The Government is switching to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)

The NOC 2016 standard (NOC 0, A, B, C and D) will be replaced by a system of 6 categories (TEER) representing training, education, experience and responsibilities required to work in an occupation, and the 4-digit codes will become 5-digit codes.

What is NOC?

NOC stands for National Occupational Classification, and it is the national reference for all jobs in Canada. The NOC categorizes the entire range of activity in Canada, and it takes into account two aspects of the job market:

The broad occupational category represents the type of work performed, the field of study and/or industry of that occupation.
The skill level category: besides education, training and work experience, this NOC category also considers the tasks and responsibilities associated with the job.

Skill level B jobs may become TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs.

Most professions will remain at a TEER equivalent to the NOC they belonged to, but some will change.
For example, Payroll administrators, Pharmacy assistants, Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants, Transport truck drivers and Heavy equipment operators will now be TEER 3.

New TEER categories

These programs will have updated eligibility requirements because of this change:

- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Caregivers programs
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Out-of-status construction workers
- International Mobility Program
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program

TEER categories and examples of jobs:

To learn more about the changes: