NOC 2021 vs NOC 2016: What Changed + Convert Your Code
NOC 2021 replaced NOC 2016 in 2022 — TEER instead of skill levels, new 5-digit codes, and reclassified occupations. How to convert your old NOC in 2 minutes.
If your last resume or PR file referenced NOC 2016, it's out of date. NOC 2021 changed both the codes and the level system.
The headline change
NOC 2021 went live on November 16, 2022. It replaced the old NOC Skill Levels (0/A/B/C/D) with a 6-tier TEER system and renumbered the codes from 4 digits to 5 digits.
Skill levels → TEER
- Old Skill Level 0 → TEER 0 (management).
- Old Skill Level A → TEER 1 (university degree).
- Old Skill Level B → TEER 2 or TEER 3 (split, depending on training depth).
- Old Skill Level C → TEER 4 (secondary school + occupation training).
- Old Skill Level D → TEER 5 (short on-the-job demo).
4-digit → 5-digit codes
Codes were re-numbered. For example, Software engineers and designers went from 2173 → 21231. Don't guess — look it up.
Reclassified occupations
Some occupations moved tiers. The biggest impact was the old Skill Level B split: roles like medical laboratory technologists and computer network technicians ended up at different TEERs. If you're applying for Express Entry, that change can shift your eligibility.
What to do now
- Look up your role with the NOC code finder.
- Verify the duties match yours on the official ESDC NOC 2021 page.
- Update your resume to mirror the NOC 2021 duty wording.
- If you have an active PR file, confirm your NOC 2021 code with your immigration representative.
Related: What is TEER in Canada · NOC code list.