Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) program will adopt new NOC (TEER)

the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program will be adopting the new 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) as of November 16, 2022.

The redesign of the NOC is a move from a 4-digit NOC code format to a 5-digit NOC code format and replaces the “skill level” categorization with a new one referred to as Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER). The new TEER categorization contains six categories, one more category compared to the former skill level categorization, to distinguish formal training and educational requirements across occupations, to create consistency in occupational groups within the NOC. The new TEER categorization places technical occupations and specialized trades (requiring 2 years or more of formal education) into a different TEER than other occupations that usually require the completion of a short college or vocational program (of less than 2 years). Hence, the vast majority of occupational groups formally associated with skill levels B and C are now reclassified according to three TEER categories (TEER 2, TE ER 3, and TEER 4).

The user experience will be seamless for TFW Program applicants, as the information available on Job Bank webpages will be updated to reflect the new NOC 2021. Moreover, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application processing will not be affected by the transition. Decision letters will display both NOC 2016 and NOC 2021 codes until the internal system is updated for 5-digit NOC 2021 inputs.