Canada is introducing significant updates to its National Occupational Classification (NOC), a central framework that underpins the country’s immigration and foreign worker programs. Maple News reports that the newly revamped NOC 2021 has been officially released and will be adopted across Canada’s immigration system in the fall of 2022.
The NOC serves as Canada’s standardized system for categorizing job titles and duties across the labor market. It plays a crucial role in evaluating the eligibility of foreign nationals applying for immigration, particularly through programs such as Express Entry. Historically, applicants needed work experience classified under NOC skill levels 0, A, or B to qualify for skilled worker immigration streams.
NOC 2021 is the result of a comprehensive review led by Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This update reflects ongoing shifts in the Canadian economy and evolving job market realities. Typically, such overhauls occur once every ten years to ensure that the classification system remains relevant and accurate.
Currently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), along with ESDC and provincial governments, are using NOC 2016 to manage a range of immigration programs. By delaying the official implementation of NOC 2021 to the fall of 2022, the federal government aims to give prospective immigrants, employers, and other stakeholders enough time to understand and adjust to the upcoming changes.
The transition to NOC 2021 will have implications for individuals applying to programs such as Express Entry and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. One of the principal changes includes a revised classification methodology that alters how occupations are grouped and assessed, moving away from the traditional ‘skill level’ structure to a more comprehensive ‘Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities’ (TEER) system.
These changes are designed to better align immigration policies with labor market needs, improve program integrity, and make it easier for policymakers to match newcomers with in-demand jobs in Canada.
Maple News will continue to monitor the rollout of NOC 2021 and provide updates on how these changes could affect skilled workers, employers, and immigration applicants nationwide.