2022.
The bulk of immigration applications are unlikely to be affected by the changes to NOC categorization.
Previously, NOC Skill Level B or above was necessary for Express Entry eligibility. The Express Entry eligibility cut-off for NOC 2021 will be TEER 3. Consequently, 16 new roles will be available, while three will be eliminated.
These are the 16 newly qualifying professions:
- 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
- By-law 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
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
Ineligible Occupations for Express Entry under NOC 2021:
- Other performers
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness
- Tailors, dressmakers, furriers, and milliners
If you are considering moving to Canada as a permanent resident or are presently in the Express Entry pool, you must be worried that changes to the NOC system ( New NOC TEER codes ) would damage your eligibility. The changes, however, are primarily limited to terminology and category and will have minimal impact on most applicants’ chances of qualifying for PR.
