ImmigCanada: What Is Canada’s New NOC And How it Can Affect Your Express Entry Eligibility?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a system that Canada utilizes to regulate the level of skill and qualification required for an occupation in Canada. For immigration, NOC codes explain which occupations are skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is planning to switch to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system with effect from November 16, 2022. The latest NOC will bring effective changes in eligibility for a few of Canada’s immigration programs including Express Entry.

Right now, to qualify for Express Entry one requires work experience that falls under NOC skill types 0, A, or B, which support the NOC 2016. After the new reform, IRCC will consider the new Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system to define work experience eligibility. The following table showcases how NOC 2016 skill types compare to TEER categories.

Guidelines for Express Entry Applicants

According to the information provided by IRCC, if you have already submitted your profile, however, have not received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you are required to update your profile on or after November 16, 2022. Before doing this, first, look out for NOC 2021 list and then update your profile with your TEER category and five-digit occupation code.

If you have planned to submit your Express Entry on or after November 16, you should find your occupation’s code on the NOC 2021 list and file it with your profile. In case, you have received an ITA before November 16, 2022, then you should submit your application using NOC 2016.

NOC 2021 eligibility criteria for Express Entry

Comprehensive Ranking System Implications

The points you score for arranged employment in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will follow the Skill Type/Level update chart. For instance, if you have got 50 points for an arranged employment in Skill Type/Level 0, A, or B, you will receive those points if your NOC is in TEER 0,1,2 or 3.

FSWP Selection Points

The point your score is based on the selection factors for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will follow the Skill Type/Level update chart. For example, if you have scored 10 points for arranged employment in Skill Type/Level 0, A, or B, you will still receive these points for arranged employment in TEER 0,1,2, or 3.

List of Occupation that will be affected

A total of 16 occupations will qualify for Express Entry and three will not be considered eligible. Following is the list of occupations that will become eligible under Express Entry from November 16.

· Payroll administrators

· Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants

· Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates

· Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants

· Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

· Sheriffs and bailiffs

· Correctional service officers

· By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers

· Estheticians, electrologists, and related occupations

· Residential and commercial installers and servicers

· Pest controllers and fumigators

· Other repairers and servicers

· Transport truck drivers

· Bus drivers, subway operators, and other transit operators

· Heavy equipment operators

· Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors.

Undoubtedly, Immigration to Canada is a daunting process, however, the journey gets smoother with the help of an authorized and licensed RCIC to assist you with the right pathway to Canada and as well as with your application submission. If you’re too confused with the latest reform of NOC and its impact on immigration programs, take help from the experts. 

ImmigCanada immigration consultancy is one of the leading immigration firms based out of Montreal and led by Eivy Joy Quito. Ms. Quito is an experienced RCIC with license number R512178. The immigration firm is known for professional and reliable Canadian visa services for skilled workers, foreign business clients, families, international students, and visitors. ImmigCanada is also supported by Arcely Kerhoven, an RCIC with license number R706030, who also advises clients with their Canadian immigration applications.