NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Converter: 4-Digit to 5-Digit Transition
On November 16, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) replaced the legacy 4-digit NOC 2016 system with the 5-digit NOC 2021 TEER system. Use this free official concordance lookup tool to find the exact new 5-digit code, TEER category, and Express Entry eligibility for your occupation.
Search Any 2016 Code, 2021 Code, or Occupation Title
| Old NOC 2016 (4-Digit) | Type of Change | New NOC 2021 (5-Digit) | TEER Level | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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NOC 2016 Skill Level vs NOC 2021 TEER Category Matrix
Under NOC 2016, jobs were sorted into 4 skill levels (A, B, C, D) plus Skill Type 0. NOC 2021 introduces 6 TEER categories based on formal training, education, experience, and responsibilities.
| Old NOC 2016 Skill Level | New NOC 2021 TEER | Minimum Educational & Experience Standard | Express Entry Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Type 0 | TEER 0 | Management occupations (corporate managers, directors, legislators). | Eligible (FSW & CEC) |
| Skill Level A | TEER 1 | Occupations usually requiring a university degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate). | Eligible (FSW & CEC) |
| Skill Level B | TEER 2 | Occupations requiring 2 to 3 years post-secondary education, apprenticeship (2-5 yrs), or supervisory tenure. | Eligible (FSW & FST) |
| TEER 3 | Occupations requiring post-secondary education of less than 2 years, apprenticeship (<2 yrs), or 6+ months on-the-job training. | Eligible (FSW & FST) | |
| Skill Level C | TEER 4 | Occupations requiring secondary school graduation, or several weeks of employer-provided on-the-job training. | PNP & Pilots Only |
| Skill Level D | TEER 5 | Short work demonstration and no formal educational requirements. | PNP & Work Permits |
Immigration Officer Guidelines: How Past Experience is Evaluated
Many applicants ask: “My work experience was completed in 2018 or 2020 when NOC 2016 was in effect. Which code should I submit?”
IRCC forms and the Express Entry portal exclusively accept 5-digit NOC 2021 codes. Do not enter old 4-digit codes on your electronic profile.
If your old NOC 2016 code was split into multiple 2021 unit groups (e.g. NOC 2174 split into 21230, 21232, and 21234), choose the specific unit group whose main duties match at least 60% of what you actually performed.
Your employer reference letter does not need to cite a NOC code. It only needs to accurately state your official job duties, working hours, and salary. The visa officer matches those duties against NOC 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NOC 2016 to 2021 Transition
Get clear answers on 4-digit vs 5-digit codes, TEER categories, and immigration eligibility.
Browse the Complete Canada NOC Directory (2026)
Access the complete directory of 516 NOC codes with interactive duties checklists, official Job Bank wage tables, and Express Entry category alignment.