NOC 2021 is the latest version of the National Occupation Classification, and this update has been in progress since July 27. Additionally, this updated NOC will shift the eligibility criteria among more than a hundred immigration programs, such as Express Entry.
The current NOC system follows the NOC 2016, which demands that Express Entry candidates obtain work experience based on NOC skill levels O, A, and B. However, the latest NOC 2021 will work under the TEER system and implement changes to training, education, responsibilities, and experience.
Refer to the given table to understand how NOC 2016 skill levels align with the TEER system of NOC 2021.
| NOC 2016 (skill levels) | NOC 2021 (TEER system) |
| 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 |
NOC 2021- eligibility criteria for Express Entry candidates
| Eligibility criteria | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) |
| English or French Proficiency | CLB 7 is required for TEER 0 or 1 occupations; CLB 5 required for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations | Canadian Language Benchmark- 7 | CLB 5 for speaking and listening skills; CLB 4 for reading and writing skills. |
| Type and work experience level | Canadian work experience required in an occupation listed in more than 1 of the NOC TEER Categories: TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. | Work experience in a field under NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, 1, 2, or TEER 3. | Work experience in a skilled trade under main groups- TEER 2 or TEER 3.* |
| Total work experience | One-year work experience in Canada within the last three years (either combining both full-time or part-time work) | One-year continuous work experience within the previous 10 years (combining part-time, full-time, or more than 1 job in the main occupation). | Two years’ work experience within the last five years (combination of full-time or part-time work) |
| Employment offer | Not required. | Not required but you can gain points under selection criteria for having a valid employment offer. | A valid full-time employment offer (at least one year) or a certificate of qualification in the specific skilled trade provided by a provincial, territorial or federal authority in Canada. |
| Education | Not required. | Secondary education is required. You can get more selection criteria points for your post-secondary education. | Not required. |
NOC 2021- regarding selection factors under FSWP
The factors for selecting candidates under the Federal skilled Worker Program will now consider the new NOC 2021 chart with the updated version. For instance, if a candidate attained a total of ten points under an arranged employment concerning skill levels O, A, or B, they will have the same ten points for arranged employment under TEER 1, 2, and 3.
Shift to new NOC brings Express Entry changes
16 new occupations will be added to the Express Entry with the shift to the latest NOC version, while 3 of the previous ones will become ineligible. However, these ineligible occupations will now become eligible under the Provincial Nominee Program.
The 16 new occupational jobs include the following-
- Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- Sheriffs and bailiffs
- Pharmacy technical and pharmacy assistants
- By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- Correctional service officers
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- Estheticians, electrologists, and other related occupations
- Transport truck drivers
- Heavy equipment operators
- Pest controllers and fumigators
- Other repairers and servicers
- Dental assistants; dental laboratory assistants
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Payroll administrators
- Bus drivers, subway, and other transit operators
Other new ineligible occupations under NOC include the following-
- Tailors, milliners, dressmakers, and furriers.
- Program leaders, Instructors- sports, recreation, and fitness.
- Other Performers.
NOC shift will affect the CRS system
Similar to the FSWP, the Comprehensive Ranking System will also consider the new chart and skill levels under the updated NOC system for arranged employment.
If candidates receive a set of points under arranged employment for NOC skill levels O, A, and B, they will get the same points under new TEER 1, 2, and 3.
Individual circumstances will determine your next step
While IRCC will switch to the updated NOC system, it will demand different actions from the Express Entry candidates based on their individual circumstances.
Candidates who are yet to submit their Express Entry profile will have to check their NOC code per the new system while submitting their profile. Additionally, IRCC will provide different instructions to those who have already submitted their profile but haven’t yet received an ITA. These candidates will have to update the changes in their profile post the implementation of these changes. Moreover, the candidate will have to search for the list of NOC 2021 on the official website of ESDC and use the 5-digit occupation code to update the profile, with TEER categories. Essentially, if the candidate received ITAs before November 16, they will submit their application according to NOC 16, with the same codes given in the receipt.
