NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Migration — Code Conversion Guide
In November 2022, IRCC transitioned from NOC 2016 (4-digit codes + skill levels 0/A/B/C/D) to NOC 2021 (5-digit codes + TEER 0/1/2/3/4/5 categories). If you have work experience documented under old NOC, you'll need to map it to new NOC for current applications. This page covers the migration framework + common conversions.
Structural changes
Code format
- NOC 2016: 4-digit codes (e.g., 2173 for software engineers)
- NOC 2021: 5-digit codes (e.g., 21231 for software engineers and designers)
Categorization
- NOC 2016 Skill Levels: 0 (management), A (degree), B (college/2+ yr training), C (HS + on-job), D (short demo)
- NOC 2021 TEER: 0 (management), 1 (degree + 2+ years), 2 (college diploma + 2+ years OR supervisory), 3 (college diploma OR 2+ years training), 4 (HS + on-job), 5 (short demo)
Skill Level → TEER mapping
| Old NOC 2016 Skill Level | New NOC 2021 TEER |
|---|---|
| 0 (Management) | TEER 0 |
| A (University degree) | TEER 1 |
| B (College diploma / 2+ year apprenticeship / supervisory) | TEER 2 or 3 (split based on requirements) |
| C (High school + on-the-job training) | TEER 4 |
| D (Short demonstration training) | TEER 5 |
Common job code conversions (sample)
| Job Title | Old NOC 2016 | New NOC 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Software engineers + designers | 2173 | 21231 |
| Software developers + programmers | 2174 | 21232 |
| Web designers + developers | 2175 | 21233 + 21234 |
| Computer + IT managers | 0213 | 20012 |
| Registered nurses | 3012 | 31301 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 3233 | 32101 |
| General practitioners + family physicians | 3112 | 31102 |
| Specialist physicians | 3111 | 31100 + 31101 |
| Civil engineers | 2131 | 21300 |
| Mechanical engineers | 2132 | 21301 |
| Electrical + electronics engineers | 2133 | 21310 |
| Accountants | 1111 | 11100 |
| Financial managers | 0111 | 10010 |
| Marketing managers | 0124 | 10022 |
| Electricians | 7241 | 72200 |
| Plumbers | 7251 | 72300 |
| Welders | 7237 | 72106 |
| Carpenters | 7271 | 72310 |
| Truck drivers — long haul | 7511 | 73300 |
| Cooks | 6322 | 63200 |
| Food service supervisors | 6311 | 62020 |
| Retail salespersons | 6421 | 64100 |
| Cashiers | 6611 | 65100 |
| Light duty cleaners | 6731 | 65310 |
| General farm workers | 8431 | 85100 |
Watch out: jobs that changed TEER level
Some jobs effectively changed categorization in the migration:
- Some old Skill B jobs split — more skilled work mapped to TEER 2; less skilled to TEER 3 OR moved to TEER 4 in some cases
- Bookkeepers (old NOC 1311 Skill B) → new 12200 — categorized as TEER 4 (NOT TEER 2/3); affects FSW/CEC eligibility
- Administrative officers (old NOC 1221 Skill B) → new 13100 — categorized as TEER 2
If a previously-eligible role now falls in TEER 4, check current Express Entry rules — it may not count toward FSW/CEC.
Practical implications
For new applications
Use NOC 2021 codes only. Don't use old NOC 2016 codes in current applications.
For ongoing applications
If application is in process under old NOC, IRCC accepts. New applications must use current NOC.
For work experience documentation
Old employment letters may reference old NOC codes — fine for context, but reference current NOC 2021 in your application. Map your old job duties to current NOC 2021 description.
Common NOC migration mistakes
- Using old NOC 2016 codes in 2026 applications
- Not realizing some old skill B jobs are now TEER 4 (FSW/CEC ineligible)
- Not verifying main duties match new NOC description
- Assuming all old skill A/B jobs are still TEER 0/1/2/3 (mostly true but verify)
FAQ
When did NOC 2021 replace NOC 2016?
IRCC fully transitioned to NOC 2021 (5-digit codes + TEER categories) in November 2022 for Express Entry + most immigration programs. Some references to NOC 2016 may persist in older applications, but current applications use NOC 2021.
What's the skill level to TEER mapping?
Skill 0 (management) → TEER 0. Skill A (university degree) → TEER 1. Skill B (college diploma / 2+ year training) → TEER 2 or 3 (split based on training). Skill C (high school + on-job training) → TEER 4. Skill D (short demonstration) → TEER 5.
Do my old work experience records still qualify?
Yes — but you may need to convert old NOC codes to new NOC 2021 codes for current applications. Old codes (4-digit like '2173') map to new codes (5-digit like '21232'). IRCC accepts old NOC documentation but requires current NOC 2021 codes for new applications.
Are old skill level B jobs still TEER 0/1/2/3 (CEC + FSW eligible)?
Most old Skill A + B jobs map to TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (still eligible for CEC + FSW). Some Skill B jobs split to TEER 2 (more skilled) vs TEER 3 (less skilled). A few previously eligible roles may now be TEER 4 (not CEC/FSW eligible).
How do I find my new NOC code?
Use IRCC's NOC 2021 search tool at noc.esdc.gc.ca. Search by job title or old NOC code. The system shows your old NOC's equivalent in new system.
NOC code verification + Express Entry
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) verifies NOC code selection + impact on Express Entry eligibility. Free 15-min review.
Free NOC Review →Related: NOC TEER explained · NOC lookup · Express Entry