November 16, 2022: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 changes

Summary of changes

On November 16, 2022, the federal government updated the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

• The NOC 2016 skill type and skill level structure (NOC 0, A, B, C and D) has been replaced with a NOC 2021 6-category system representing the training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) needed to work in an occupation.
• 4-digit NOC codes are now 5-digit codes.
• Some occupations have been split into new NOC codes or merged into a NOC code.
• Some occupations have changed to a different TEER category compared to their old skill level. The eligibility cut-off for Express Entry is TEER 3 (equivalent to Skill Level B). Sixteen new occupations are now eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program and Canadian Experience Class and three occupations are no longer eligible.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for information on NOC 2021.

Impact on Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) candidates

Criteria changes

As of November 16, 2022, AAIP worker stream requirements reflect the NOC 2021:

• AAIP language requirements are now based on TEER. This means that the minimum language requirements have increased in sixteen occupations and decreased in three occupations.
• Ineligible and eligible occupations lists have been updated with new NOC codes.
• Wage requirements for religious workers have been updated with new NOC codes.
• Rural Renewal Stream work experience requirements are now based on TEER.
• General Express Entry Stream occupation eligibility has changed for 19 occupations.

All other selection requirements remain unchanged.

If you apply on or after November 16, 2022, you must use the NOC 2021. To understand how you may be affected by these changes:

• Use IRCC’s Find your NOC tool to find your occupation and TEER Category using the NOC 2021.
• Review the Eligibility, How to Apply and After you are nominated pages for each AAIP worker stream.

If you applied on or before November 15, 2022, you will be assessed using the NOC 2016:

• Summaries of the NOC 2016 version of selection requirements are available on the Eligibility page for each stream.
• Nomination certificates, nomination extensions and 204(c) Letters of Support will be issued using the NOC 2016. For more information, review the How to Apply and After you are nominated pages for each stream.

Submitting a new application

AAIP cancelled all applications with an unpaid application fee that were not submitted in the AAIP portal as of 4 pm (Mountain Standard Time) on November 15, 2022. New applications must be completed. You can confirm the status of your AAIP application in the Check Existing Application section of the AAIP portal.

Alberta Express Entry Stream candidates must update their NOC information in their Express Entry profile to remain eligible for selection and nomination by the AAIP.

Accelerated Tech Pathway candidates who received an email inviting them to apply to the AAIP on or after October 15, 2022, will receive a new email by November 22, 2022, inviting them to create a new application.