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Canada is overhauling its National Occupational Classification (NOC) system and introducing new 2021 NOC codes.

The new 2021 NOC codes will be implemented in late 2022 and will likely affect Express Entry and PNP candidates, especially those with occupations at NOC Skill Level B.

Applicants to these Canadian immigration programs need to identify which occupation, or NOC code, their work falls under. Making the correct choice of NOC is therefore a crucial part of a successful move to Canada.

Once the new NOC codes are implemented, likely in late 2022, applicants for immigration to Canada, as well as temporary work permit applicants, will need to use the new five-digit 2021 NOC codes structure, which will replace the four-digit structure in the 2016 versions of the classification. The new 2021 NOC codes add a new categorization for each occupation’s TEER category — referring to the degree of Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) required by the occupation.

The “TEER Category” will replace the “Skill Level” classification under the previous 2016 NOC. Instead of occupations being classified as Skill Level A, B, C, or D, under the 2021 NOC codes, occupations will classified at TEER Category 0-5:

2016 NOC Codes — Skill Levels2021 NOC Codes — TEER Categories
TEER Category 0
Skill Level “A”TEER Category 1
Skill Level “B”TEER Category 2
Skill Level “C”TEER Category 3
Skill Level “D”TEER Category 4
TEER Category 5

The 2021 NOC codes use of TEER Categories could have major impacts for hopeful Express Entry candidates with occupations at Skill Levels “B” and “C”. As there will be six TEER Categories (as opposed to four Skill Levels), occupations previously listed at NOC Skill Level “B” will be redistributed — with some moving into TEER Category 2 and some moving into TEER Category 3.

For example, in the 2016 NOC codes, administrative assistants were classified as NOC 1241 — a Skill Level B occupation. In the 2021 NOC codes, administrative assistants have been reclassified as NOC 13110 — a TEER Category 3 occupation. You can look up how your NOC is changing using the table below.

The question remains: Which TEER Categories will be eligible for Express Entry? 

If Express Entry restricts eligibility to those with occupations at TEER Category 0, 1, and 2, then all those with Skill Level B occupations that have been redistributed to TEER Category 3 may no longer be eligible for Express Entry. However, there’s also the possibility that Express Entry could expand eligibility to include more TEER Categories — or even adopt a new method entirely for assessing eligibility of work experience.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not released any details about how the new 2021 NOC codes will impact immigration, including which TEER Categories may be eligible for Express Entry. As the new 2021 NOC codes likely won’t be implemented until late 2022, it could be months before IRCC announces how Express Entry will accommodate these changes. If you want to be the first to find out when new information is released — create a free Moving2Canada account and sign up for the newsletter.

What is my new 2021 NOC code?

Find out what your new NOC code will be by entering your four-digit code from the 2016 NOC codes:

2016 NOC Code2016 Occupation Title2021 NOC Equivalent2021 Occupation Title
0011Legislators00010Legislators
0012Senior government managers and officials00011Senior government managers and officials
0013Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services00012Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services
0014Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations00013Senior managers - health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
0015Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c.00014Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services
0016Senior managers - construction, transportation, production and utilities00015Senior managers - construction, transportation, production and utilities
0111Financial managers10010Financial managers
0112Human resources managers10011Human resources managers
0112Human resources managers11200Human resources professionals
0112Human resources managers13110Administrative assistants
0112Human resources managers22232Occupational health and safety specialists
0113Purchasing managers10012Purchasing managers
0114Other administrative services managers10019Other administrative services managers
0121Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers10020Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers
0122Banking, credit and other investment managers10021Banking, credit and other investment managers
0124Advertising, marketing and public relations managers10022Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
0125Other business services managers10029Other business services managers
0131Telecommunication carriers managers10030Telecommunication carriers managers
0132Postal and courier services managers70021Postal and courier services managers
0211Engineering managers20010Engineering managers
0212Architecture and science managers20011Architecture and science managers
0213Computer and information systems managers20012Computer and information systems managers
0311Managers in health care30010Managers in health care
0411Government managers - health and social policy development and program administration40010Government managers - health and social policy development and program administration
0412Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration40011Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration
0413Government managers - education policy development and program administration40012Government managers - education policy development and program administration
0414Other managers in public administration40019Other managers in public administration
0421Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training40020Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training
0422School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education40021School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
0423Managers in social, community and correctional services40030Managers in social, community and correctional services
0431Commissioned police officers40040Commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services
0431Commissioned police officers41310Police investigators and other investigative occupations
0432Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers40041Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
0433Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces10012Purchasing managers
0433Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces40042Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces
0511Library, archive, museum and art gallery managers50010Library, archive, museum and art gallery managers
0512Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts50011Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
0513Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors50012Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors
0601Corporate sales managers60010Corporate sales managers
0621Retail and wholesale trade managers60020Retail and wholesale trade managers
0631Restaurant and food service managers60030Restaurant and food service managers
0632Accommodation service managers60031Accommodation service managers
0651Managers in customer and personal services, n.e.c.60040Managers in customer and personal services
0711Construction managers70010Construction managers
0712Home building and renovation managers70011Home building and renovation managers
0714Facility operation and maintenance managers70012Facility operation and maintenance managers
0731Managers in transportation70020Managers in transportation
0811Managers in natural resources production and fishing80010Managers in natural resources production and fishing
0821Managers in agriculture80020Managers in agriculture
0822Managers in horticulture80021Managers in horticulture
0823Managers in aquaculture80022Managers in aquaculture
0911Manufacturing managers90010Manufacturing managers
0912Utilities managers90011Utilities managers
1111Financial auditors and accountants11100Financial auditors and accountants
1112Financial and investment analysts11101Financial and investment analysts
1113Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers11103Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers
1114Other financial officers11100Financial auditors and accountants
1114Other financial officers11102Financial advisors
1114Other financial officers11109Other financial officers
1121Human resources professionals11200Human resources professionals
1122Professional occupations in business management consulting11201Professional occupations in business management consulting
1123Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations10022Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
1123Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations11202Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
1123Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations64409Other customer and information services representatives
1211Supervisors, general office and administrative support workers12010Supervisors, general office and administrative support workers
1212Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers12011Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers
1213Supervisors, library, correspondence and related information workers12012Supervisors, library, correspondence and related information workers
1214Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations72025Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations
1215Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations12013Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling coordination occupations
1215Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations13201Production and transportation logistics coordinators
1215Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations74202Air transport ramp attendants
1221Administrative officers13100Administrative officers
1222Executive assistants12100Executive assistants
1223Human resources and recruitment officers12101Human resources and recruitment officers
1224Property administrators13101Property administrators
1225Purchasing agents and officers12102Procurement and purchasing agents and officers
1226Conference and event planners12103Conference and event planners
1227Court officers and justices of the peace10019Other administrative services managers
1227Court officers and justices of the peace14103Court clerks and related court services occupations
1227Court officers and justices of the peace42200Paralegals and related occupations
1228Employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers12104Employment insurance and revenue officers
1228Employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers43203Border services, customs, and immigration officers
1241Administrative assistants13110Administrative assistants
1242Legal administrative assistants13111Legal administrative assistants
1243Medical administrative assistants13112Medical administrative assistants
1251Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations12110Court reporters, medical transcriptionists and related occupations
1252Health information management occupations12111Health information management occupations
1253Records management technicians12111Health information management occupations
1253Records management technicians12112Records management technicians
1254Statistical officers and related research support occupations12113Statistical officers and related research support occupations
1311Accounting technicians and bookkeepers12200Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
1312Insurance adjusters and claims examiners12201Insurance adjusters and claims examiners
1313Insurance underwriters12202Insurance underwriters
1314Assessors, valuators and appraisers12203Assessors, business valuators and appraisers
1315Customs, ship and other brokers13200Customs, ship and other brokers
1411General office support workers14100General office support workers
1414Receptionists14101Receptionists
1415Personnel clerks14102Personnel clerks
1416Court clerks14103Court clerks and related court services occupations
1422Data entry clerks14111Data entry clerks
1423Desktop publishing operators and related occupations14112Desktop publishing operators and related occupations
1431Accounting and related clerks14200Accounting and related clerks
1432Payroll administrators13102Payroll administrators
1434Banking, insurance and other financial clerks14201Banking, insurance and other financial clerks
1435Collectors14202Collection clerks
1451Library assistants and clerks14300Library assistants and clerks
1452Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks14301Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks
1454Survey interviewers and statistical clerks14110Survey interviewers and statistical clerks
1511Mail, postal and related workers64401Postal services representatives
1511Mail, postal and related workers74100Mail and parcel sorters and related occupations
1512Letter carriers74101Letter carriers
1513Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors74102Couriers and messengers
1513Couriers, messengers and door-to-door distributors75201Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors
1521Shippers and receivers14400Shippers and receivers
1522Storekeepers and partspersons14401Storekeepers and partspersons
1523Production logistics co-ordinators13201Production and transportation logistics coordinators
1523Production logistics co-ordinators14402Production logistics workers
1524Purchasing and inventory control workers14403Purchasing and inventory control workers
1525Dispatchers13201Production and transportation logistics coordinators
1525Dispatchers14404Dispatchers
1526Transportation route and crew schedulers14405Transportation route and crew schedulers
2111Physicists and astronomers21100Physicists and astronomers
2112Chemists21101Chemists
2113Geoscientists and oceanographers21102Geoscientists and oceanographers
2114Meteorologists and climatologists21103Meteorologists and climatologists
2115Other professional occupations in physical sciences21109Other professional occupations in physical sciences
2121Biologists and related scientists21110Biologists and related scientists
2122Forestry professionals21111Forestry professionals
2123Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists21112Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
2131Civil engineers21300Civil engineers
2132Mechanical engineers21301Mechanical engineers
2133Electrical and electronics engineers21310Electrical and electronics engineers
2134Chemical engineers21320Chemical engineers
2141Industrial and manufacturing engineers21321Industrial and manufacturing engineers
2142Metallurgical and materials engineers21322Metallurgical and materials engineers
2143Mining engineers21330Mining engineers
2144Geological engineers21331Geological engineers
2145Petroleum engineers21332Petroleum engineers
2146Aerospace engineers21390Aerospace engineers
2147Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)21311Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2148Other professional engineers, n.e.c.21399Other professional engineers
2151Architects21200Architects
2152Landscape architects21201Landscape architects
2153Urban and land use planners21202Urban and land use planners
2154Land surveyors21203Land surveyors
2161Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries21210Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
2171Information systems analysts and consultants21211Data scientists
2171Information systems analysts and consultants21220Cybersecurity specialists
2171Information systems analysts and consultants21221Business systems specialists
2171Information systems analysts and consultants21222Information systems specialists
2171Information systems analysts and consultants21233Web designers
2172Database analysts and data administrators21211Data scientists
2172Database analysts and data administrators21223Database analysts and data administrators
2173Software engineers and designers21211Data scientists
2173Software engineers and designers21231Software engineers and designers
2174Computer programmers and interactive media developers21230Computer systems developers and programmers
2174Computer programmers and interactive media developers21232Software developers and programmers
2174Computer programmers and interactive media developers21234Web developers and programmers
2175Web designers and developers21233Web designers
2175Web designers and developers21234Web developers and programmers
2211Chemical technologists and technicians22100Chemical technologists and technicians
2212Geological and mineral technologists and technicians22101Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
2221Biological technologists and technicians22110Biological technologists and technicians
2222Agricultural and fish products inspectors22111Agricultural and fish products inspectors
2223Forestry technologists and technicians22112Forestry technologists and technicians
2224Conservation and fishery officers22113Conservation and fishery officers
2225Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists22114Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
2231Civil engineering technologists and technicians22300Civil engineering technologists and technicians
2232Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians22301Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
2233Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians22302Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
2234Construction estimators22303Construction estimators
2241Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians22310Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2242Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)22311Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2243Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics22312Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2244Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors22313Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
2251Architectural technologists and technicians22210Architectural technologists and technicians
2252Industrial designers22211Industrial designers
2253Drafting technologists and technicians22212Drafting technologists and technicians
2254Land survey technologists and technicians22213Land survey technologists and technicians
2255Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology22214Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology
2261Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians22230Non-destructive testers and inspectors
2262Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers22231Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
2263Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety21120Public and environmental health and safety professionals
2263Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety22232Occupational health and safety specialists
2264Construction inspectors22233Construction inspectors
2271Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors72600Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
2272Air traffic controllers and related occupations72601Air traffic controllers and related occupations
2273Deck officers, water transport72602Deck officers, water transport
2274Engineer officers, water transport72603Engineer officers, water transport
2275Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators72604Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
2281Computer network technicians22220Computer network and web technicians
2282User support technicians22221User support technicians
2283Information systems testing technicians22222Information systems testing technicians
3011Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors31300Nursing coordinators and supervisors
3012Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses31301Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
3111Specialist physicians31100Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
3111Specialist physicians31101Specialists in surgery
3111Specialist physicians41310Police investigators and other investigative occupations
3112General practitioners and family physicians31102General practitioners and family physicians
3113Dentists31110Dentists
3114Veterinarians31103Veterinarians
3121Optometrists31111Optometrists
3122Chiropractors31201Chiropractors
3124Allied primary health practitioners31302Nurse practitioners
3124Allied primary health practitioners31303Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
3124Allied primary health practitioners32103Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
3125Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating31209Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
3125Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating31303Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
3131Pharmacists31120Pharmacists
3132Dietitians and nutritionists31121Dietitians and nutritionists
3141Audiologists and speech-language pathologists31112Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
3142Physiotherapists31202Physiotherapists
3142Physiotherapists32109Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
3143Occupational therapists31203Occupational therapists
3144Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment31204Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
3144Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment41301Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
3211Medical laboratory technologists32120Medical laboratory technologists
3212Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants31303Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
3212Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants32120Medical laboratory technologists
3212Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants33101Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
3213Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians32104Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
3214Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists32103Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
3215Medical radiation technologists32121Medical radiation technologists
3216Medical sonographers32122Medical sonographers
3217Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.32123Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists
3219Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)32124Pharmacy technicians
3219Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)32129Other medical technologists and technicians
3219Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)33103Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
3221Denturists32110Denturists
3222Dental hygienists and dental therapists32111Dental hygienists and dental therapists
3223Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants32112Dental technologists and technicians
3223Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants33100Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
3231Opticians32100Opticians
3232Practitioners of natural healing32200Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists
3232Practitioners of natural healing32209Other practitioners of natural healing
3233Licensed practical nurses32101Licensed practical nurses
3234Paramedical occupations32102Paramedical occupations
3236Massage therapists32201Massage therapists
3237Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment32109Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
3237Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment33109Other assisting occupations in support of health services
3411Dental assistants33100Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
3413Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates33102Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
3414Other assisting occupations in support of health services32109Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
3414Other assisting occupations in support of health services33103Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
3414Other assisting occupations in support of health services33109Other assisting occupations in support of health services
4011University professors and lecturers41200University professors and lecturers
4012Post-secondary teaching and research assistants41201Post-secondary teaching and research assistants
4021College and other vocational instructors41210College and other vocational instructors
4031Secondary school teachers41220Secondary school teachers
4032Elementary school and kindergarten teachers41221Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
4033Educational counsellors41320Educational counsellors
4111Judges41100Judges
4112Lawyers and Quebec notaries41101Lawyers and Quebec notaries
4151Psychologists31200Psychologists
4151Psychologists41301Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
4152Social workers41300Social workers
4153Family, marriage and other related counsellors31303Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
4153Family, marriage and other related counsellors41301Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
4153Family, marriage and other related counsellors41321Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
4154Professional occupations in religion41302Religious leaders
4155Probation and parole officers and related occupations41311Probation and parole officers
4155Probation and parole officers and related occupations42201Social and community service workers
4156Employment counsellors41321Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
4161Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers41400Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
4162Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts41401Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
4163Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants11202Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
4163Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants41402Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
4164Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers41403Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
4165Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers21110Biologists and related scientists
4165Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers41310Police investigators and other investigative occupations
4165Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers41404Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
4166Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers41405Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
4167Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers41406Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
4168Program officers unique to government41407Program officers unique to government
4169Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c.41409Other professional occupations in social science
4211Paralegal and related occupations42200Paralegals and related occupations
4212Social and community service workers42201Social and community service workers
4214Early childhood educators and assistants42202Early childhood educators and assistants
4215Instructors of persons with disabilities42203Instructors of persons with disabilities
4216Other instructors43109Other instructors
4217Other religious occupations42204Religion workers
4311Police officers (except commissioned)41310Police investigators and other investigative occupations
4311Police officers (except commissioned)42100Police officers (except commissioned)
4312Firefighters42101Firefighters
4313Non-commissioned ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces42102Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces
4313Non-commissioned ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces43204Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces
4313Non-commissioned ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces44200Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces
4411Home child care providers44100Home child care providers
4412Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations44101Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
4412Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations65310Light duty cleaners
4413Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants43100Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
4413Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants45100Student monitors, crossing guards and related occupations
4421Sheriffs and bailiffs43200Sheriffs and bailiffs
4422Correctional service officers43201Correctional service officers
4423By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers, n.e.c.43202By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
5111Librarians51100Librarians
5112Conservators and curators51101Conservators and curators
5113Archivists51102Archivists
5121Authors and writers51111Authors and writers (except technical)
5121Authors and writers51112Technical writers
5122Editors51110Editors
5123Journalists51113Journalists
5125Translators, terminologists and interpreters51114Translators, terminologists and interpreters
5131Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations51120Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
5132Conductors, composers and arrangers51121Conductors, composers and arrangers
5133Musicians and singers51122Musicians and singers
5134Dancers53120Dancers
5135Actors and comedians53121Actors, comedians and circus performers
5136Painters, sculptors and other visual artists53122Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
5211Library and public archive technicians52100Library and public archive technicians
5212Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries53100Registrars, restorers, interpreters and other occupations related to museum and art galleries
5221Photographers53110Photographers
5222Film and video camera operators52110Film and video camera operators
5223Graphic arts technicians52111Graphic arts technicians
5224Broadcast technicians52112Broadcast technicians
5225Audio and video recording technicians52113Audio and video recording technicians
5226Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts52119Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
5227Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts53111Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
5231Announcers and other broadcasters52114Announcers and other broadcasters
5232Other performers, n.e.c.53121Actors, comedians and circus performers
5232Other performers, n.e.c.55109Other performers
5241Graphic designers and illustrators52120Graphic designers and illustrators
5242Interior designers and interior decorators52121Interior designers and interior decorators
5243Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers53123Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
5243Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers62010Retail sales supervisors
5243Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers64100Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
5244Artisans and craftspersons53124Artisans and craftspersons
5245Patternmakers - textile, leather and fur products53125Patternmakers - textile, leather and fur products
5251Athletes53200Athletes
5252Coaches53201Coaches
5253Sports officials and referees53202Sports officials and referees
5254Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness54100Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
6211Retail sales supervisors62010Retail sales supervisors
6221Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade62100Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
6221Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade70012Facility operation and maintenance managers
6221Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade75101Material handlers
6222Retail and wholesale buyers62101Retail and wholesale buyers
6231Insurance agents and brokers63100Insurance agents and brokers
6232Real estate agents and salespersons63101Real estate agents and salespersons
6235Financial sales representatives63102Financial sales representatives
6311Food service supervisors62020Food service supervisors
6312Executive housekeepers62021Executive housekeepers
6313Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors62022Accommodation, travel, tourism and related services supervisors
6314Customer and information services supervisors62023Customer and information services supervisors
6315Cleaning supervisors62024Cleaning supervisors
6316Other services supervisors62029Other services supervisors
6316Other services supervisors65211Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
6321Chefs62200Chefs
6322Cooks63200Cooks
6331Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale63201Butchers - retail and wholesale
6331Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale65202Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale
6332Bakers63202Bakers
6341Hairstylists and barbers63210Hairstylists and barbers
6342Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners64200Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners
6343Shoe repairers and shoemakers63220Shoe repairers and shoemakers
6344Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations62202Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations
6345Upholsterers63221Upholsterers
6346Funeral directors and embalmers62201Funeral directors and embalmers
6411Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)62100Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
6411Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)64101Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
6421Retail salespersons64100Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
6511Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses64300Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses
6512Bartenders64301Bartenders
6513Food and beverage servers65200Food and beverage servers
6521Travel counsellors64310Travel counsellors
6522Pursers and flight attendants64311Pursers and flight attendants
6523Airline ticket and service agents64312Airline ticket and service agents
6524Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks64313Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks
6525Hotel front desk clerks64314Hotel front desk clerks
6531Tour and travel guides64320Tour and travel guides
6532Outdoor sport and recreational guides64322Outdoor sport and recreational guides
6533Casino occupations64321Casino workers
6541Security guards and related security service occupations45100Student monitors, crossing guards and related occupations
6541Security guards and related security service occupations64410Security guards and related security service occupations
6541Security guards and related security service occupations65329Other service support occupations
6551Customer services representatives - financial institutions64400Customer services representatives - financial institutions
6552Other customer and information services representatives64409Other customer and information services representatives
6561Image, social and other personal consultants64201Image, social and other personal consultants
6562Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations63211Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
6563Pet groomers and animal care workers65220Pet groomers and animal care workers
6564Other personal service occupations65229Other support occupations in personal services
6611Cashiers65100Cashiers
6621Service station attendants65101Service station attendants
6622Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers65102Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers
6623Other sales related occupations65109Other sales related occupations
6711Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations65201Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
6721Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services65210Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services
6722Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport65211Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
6731Light duty cleaners65310Light duty cleaners
6732Specialized cleaners65311Specialized cleaners
6733Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents65312Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners
6733Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents73201General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
6741Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations65320Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
6742Other service support occupations, n.e.c.65329Other service support occupations
7201Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations72010Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
7202Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations72011Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
7203Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades72012Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
7204Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades72013Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
7205Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers72014Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
7231Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors72100Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
7232Tool and die makers72101Tool and die makers
7233Sheet metal workers72102Sheet metal workers
7234Boilermakers72103Boilermakers
7235Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters72104Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
7236Ironworkers72105Ironworkers
7237Welders and related machine operators72106Welders and related machine operators
7241Electricians (except industrial and power system)72200Electricians (except industrial and power system)
7242Industrial electricians72201Industrial electricians
7243Power system electricians72202Power system electricians
7244Electrical power line and cable workers72203Electrical power line and cable workers
7245Telecommunications line and cable workers72204Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
7246Telecommunications installation and repair workers72205Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
7247Cable television service and maintenance technicians72204Telecommunications line and cable installers and repairers
7247Cable television service and maintenance technicians72205Telecommunications equipment installation and cable television service technicians
7251Plumbers72300Plumbers
7252Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers72301Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
7253Gas fitters72302Gas fitters
7271Carpenters72310Carpenters
7272Cabinetmakers72311Cabinetmakers
7281Bricklayers72320Bricklayers
7282Concrete finishers73100Concrete finishers
7283Tilesetters73101Tilesetters
7284Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers73102Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
7291Roofers and shinglers73110Roofers and shinglers
7292Glaziers73111Glaziers
7293Insulators72321Insulators
7294Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)73112Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
7295Floor covering installers73113Floor covering installers
7301Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades72020Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
7302Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews72021Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
7303Supervisors, printing and related occupations72022Supervisors, printing and related occupations
7304Supervisors, railway transport operations72023Supervisors, railway transport operations
7305Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators72024Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
7311Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics72400Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
7312Heavy-duty equipment mechanics72401Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
7313Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics72402Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
7314Railway carmen/women72403Railway carmen/women
7315Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors72404Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
7316Machine fitters72405Machine fitters
7318Elevator constructors and mechanics72406Elevator constructors and mechanics
7321Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers72410Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
7322Motor vehicle body repairers72411Auto body collision, refinishing and glass technicians and damage repair estimators
7331Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics72420Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
7332Appliance servicers and repairers72421Appliance servicers and repairers
7333Electrical mechanics72422Electrical mechanics
7334Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics72423Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
7335Other small engine and small equipment repairers72429Other small engine and small equipment repairers
7361Railway and yard locomotive engineers73310Railway and yard locomotive engineers
7362Railway conductors and brakemen/women73311Railway conductors and brakemen/women
7371Crane operators72500Crane operators
7371Crane operators75110Construction trades helpers and labourers
7372Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction73402Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction
7373Water well drillers72501Water well drillers
7381Printing press operators73401Printing press operators
7384Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.72423Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
7384Other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.72999Other technical trades and related occupations
7441Residential and commercial installers and servicers73200Residential and commercial installers and servicers
7442Waterworks and gas maintenance workers74204Utility maintenance workers
7444Pest controllers and fumigators73202Pest controllers and fumigators
7445Other repairers and servicers22311Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
7445Other repairers and servicers73209Other repairers and servicers
7451Longshore workers75100Longshore workers
7452Material handlers75101Material handlers
7511Transport truck drivers73300Transport truck drivers
7512Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators73301Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
7513Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs75200Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
7514Delivery and courier service drivers74102Couriers and messengers
7514Delivery and courier service drivers75201Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors
7521Heavy equipment operators (except crane)73400Heavy equipment operators
7522Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers74204Utility maintenance workers
7522Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers74205Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
7531Railway yard and track maintenance workers74200Railway yard and track maintenance workers
7532Water transport deck and engine room crew74201Water transport deck and engine room crew
7533Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations75210Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations
7534Air transport ramp attendants74202Air transport ramp attendants
7535Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers74203Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers
7611Construction trades helpers and labourers75110Construction trades helpers and labourers
7612Other trades helpers and labourers75119Other trades helpers and labourers
7621Public works and maintenance labourers75212Public works and maintenance labourers
7622Railway and motor transport labourers75211Railway and motor transport labourers
8211Supervisors, logging and forestry82010Supervisors, logging and forestry
8221Supervisors, mining and quarrying82020Supervisors, mining and quarrying
8222Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services82021Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
8231Underground production and development miners83100Underground production and development miners
8232Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers83101Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
8241Logging machinery operators83110Logging machinery operators
8252Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers72600Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
8252Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers82030Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
8252Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers84120Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
8252Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers85100Livestock labourers
8255Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services82031Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
8261Fishing masters and officers83120Fishing masters and officers
8262Fishermen/women83121Fishermen/women
8411Underground mine service and support workers84100Underground mine service and support workers
8412Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators84101Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
8421Chain saw and skidder operators84110Chain saw and skidder operators
8422Silviculture and forestry workers84111Silviculture and forestry workers
8431General farm workers84120Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
8431General farm workers85100Livestock labourers
8431General farm workers85101Harvesting labourers
8432Nursery and greenhouse workers85103Nursery and greenhouse labourers
8441Fishing vessel deckhands84121Fishing vessel deckhands
8442Trappers and hunters85104Trappers and hunters
8611Harvesting labourers85101Harvesting labourers
8612Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers85121Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
8613Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers85102Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
8614Mine labourers85110Mine labourers
8615Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers85111Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers
8616Logging and forestry labourers85120Logging and forestry labourers
9211Supervisors, mineral and metal processing92010Supervisors, mineral and metal processing
9212Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities92011Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
9213Supervisors, food and beverage processing92012Supervisors, food and beverage processing
9214Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing92013Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing
9215Supervisors, forest products processing92014Supervisors, forest products processing
9217Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing92015Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing
9221Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling92020Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling
9222Supervisors, electronics manufacturing92021Supervisors, electronics and electrical products manufacturing
9223Supervisors, electrical products manufacturing92021Supervisors, electronics and electrical products manufacturing
9224Supervisors, furniture and fixtures manufacturing92022Supervisors, furniture and fixtures manufacturing
9226Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing92023Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing
9227Supervisors, other products manufacturing and assembly92024Supervisors, other products manufacturing and assembly
9231Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing93100Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
9232Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing93101Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
9235Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators93102Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators
9241Power engineers and power systems operators92100Power engineers and power systems operators
9243Water and waste treatment plant operators92101Water and waste treatment plant operators
9411Machine operators, mineral and metal processing94100Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
9412Foundry workers94101Foundry workers
9413Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters94102Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
9414Concrete, clay and stone forming operators94103Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
9415Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing94104Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
9416Metalworking and forging machine operators94105Metalworking and forging machine operators
9417Machining tool operators94106Machining tool operators
9418Other metal products machine operators94107Machine operators of other metal products
9421Chemical plant machine operators94110Chemical plant machine operators
9421Chemical plant machine operators95102Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
9422Plastics processing machine operators94111Plastics processing machine operators
9423Rubber processing machine operators and related workers94112Rubber processing machine operators and related workers
9431Sawmill machine operators94120Sawmill machine operators
9432Pulp mill machine operators94121Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
9433Papermaking and finishing machine operators94121Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
9434Other wood processing machine operators94129Other wood processing machine operators
9435Paper converting machine operators94122Paper converting machine operators
9436Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders94123Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders
9437Woodworking machine operators94124Woodworking machine operators
9441Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers94130Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers
9441Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers95105Labourers in textile processing and cutting
9442Weavers, knitters and other fabric making occupations94131Weavers, knitters and other fabric making occupations
9445Fabric, fur and leather cutters95105Labourers in textile processing and cutting
9446Industrial sewing machine operators94132Industrial sewing machine operators
9447Inspectors and graders, textile, fabric, fur and leather products manufacturing94133Inspectors and graders, textile, fabric, fur and leather products manufacturing
9461Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing94140Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
9462Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers94141Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
9463Fish and seafood plant workers94142Fish and seafood plant workers
9465Testers and graders, food and beverage processing94143Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
9471Plateless printing equipment operators94150Plateless printing equipment operators
9472Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations94151Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations
9473Binding and finishing machine operators94152Binding and finishing machine operators
9474Photographic and film processors94153Photographic and film processors
9521Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors93200Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
9522Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers94200Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
9523Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers94201Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
9524Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing94202Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing
9525Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers94203Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers
9526Mechanical assemblers and inspectors94204Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
9527Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing94205Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing
9531Boat assemblers and inspectors94219Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
9532Furniture and fixture assemblers and inspectors94210Furniture and fixture assemblers, finishers, refinishers and inspectors
9533Other wood products assemblers and inspectors94211Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products
9534Furniture finishers and refinishers94210Furniture and fixture assemblers, finishers, refinishers and inspectors
9535Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors94212Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
9536Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators94213Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
9537Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors94219Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
9611Labourers in mineral and metal processing95100Labourers in mineral and metal processing
9612Labourers in metal fabrication95101Labourers in metal fabrication
9613Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities95102Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
9614Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing95103Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing
9615Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing95104Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing
9616Labourers in textile processing94130Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers
9616Labourers in textile processing95105Labourers in textile processing and cutting
9617Labourers in food and beverage processing95106Labourers in food and beverage processing
9618Labourers in fish and seafood processing94142Fish and seafood plant workers
9618Labourers in fish and seafood processing95107Labourers in fish and seafood processing
9619Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities95109Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

You can also look up your 2021 NOC code by using this Government of Canada tool.

2021 NOC codes: Other important changes

In addition to the TEER Categories, there are many occupation name changes and new occupations within the 2021 NOC codes.

For example, software engineers and designers currently applying under NOC code 2173 will in the future need to apply under the 2021 NOC code 21231, which retains the occupation name “software engineers and designers”, or they’ll apply under the new NOC code 21211 for data scientists — an occupation that has not had its own NOC code until this 2021 NOC overhaul.

Which NOC code a particular applicant may need to apply under will depend on their work duties to date. The Government of Canada calls these newly-minted 2021 NOC codes “emerging items”, and there are many instances similar to the data scientists example, including: Cybersecurity specialists, business systems specialists, web designers (now distinct from developers), occupational health and safety specialists, financial advisors, production logistics workers, public and environmental health and safety professionals, nurse practitioners (distinct from allied primary health practitioners), general building maintenance workers and building superintendents.

Other 2021 NOC codes have been merged, split off, or transferred.

What is Canada’s NOC system?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a classification of occupations used by the Government of Canada for a range of purposes, including immigration. The Government states that the hierarchical NOC system “provides a standardized framework for organizing the world of work.”

The basic principle of the NOC is the kind of work performed. Occupations are divided into unit groups. A collection of similar jobs or positions fall within each occupation. For example, the jobs ‘simulation software design engineer’, ‘specialist, telecommunications software’, and ‘artificial intelligence designer’ all fall within the occupation ‘software engineers’ (NOC 2173 under the current NOC structure).

The 2021 structural revision to the NOC system is the first major overhaul since 2011, reflecting changes in the labour market over the past decade.

How do the 2021 NOC codes work?

The 2021 NOC codes are five-digit codes. Each digit corresponds to a different category or group number. Here are the categories and groups that correspond to each digit of the 2021 NOC codes.

2021 NOC codes: Broad occupational categories

The 10 broad occupational categories (BOC) of the 2021 NOC code determines the first digit of your five-digit NOC code.

NOC 2021 Broad Categorywhen the first digit is…
BOC 0 - Legislative and senior management occupations0
BOC 1 - Business, finance and administration occupations1
BOC 2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations2
BOC 3 - Health occupations3
BOC 4 - Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services4
BOC 5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport5
BOC 6 - Sales and service occupations6
BOC 7 - Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations7
BOC 8 - Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations8
BOC 9 - Occupations in manufacturing and utilities9

2021 NOC Codes: TEER categories

The TEER category determines the second digit of your five-digit NOC code.

The new “TEER” categorization defines occupation requirements by considering the type of training, education, and experience required, as well as the complexities and responsibilities typical of an occupation. As a general rule, more complex occupations require more formal education and training, previous experience, and on-the-job training.

NOC 2021 Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility (TEER)
TEER Category 0- Management
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).
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).
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).
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).

From the Broad Occupational Categories and TEER Categories above, you can start to piece together a specific 2021 NOC code. For example, software engineers fall under BOC 2 for Natural and applied sciences and related occupations, and software engineers also typically require a university education or experience and expertise in the field — this gives us the first digit ‘2’ and second digit ‘1’ of the 2021 NOC code for software engineers: 21231.

New for NOC 2021: Sub-major groups

Another new feature of the NOC 2021 hierarchy is sub-major groups, which affect the third digit of your five-digit NOC code.

An example of a sub-major group is 212: Professional occupations in applied sciences.

2021 NOC codes: Minor groups

The fourth digit of your five-digit NOC code under the 2021 revision comes from the minor group.

An example of a minor group is 2123: Computer, software and Web designers and developers.

The NOC unit group

Finally, the unit group or occupation encompasses the minor group, sub-major group, TEER Category, and Broad Occupational Category described above. This makes up the fifth digit of your five-digit NOC code.

An example of a unit group is 21231 for — you guessed it! — software engineers.

When do the 2021 NOC codes come into effect?

The Government of Canada expects to begin using the 2021 NOC codes in the second half of 2022. Until then, Canadian immigration and work permit applicants should continue to use the existing NOC hierarchy, which was last updated in 2016.

Why is this NOC update important?

Choosing the correct NOC is a crucial step in a move to Canada. Whether you’re applying to come to Canada through an economic immigration program such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program of Express Entry, or through a temporary program such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program — your approval hinges largely on a correct choice of NOC code.

If you are confused by the NOC system or concerned that you may select the wrong NOC code, help is available. We have a short list of recommended immigration consultants here — any of these experienced and regulated experts will be able to assist you in choosing the appropriate NOC code and setting you on your way to Canada!

Source: Government of Canada

About the author

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Rebecca Major

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Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Rebecca Major is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (R511564) with nearly 15 years of licenced Canadian Immigration experience, gained after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in the UK. She specializes in Canadian immigration at Moving2Canada.
Read more about Rebecca Major
Citation "2021 NOC codes: New NOC codes for Express Entry, PNPs, and the TFWP." Moving2Canada. . Copy for Citation
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