On November 16, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had transitioned to the new 2021 version of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. But what does this mean for newcomers looking to immigrate to Canada?
The NOC system (2016 version) was used to classify an applicant’s job to determine their eligibility for Canadian immigration programs. The system broke down all occupations into codes. Those codes were then grouped together based on the type of work, and the job duties that a person does.
The new system – called Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) – is replacing the skill types. NOC 2016 was compiled of five categories (NOC 0, A, B, C, and D). However, many of the jobs will stay in a TEER category that is equal to the skill level from NOC 2016. Below is a chart showing the new changes.
| Skilly Type (NOC 2016) | TEER Category |
| Skill type 0 | TEER 0 |
| Skill level A | TEER 1 |
| Skill level B | TEER 2 and TEER 3 |
| Skill level C | TEER 4 |
| Skill level D | TEER 5 |
The new TEER system replaces it with a 6-category system. In addition, the old 4-digit code that classified job titles has changed to a 5-digit code. To look up what position your new code falls under, visit Find your job title, code and TEER.
Breaking down the new TEER Categories
1) TEER Category 0
- Management
2) TEER Category 1
- Completion of a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate); OR
- previous experience and expertise in subject matter knowledge from a related occupation found in TEER 2 (when applicable).
3) TEER Category 2
- Completion of a 2-3 year post-secondary education program at community college, institute of technology, or CÉGEP; OR
- Completion of a 2-5 apprenticeship training program; OR
- Occupations with supervisory or significant safety (e.g. police officers and firefighters) responsibilities; OR
- Several years of experience in a related occupation from TEER 3 (when applicable).
4) TEER Category 3
- Completion of a post-secondary education program of less than two years at community college, institute of technology, or CÉGEP; OR
- Completion of an apprenticeship training program of less than two years; OR
- 6+ months of on-the-job training, training courses, or specific work experience with some secondary school education; OR
- Several years of experience in a related occupation from TEER 4 (when applicable).
5) TEER Category 4
- Completion of secondary school; OR
- Several weeks of on-the-job training with some secondary school education; OR
- Experience in a related occupation from TEER 5 (when applicable).
6) TEER Category 5
- Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education
New occupations that are now eligible for Express Entry
Majority of the previous NOC system occupations will carry over and have the same eligibility for Express Entry. However, the IRCC has added 16 occupations to the system that used to be ineligible. The following includes
- Payroll administrators.
- Dental assistants as well as dental laboratory assistants.
- Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates.
- Pharmacy technical assistants as well as pharmacy assistants.
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants.
- Sheriffs and bailiffs.
- Correctional service officers.
- Bylaw enforcement as well as other regulatory officers.
- Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations.
- Residential and commercial installers as well as servicers.
- Pest controllers and fumigators.
- Other repairers and servicers.
- Transport truck drivers.
- Bus drivers, subway operators as well as other transit operators.
- Heavy equipment operators.
- Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors.
Unfortunately, the IRCC also additionally took away 3 occupations that used to be eligible and no longer. This includes
- Other performers.
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness.
- Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners.
This is not to say that those 3 occupations can no longer find work in Canada. The IRCC only removed their eligibility for Express Entry. They may still be eligible for other programs such as Provincial Nominee Programs.
To review all of the changes to the point system for Express Entry and other eligibility changes to different pathways, the Government of Canada provides a detailed chart explaining the differences.
What do these new TEER changes mean for your immigration journey?
Depending on which step you are at in your Express Entry application or any other immigration pathway, the IRCC requires different actions in accordance to the switch. This would include
- Express Entry candidates who have yet to submit an online profile (before November 16) must find and submit their occupation’s code in line with the NOC 2021 system when filling out their profile.
- Those who have submitted a profile but have not received an invitation to apply (ITA) will need to update their profile. Candidates need to make sure to add or alter their TEER category and five-digit occupation code.
- Anyone who received an ITA prior to November 16 must submit their Express Entry application using NOC 2016.
How mana immigration can help you
If you are still looking to learn more about the new system, or need help with your application, contact us today. At mana immigration, we have regulated consultants working on immigration applications all day. We work with our clients to ensure all the paperwork and deadlines are completed on time in order to have a successful process. Our core values of respect, integrity, and professionalism are at the centre of every action we take.
As a result, we offer a truly unique and tailored experience for each client. No matter your needs, we guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about the incredible opportunities awaiting you in Canada. Live your dreams!
