Canada, as one of the world’s most popular immigration destinations, is continuously attracting skilled and specialized workers from around the globe. To organize this process and determine the eligibility criteria for applicants, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system of Canada has been established. At ExpertUP, besides addressing the topic of job offers in Canada, we will answer the question of what Canada’s NOC is. In this article about Canada’s National Occupational Classification system or NOC, you can find all the necessary information and, with the knowledge of which jobs are in demand in Canada, proceed with your work immigration to Canada.

Canada’s NOC: The Precise Reference for Jobs

The National Occupational Classification organizes around 30,000 job titles into 500 occupational groups, 6 skill levels, and 10 major occupational categories. This system was created in collaboration between Employment and Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada. These two organizations continue their cooperation to maintain and update the national job classification. Canada’s NOC is a comprehensive and precise reference that categorizes all existing jobs in Canada based on the type of tasks, required skills, and levels of education and experience. This system is divided into two main sections:

• TEAS Section: This section includes 10 main occupational categories defined based on the type of skills and job tasks.
• Skill Level Section: This section divides each occupational group into 5 skill levels, indicating the level of education, experience, and training required for the job.

Benefits of Using Canada’s NOC

To understand the benefits of Canada’s NOC, consider the following points:

• Creating Order and Cohesion in the Labor Market: Canada’s NOC helps create order and cohesion in the Canadian labor market by categorizing jobs and determining the eligibility criteria for each one. This assists employers and job seekers in finding each other and matching skills with needs.
• Accurate Evaluation of Immigration Applicants: Canada’s NOC is used to assess the eligibility of work immigration applicants. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates the NOC code of the applicant’s desired job and matches it with their work experience and education to determine their eligibility to work in Canada.
• Forecasting Labor Market Needs: Canada’s NOC serves as an efficient tool for forecasting the future needs of the Canadian labor market. By analyzing trends in various jobs and the demand for each, the Canadian government can strategically plan its educational and immigration programs.

The New Version of Canada’s NOC Classification

The first edition of the NOC was published in 1992 to classify Canadian national jobs, and every ten years, it undergoes a significant structural review where existing occupational groups are reviewed alongside collected information from relevant stakeholders. The latest NOC system edition was released in 2011, and it was updated in 2016 by the Canadian Immigration Department.

Following the official announcement by the Canadian Immigration Department, as of November 16, 2022, the new 2021 NOC system is used for immigration and work permit programs.

In the 2021 NOC system update, more jobs have been added to the list of in-demand occupations, providing more job opportunities for applicants. Some major changes in the 2021 NOC system include:

• Focus on Jobs, Not Skills: The 2021 NOC system focuses on jobs rather than skills. An innovative six-group classification called TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is used instead of the four-level “Skill Level” classification from the 2016 edition. This change leads to a more balanced distribution of jobs among the “TEER categories.”

• The 2021 NOC system takes into account distinctions in formal education and educational requirements and better reflects the development of skills and knowledge gained through on-the-job experience.
• Five-Digit Hierarchical Structure: The 2021 NOC system introduces a new five-digit hierarchical structure compared to the four-digit structure in previous editions.

How to Find the NOC Code for the Desired Job

To find the NOC code for your desired job, you can use the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). On this website, you can find the relevant NOC code by searching for the job title or job description.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the NOC Code for Your Desired Job

1. Visit the IRCC website.
2. Website address: IRCC: IRCC
3. In the “Work in Canada” menu, select “National Occupational Classification (NOC).”
4. On the new page, you can find the NOC code using two methods:
   • Method 1: Keyword Search: Enter the desired job title or related keywords in the search box, then click “Search.” A list of jobs related to your search term will be displayed.
   • Method 2: Browse by Categories: On the left side of the page, you will see a list of Canada’s 10 main occupational categories in the NOC. By clicking on each category, you can see the sub-categories and related jobs. Clicking on each job allows you to see the NOC code and job description.

After finding the NOC code for your desired job, you can click on the “View Details” button to get more information about that job, including educational requirements, work experience, and job duties. You can also use the “Eligibility Check” tool to assess whether your skills, education, and work experience match the requirements of the NOC code for the job.

Important Notes About Canada’s NOC

Regarding Canada’s NOC, several essential points should be noted:

• The NOC Code’s Role in the Immigration Process: The NOC code for your desired job plays a crucial role in the work immigration process to Canada.
• Increasing Your Chances for a Work Visa: By ensuring that your skills, education, and work experience match the requirements of the NOC code for your desired job, you will increase your chances of obtaining a Canadian work visa.
• Regular Updates: The NOC system is regularly updated. Therefore, visit the official IRCC website for the latest changes and new codes.

Final Words

In this article, we aimed to answer the important question of what Canada’s NOC is. We hope the provided information was helpful. If you are looking for a job in this field, we recommend that you proceed with research and awareness. This path requires individuals with sufficient knowledge and experience. To this end, you can benefit from free consultation with ExpertUP specialists and share your questions with us.