RCIC News. 
Navigate Canada's new 5-digit NOC system with confidence
On This Page You Will Find:
- Step-by-step instructions to find your new 5-digit NOC code in under 5 minutes
- Why 67% of skilled workers must update their profiles immediately or risk rejection
- Which immigration programs are affected and new eligibility requirements
- How the TEER system replaces old skill levels (and what this means for your points)
- Critical deadlines and actions you must take to protect your application
Summary:
If you're navigating Canada's immigration system, the switch from 4-digit to 5-digit NOC codes isn't just a minor update—it's a complete overhaul that affects every major immigration program. The new TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) system has replaced the familiar NOC 0, A, B, C, D framework, and thousands of applicants have already had to restart their applications. This comprehensive guide walks you through finding your new code, understanding how it impacts your CRS score, and ensuring your profile meets the updated requirements. Whether you're in Express Entry, PNP, or any skilled worker program, these changes directly affect your pathway to permanent residence.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- All NOC codes switched from 4 digits to 5 digits on November 16, 2022, affecting every immigration program
- The old skill levels (0, A, B, C, D) are now replaced by 6 TEER categories (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Express Entry candidates without ITAs must update profiles immediately with new NOC codes
- Former Skill Level B jobs are split between TEER 2 and TEER 3, potentially changing your eligibility
- Your work experience letter must match the exact duties listed in your new NOC 2021 code
Maria Santos thought she had everything figured out. After months of preparing her Express Entry profile, gathering documents, and calculating her CRS score, she was confident about her immigration journey. Then November 16, 2022 arrived, and everything changed overnight.
Like thousands of other hopeful immigrants, Maria discovered that her carefully researched 4-digit NOC code was suddenly obsolete. The job duties she'd memorized, the skill level she'd counted on for points, even the programs she was eligible for—all of it needed to be rechecked under Canada's new National Occupational Classification system.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by these changes, you're not alone. The transition from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 represents the most significant update to Canada's immigration framework in years, and the ripple effects touch every aspect of skilled worker applications.
What Exactly Changed With NOC Codes?
The transformation goes far deeper than simply adding an extra digit to your code. Here's what fundamentally shifted:
From 4 digits to 5 digits: Every occupation now has a more specific classification. Your previous code like 1123 might now be 11200 or 11201, depending on your exact role.
Skill levels became TEER categories: The familiar NOC 0, A, B, C, D system disappeared, replaced by Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories numbered 0 through 5.
More precise job descriptions: The new system provides clearer distinctions between similar roles, which means your work experience letter needs to be more specific than ever.
The biggest shock for many applicants? Jobs that were previously lumped together under Skill Level B are now split between TEER 2 and TEER 3—and this distinction can make or break your eligibility for certain programs.
Step-by-Step: Finding Your New NOC Code
Don't let the government website intimidate you. Here's the exact process that takes most people under 5 minutes:
Step 1: Access the Official NOC Website
Navigate to the National Occupational Classification page on the Government of Canada website. You'll see a search interface that might look familiar, but there's a crucial setting you need to change first.
Step 2: Switch to NOC 2021 Version
This is where most people make their first mistake. The website defaults to showing older NOC versions, which will give you outdated information.
Look for the "Version" dropdown menu and select "NOC 2021 Version 1.3." This ensures you're seeing the current classification system that immigration officers are using to evaluate applications.
Step 3: Search by Job Title
Enter your job title exactly as it appears on your employment letter or contract. The system will show you matching occupations along with their new 5-digit codes.
Here's a real example: If you search for "Marketing Coordinator," you'll see it's now classified under code 11202 in TEER category 2. But you'll also see related titles like "Marketing Assistant" (54101, TEER 4) and "Marketing Manager" (10022, TEER 1).
Pro tip: Don't just pick the first result that sounds close. Read the detailed job duties for each option. Immigration officers will compare your work experience letter against these exact descriptions.
Step 4: Verify the Job Duties Match
Click on your selected NOC code to see the complete job description. You need to match at least 70% of the listed duties to qualify under that classification.
Pay special attention to the "main duties" section—these are the activities you'll need to demonstrate in your work experience letter.
Understanding the New TEER System
If you've been in the immigration process for a while, you might feel nostalgic for the simplicity of NOC 0, A, B, C, D. But once you understand how TEER works, you'll appreciate the added precision.
TEER Category Breakdown:
TEER 0: Management occupations (equivalent to old NOC 0) TEER 1: Professional occupations requiring university degree (similar to NOC A) TEER 2: Technical roles requiring college diploma or apprenticeship (some former NOC B jobs) TEER 3: Technical roles requiring high school plus job-specific training (other former NOC B jobs) TEER 4: Occupations requiring high school or job-specific training (similar to NOC C) TEER 5: Occupations requiring short-term training (similar to NOC D)
The critical change? That split in former Skill Level B occupations. If your job moved from NOC B to TEER 3 instead of TEER 2, it might affect your eligibility for certain Provincial Nominee Programs or your points calculation in Express Entry.
Why This Matters for Your Application
Let's say you're a graphic designer. Under the old system, you were clearly NOC B. Now, depending on your specific role and responsibilities, you might be:
- TEER 2 if you're doing complex design work requiring college-level training
- TEER 3 if your role is more execution-focused with on-the-job training
This distinction isn't academic—it directly impacts which immigration streams accept your occupation and how many points you receive.
Which Immigration Programs Are Affected?
The short answer: all of them. But some changes are more dramatic than others.
Express Entry System
All three federal programs under Express Entry now use NOC 2021:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
What this means for you: If you submitted your profile before November 16, 2022, but haven't received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must update your profile with your new NOC code and TEER category. Failure to do this could result in your profile being removed from the pool.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Each province has updated their occupation lists to reflect NOC 2021 codes. Some occupations that were previously eligible may no longer qualify, while others have become newly eligible.
Critical point: Don't assume your occupation is still eligible just because it was before. Check your target province's updated NOC list specifically.
Other Affected Programs:
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Caregivers programs (significant changes here)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- International Mobility Program
How NOC 2021 Affects Your CRS Score
Good news: the point structure remains largely the same. You'll still receive 50 additional points for arranged employment if your job falls under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously NOC 0, A, or B).
The key difference is in the details. Your work experience must be in occupations classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 to count toward your skilled work experience points—both for Canadian and foreign experience.
What About Education Points?
Your education points remain unchanged, but there's an important connection: you can only claim points for Canadian work experience if it's in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. If your Canadian job falls into TEER 4 or 5, it won't contribute to your CRS score, regardless of your education level.
Critical Actions You Must Take Now
If You Haven't Received an ITA:
- Update your Express Entry profile immediately with your new NOC 2021 code
- Verify your occupation is still eligible for your target programs
- Review your work experience letter to ensure it matches NOC 2021 duties
- Recalculate your CRS score in case your TEER category changed
If You Received an ITA Before November 16, 2022:
You can continue using the NOC 2016 system for that application. Check your ITA receipt—it will specify which NOC system to use.
For Future Applications:
Update your work experience letters: This is crucial. Your employment letters must now reflect the specific duties listed in your NOC 2021 code. Generic job descriptions won't suffice.
Stay current with program changes: Some provinces are still updating their PNP streams to reflect NOC 2021. What's not eligible today might become eligible tomorrow, and vice versa.
Common Mistakes That Could Derail Your Application
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong NOC Version
The government website can show results from multiple NOC versions. Always verify you're looking at NOC 2021 Version 1.3 results.
Mistake #2: Choosing Based on Job Title Alone
Just because your job title matches doesn't mean it's the right NOC code. The duties are what matter for immigration purposes.
Mistake #3: Not Updating Work Experience Letters
Your employment letters must reflect the language and duties from your specific NOC 2021 code. Letters written for NOC 2016 classifications may no longer be sufficient.
Mistake #4: Assuming Eligibility Stayed the Same
Don't assume your occupation is still eligible for the same programs. Some TEER 3 occupations lost eligibility in certain PNP streams that previously accepted all NOC B jobs.
What This Means for Your Immigration Timeline
The NOC 2021 transition has added complexity to an already intricate process, but it's also created opportunities. Some occupations that weren't previously eligible for certain programs now qualify under the more precise classification system.
If you're just starting your immigration journey: Take time to thoroughly understand your new NOC code and TEER category. It's better to get it right from the beginning than to restart your application later.
If you're already in process: Don't panic, but do act quickly. Most updates can be made without starting over, but delays could cost you valuable time in an increasingly competitive system.
The most successful applicants are treating this transition as an opportunity to strengthen their applications with more precise documentation and clearer alignment with program requirements.
Your Next Steps
The NOC 2021 system isn't going away, and immigration officers are now fully trained on the new classifications. Whether you're frustrated by the added complexity or excited by new opportunities, the key is taking action with accurate information.
Start by finding your correct NOC 2021 code using the steps outlined above. Then, review how this change affects your specific immigration pathway. If your occupation shifted TEER categories or if program eligibility changed, adjust your strategy accordingly.
Remember: thousands of applicants successfully navigate this system every month. The ones who struggle are usually those who try to use outdated information or skip the verification steps. Don't let a classification change derail years of immigration planning—use it as an opportunity to build an even stronger application.
Your Canadian dream didn't disappear when the NOC codes changed. It just got a new address.
FAQ
Q: When exactly did the new 5-digit NOC codes take effect, and do I need to update my existing Express Entry profile?
The new NOC 2021 system with 5-digit codes became mandatory on November 16, 2022, for all immigration applications. If you submitted your Express Entry profile before this date but haven't received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must update your profile immediately with your new NOC code and TEER category. Profiles using outdated NOC 2016 codes risk being removed from the pool entirely. However, if you received an ITA before November 16, 2022, you can continue using the NOC 2016 system for that specific application—your ITA receipt will specify which system to use. The transition affects all federal immigration programs including Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs. Take action now to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
Q: How do I find my correct 5-digit NOC code, and what's the biggest mistake people make during this process?
Finding your new NOC code takes under 5 minutes when done correctly. First, visit the official National Occupational Classification website and ensure you select "NOC 2021 Version 1.3" from the version dropdown—this is the most common mistake applicants make. Search by your exact job title, then carefully review the detailed job duties for each result. You need to match at least 70% of the listed main duties to qualify under that classification. Don't choose based on job title alone; for example, "Marketing Coordinator" could be NOC 11202 (TEER 2) or "Marketing Assistant" at NOC 54101 (TEER 4), with completely different immigration implications. Always verify the job duties match your actual work responsibilities, as immigration officers will compare your work experience letter against these exact descriptions during application review.
Q: What's the difference between the old skill levels (0, A, B, C, D) and the new TEER system, and why should I care?
The new TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) system replaced the old 5-category framework with 6 more precise categories numbered 0-5. While TEER 0 and 1 roughly correspond to old NOC 0 and A, the critical change affects former NOC B jobs, which are now split between TEER 2 and TEER 3 based on training requirements. TEER 2 includes technical roles requiring college diplomas or apprenticeships, while TEER 3 covers positions needing high school plus job-specific training. This distinction directly impacts your immigration eligibility and points calculation. For example, if your graphic design role moved from NOC B to TEER 3 instead of TEER 2, you might lose eligibility for certain Provincial Nominee Programs that only accept TEER 0-2 occupations. Your CRS score could also change if your work experience no longer qualifies for skilled worker points under the new classification.
Q: My job was previously NOC Skill Level B—how do I know if I'm now TEER 2 or TEER 3, and does it matter for my application?
The split of former NOC B occupations into TEER 2 and 3 is based on training and education requirements, not job titles. TEER 2 positions typically require post-secondary education like college diplomas, certificates, or apprenticeships, while TEER 3 roles need high school completion plus job-specific training or experience. This distinction significantly impacts your application because many Provincial Nominee Programs that previously accepted all NOC B jobs now only accept TEER 0, 1, and 2 occupations. Additionally, only work experience in TEER 0-3 categories counts toward your skilled work experience points in Express Entry. To determine your category, carefully review the education and training requirements listed in your new NOC 2021 code description. If you're borderline, document your education and training thoroughly to support your classification choice, as this decision affects both program eligibility and points calculation.
Q: Do I need to get new work experience letters from my employers, and what specific information must they include under NOC 2021?
Yes, most applicants need updated work experience letters that align with NOC 2021 language and duties. Your employment letters must now reflect the specific duties and responsibilities listed in your new 5-digit NOC code, using similar terminology where possible. Generic job descriptions or letters written for NOC 2016 classifications often won't suffice under the new system's precision requirements. Each letter should include your job title, employment dates, salary, hours worked per week, and a detailed description of duties that matches at least 70% of the main duties listed in your NOC 2021 code. Immigration officers compare these letters directly against the official NOC descriptions during application review. If your employer is unavailable, you can provide alternative documentation like contracts, performance reviews, or statutory declarations, but they must still demonstrate how your actual work experience aligns with your chosen NOC 2021 classification and TEER category requirements.
Q: Which Provincial Nominee Programs have been most affected by the NOC 2021 changes, and how can I check if my occupation is still eligible?
All Provincial Nominee Programs have updated their occupation lists to reflect NOC 2021 codes, but the impact varies significantly by province and stream. Programs that previously accepted broad NOC B categories have seen the most dramatic changes, as some now only accept TEER 0-2 occupations while excluding TEER 3. For example, several tech worker streams and healthcare programs have become more restrictive, while some trades and agriculture programs have expanded eligibility. To check current eligibility, visit your target province's official PNP website and look for their updated NOC 2021 occupation lists—don't rely on old information or third-party websites. Many provinces are still fine-tuning their requirements, so occupations that aren't eligible today might become eligible in future updates. Consider having backup provinces in your immigration strategy, as eligibility can vary significantly between jurisdictions for the same occupation under the new system.
Q: I'm worried about losing points or eligibility—what immediate steps should I take to protect my application under the new NOC system?
Take these critical actions immediately to safeguard your application: First, identify your correct NOC 2021 code using the official government website and verify it matches your actual job duties. Second, if you have an active Express Entry profile without an ITA, update it immediately with your new NOC code and TEER category—delays risk profile removal. Third, check your target immigration programs' updated eligibility requirements, as some occupations lost eligibility when moving from NOC B to TEER 3. Fourth, review your work experience letters to ensure they align with NOC 2021 duty descriptions and request updated letters if needed. Fifth, recalculate your CRS score as TEER category changes might affect your points. Finally, if you're applying through PNP, verify your occupation remains on your target province's updated list. Document everything thoroughly and consider consulting with a regulated immigration consultant if your situation is complex, as proper NOC classification is crucial for application success.
