Immigration Canada Updating the National Occupational Classification (NOC) System

As readers of ImmPulse™ will be aware, Canadian immigration considerations relating to occupational classification (which impacts many types of applications) require an understanding of the National Occupational Classification, better known as NOC. The NOC, as the name implies, is a system of occupational classification, and any time there is an issue relating to occupation – whether in a permanent or temporary matter – the NOC code for that occupation must be determined and/or considered. The NOC is a hierarchical structure that classifies occupations based on either their managerial level, or based on experience and educational requirements. [The NOC also considers that breakdown of structures within specific occupational fields, so that the hierarchical structure is then applied to, e.g., health occupations, business occupations, etc.]

There are consequences to NOC classification in terms of qualification for specific programs (e.g. qualification under economic class permanent residence programs, or applicability of professional work permit categories), the availability of spousal work permits, and other issues.

On November 16, 2022, the Canadian immigration system will update the NOC system. The internal structure will change and will go from the current 4 digit/5 level classification, to a new 5 digit/6 level classification known as ‘TEER’, which stands for training, education, experience, and responsibilities.

Though the transition will not significantly impact most occupations, the new ‘split’ that generates 5 rather than 4 levels, occurs in what was formerly NOC B (broadly, occupations requiring college level education or specialized training), and this must certainly be considered. [Note that in Canada, ‘college’ usually means an institution that offers some kind of diploma, rather than a university degree.]

The general concordance of the current (2016) vs. new (2021) breakdowns, and the associated requirements of the levels, is as follows (note that there are some further details beyond the scope of this article, but these are the primary considerations):

NOC 2016        `                                                        NOC 2021
Skill type or level                                                    TEER category

As can be seen, the new NOC breakdowns are somewhat more precisely worded and classified.

Some of the practical implications of the changeover are:

• For Express Entry permanent residence applications, the minimum occupational classification was generally a NOC B. This will now be TEER 3. In practical terms, this will allow some occupations, and disallow other occupations, relative to the previously considered occupations.
  • Specifically, the following occupations will now be eligible for consideration:
    • Payroll administrators (NOC 13102, previously NOC 1432)
    • Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants (NOC 33100, previously NOC 4311)
    • Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102, previously NOC 3413)
    • Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103, previously NOC 3219)
    • Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100, previously NOC 4413)
    • Sheriffs and bailiffs (NOC 43200, previously NOC 4421)
    • Correctional service officers (NOC 43201, previously NOC 4422)
    • By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers (NOC 43202, previously NOC 4423)
    • Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations (NOC 63211, previously NOC 6562)
    • Residential and commercial installers and servicers (NOC 73200, previously NOC 7441)
    • Pest controllers and fumigators (NOC 73202, previously NOC 7444)
    • Other repairers and servicers (NOC 73209, previously NOC 7445)
    • Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300, previously NOC 7511)
    • Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators (NOC 73301, previously NOC 7512)
    • Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400, previously NOC 7521)
    • Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (NOC 93200, previously NOC 9521)
  • The following occupations will no longer qualify for consideration under Express Entry:
    • Other performers (NOC 55109, previously NOC 5232)
    • Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness (NOC 54100, previously NOC 5254)
    • Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners (NOC 64200, previously NOC 6342).

• Certainly, for temporary work permits, these same occupations should be considered vis-à-vis work permit categories, spousal work permit eligibility, etc.
  • Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (essentially, where a Labour Market Impact Assessment is required), there may be differences in considerations given reclassification of occupations, and
  • Under the International Mobility Program (essentially, where no LMIA is required), there may also be different considerations in terms of professional categories and otherwise.
• Other programs may also be impacted, including the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, and various Provincial Nominee programs.

Employers and employees, with regard to both temporary and permanent immigration matters, should obviously consider the ramifications that may impact their particular situations.

The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.