New NOC Codes: Step-Wise Guide To Find Your NOC

Last Updated On 14 April 2023, 1:38 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

New NOC codes: On November 16, 2022 IRCC switched to the new 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) version in alignment with Employment and Social Development of Canada (ESDC).

It implies that the NOC 2016 skill type and skill level framework (NOC 0, A, B, C, and D) is now represented by new 6-category system representing the training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) required to work in an occupation.

As a result, the previous four-digit codes will become five digits under the new NOC 2021.

It will also impact the eligibility criteria for all programs that use NOC. To prepare for these changes, you can learn the following in this article:

Finding Your NOC

Steps to find new NOC code

Step 1: Visit the National Occupational Classification (NOC) official website.

Step 2: You can search by job title or NOC code on this page. If you want to search by job title, look for the “Version” section, then click on the box below it that says “NOC 2016 Version 1.3.” Then, it will open a drop-down menu and select the latest “NOC 2021 Version 1.3.”

Step 3: Once you select the new NOC 2021 version, enter your job title to find your NOC 2021 code and TEER category.

Below is an example of a job titled Marketing Coordinator. You also view other matching job titles.

Understanding New NOC categories

All programs that previously used skill types or levels will now use NOC 2021 codes and TEER categories.

Most positions will remain in the TEER category, corresponding to the skill level in the table below. However, certain jobs may change to other TEER categories. The most significant change is the subdivision of Skill Level B jobs that will now become TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs.

The table below explains the distribution between skill types or levels and corresponding TEER categories.

Immigration Programs that new NOC will affect

Generally, all programs that have used NOC skill types or levels to invite applicants will be affected. Therefore, all the programs below will switch to using NOC 2021 codes and TEER levels.

Additionally, several occupations will become eligible and ineligible under specific programs due to the new NOC 2021 implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding new TEER system

Do you need to update your Express Entry profile as new NOC is implemented?

Suppose you are an Express Entry candidate who submitted your profile before November 16 but has not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Then, you must update your Express Entry profile with your new NOC 2021 code and TEER category.

If you receive an ITA before November 16, you can submit your Express Entry application using the NOC 2016 system.

In addition, you can also refer to the NOC code mentioned on your ITA receipt and submit your application accordingly. However, there is no need for you to update to NOC 2021 if you received an ITA before November 16.

How will new NOC affect CRS scores?

The points distribution would be similar to what it has been with NOC 2016. Such as, so far, Express Entry applicants with arranged employment in Skill Levels 0, A and B have received 50 additional points.

With NOC 2021, applicants will receive 50 additional points for arranged employment provided their NOC is in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.

Similarly, you will continue to receive points for Canadian education. However, your work experience must be in occupations that are TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.

How can you prepare for new NOC?

To be prepared, you can be mindful of the new changes in the TEER lead statements and primary duties.

Although most duties may be similar, your work experience letter must reflect the duties mentioned in your new NOC 2021 code and TEER category.

Moreover, you must continue to match the duties in your NOC 2021 occupation if you want to claim points for the skilled experience inside and outside Canada.