Maple News reports that Canada is set to revamp its occupational classification framework by introducing the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 in fall 2022, marking the most significant update to the system in over a decade. This change could affect eligibility for several immigration and temporary foreign worker programs, though precise details on impacted applicants have yet to be outlined by the federal government.
The NOC is a critical tool used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine eligibility for various skilled worker and temporary work immigration programs, including Express Entry and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). The NOC system undergoes annual reviews and is updated every five years to reflect Canada’s evolving labor market. The current overhaul replaces the NOC 2016 version, making it the first major restructuring since 2011.
Under the outgoing framework, occupations are categorized using a skill level hierarchy: NOC 0 for managerial roles, NOC A for professional jobs requiring university education, and NOC B for skilled trades requiring college diplomas or apprenticeships. However, with the introduction of NOC 2021, this paradigm is shifting toward a more nuanced system based on Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER).
The new TEER system introduces six categories ranging from TEER 0 (management roles) to TEER 5 (little to no formal education required), offering a more granular approach to classifying occupations in terms of real-world job requirements rather than broad skill types. This change aims to more accurately reflect the current Canadian labor landscape and provide better alignment between job duties and immigration criteria.
Maple News explains that IRCC and ESDC are coordinating their implementation timelines to roll out NOC 2021 across all immigration and temporary foreign worker programs. This coordinated effort is intended to offer consistency and clarity for both applicants and employers, especially concerning LMIA assessments and work permit applications.
At this stage, IRCC indicates it will use the time leading up to the launch to educate stakeholders about the transition and ensure all systems are ready for the switch. Practical impacts could include adjustments in eligibility for programs like Express Entry or changes in how foreign work experience is assessed.
While the full implications of NOC 2021 remain to be seen, immigrants and employers alike are advised to stay informed. Future program instructions are expected to clarify how the new TEER-based classifications will influence immigration strategies and application processing.
Maple News will continue monitoring developments around NOC 2021 and provide timely updates as more implementation details emerge.