Opinions
 |
NOC 2021 is here |
by Michael Scott
As of November 16, 2022, the National Occupation Classification (NOC) has been changed. The NOC version of 2016, with its separation of skilled 0, A or B occupations and semi-skilled D and C occupations has been replaced by a new TEER classification in the 2021 version of the NOC.
TEER is an acronym of Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibility, which are the four criteria by which the system classifies occupations. There are grades from TEER 0 to TEER 5.
The conversion of the grading system from NOC 2016 to 2021 is as follows.
2016 – 2021
Skill Type 0 – TEER 0
Skill Type A – TEER 1
Skill Type B – TEER 2
Skill Type B – TEER 3
Skill Type C – TEER 4
Skill Type D – TEER 5
The former 0-type skilled managerial occupations are now classified as TEER O. The former A-type skilled occupations, used for professional jobs that require university graduation, are now described as TEER 1. The old B-type skilled occupations have been split into TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations. TEER 2 is used for occupations that require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years, such as supervisory occupations. TEER 3 is used for the old B–level skilled jobs, which require apprenticeship training of less than two years or more than six months of job training. The semi-skilled C and D occupations are also changed. TEER 4 is used for semi-skilled C–level occupations, which require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training and TEER 5 is used for the lowest semi-skilled D jobs, which need a short-term demonstration and no formal education.
Express Entry and the NOC 2021
The selection of skilled worker applicants in the federal Express Entry system has also been adjusted for the new NOC 2021. The applicants are qualified under either the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker program, or the Federal Skilled Trades program. Details of each are set forth in the chart on this page.
Occupations now eligible for Express Entry
|
Eligibility criteria |
Canadian Experience Class |
Federal Skilled Worker Program |
Federal Skilled Trades Program |
|
English or French skills |
CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations |
CLB 7 |
CLB 5 for speaking and listening; CLB 4 for reading and writing |
|
Type/Level of work experience |
Canadian work experience in an occupation listed |
Work experience in an occupation listed in one of these NOC TEER Categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. |
Work experience in a skilled trade under key groups of TEER 2 or TEER 3.* |
|
Amount of work experience |
One year in Canada in the last three years (either combination of full-time or part-time work). |
One year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than one job in your primary occupation). |
Two years within last five years (either combination of full-time or part-time work) |
| Job offer | Not required |
Not required but you can get selection criteria (FSW) points for having a valid job offer. |
A valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority. |
|
Education |
Not required |
Secondary education required. You can get more selection criteria (FSW) points for your post-secondary education. |
Not required. |
Source: Canada Immigration News
The change in NOC classification has resulted in the addition of sixteen occupations to the Express Entry system, while several others have been removed. The following occupations were added: payroll administration; dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants; nurse’s aides, orderlies, and patient services associates; pharmacy assistants; elementary and secondary school teacher assistants; sheriffs and bailiffs; corrections officers; by-law enforcement and other regulatory officers; estheticians, electrologists; residential and commercial installers; pest exterminators; other repairers and servicers; transport truck drivers; bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators; heavy equipment operators; and aircraft assemblers and inspectors.
The following occupations were removed from Express Entry eligibility: performers, program leaders in recreation, sports and fitness as well as tailors, dressmakers, furriers, and milliners.
Minister Fraser on NOC 2021
Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, spoke in favour of the changeover to NOC 2021. “We are using all of the tools at our disposal to tackle labour shortages, particularly in key sectors like health care, construction, and transportation. These changes will support Canadians in need of these services, and they will support employers by providing them with a more robust workforce who we can depend on to drive our economy forward into a prosperous future. I’m thrilled to announce expanded pathways to permanent residence in Canada for these in-demand workers.”
Yes, things have changed. NOC 2021 has been implemented and so have the challenges for potential applicants. Users are directed to examine the conversion charts and the impact of NOC 2021 on Express Entry. Good luck in your submissions.
Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com