Canada’s immigration policy is ever-changing to reflect labour market demands, economic concerns, and demographics. The revision of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is one of the most significant changes expected for applicants in 2026. In case you are intending to apply under Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or a work permit stream, it is important that you know about the update of NOC 2026.
This guide explains what the NOC system is if you are applying for Study Permit Canada or for a business visa Canada, what evolved in 2026, and how these developments may impact your immigration pathway.
What Is the NOC System?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the official classification of jobs in Canada based on skill, education, and job duties. It is used by:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Companies that employ foreign employees.
- Applications of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
In Canada, there is a code to each occupation. When applying to programs such as Express Entry, immigrant applicants should choose the correct NOC code that corresponds to their work experience.
Move to TEER System.
Working as Best Immigration Consultants in Canada, we share with immigrants that the shift in the previous system of Skill Type and Skill Level to the TEER system is one of the most important changes, which were introduced in recent years and continued to be developed in 2026.
TEER stands for:
- Training
- Education
- Experience
- Responsibilities
In the TEER system, there are six levels of occupations:
TEER 0- Management occupations.
TEER 1 – Occupations that demanded a university degree.
TEER 2 -Occupations that need college education or apprenticeship (2+ years)
TEER 3 -You have to have college education or an apprenticeship (under 2 years) to work in this occupation.
TEER 4 -Careers that demand high school education or job experience.
TEER 5 -Short-term work with no formal educational qualification.
The 2026 update has further simplified the TEER classifications and has reclassified a number of occupations in order to reflect the current labour needs.
Key Changes in NOC 2026
-
There are new and amended Occupation Codes.
Some of these occupations have been:
- The reclassification to other TEER categories.
- Combined with comparable jobs.
- Divided into less professional functions.
This implies that certain applicants would be forced to re-evaluate their choice of the NOC code. Selecting the incorrect code may result in time loss, rejections or loss of CRS points.
Indicatively, some healthcare, technology, and skilled trade jobs have been diversified to depict increased demand in all of Canada.
-
Heightened attention to Healthcare Professions.
Canada is still struggling with health care shortages. In NOC 2026:
- Greater medical specialization has been delineated.
- The occupations in paramedical and allied health have been reclassified.
- The qualification requirements have moved some roles to higher TEER categories.
This change benefits candidates submitting applications under the healthcare-related Express Entry draws.
-
Digital Roles and Technology Revised.
As Canada develops a strong digital economy, most IT-oriented jobs have been redefined. Emerging roles in:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence
- Data analytics
- Software development
- have more understandable NOC classifications in the 2026 revision.
Applicants within tech industries are suppose to be cautious of revised job descriptions to make sure that their experience matches the right code.
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Increased Fitness to Labour Market Requirement.
The 2026 update of NOC captures the current labour shortages in the provinces. Professions in transportation, farming, early childhood education, and medical care have been updated to enhance specific immigration routes.
This orientation enhances the visibility of the immigration programs and labour market priorities.
The implications of NOC 2026 on Express Entry Applicants.
You can be affected by the NOC 2026 update in the following ways in case you are using Express Entry:
✔ CRS Score Calculation
Your NOC should be in an acceptable TEER category (0, 1, 2, or 3) in Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades.
In case you have changed your occupation, this can also influence your eligibility.
✔ Category-Based Draws
Canada is still carrying out category based draws focusing on certain occupations. New NOC categories can dictate that your position could be qualified as either:
- Healthcare draws
- STEM draws
- Trades draws
- Transport draws
- Agri-food and Agriculture attracts.
It is imperative to choose the right NOC.
✔ Work Permit Applications
In the case of work permits based on LMIA and employer-specific permits, the employers now have to cite revised code of NOC 2026. Misclassification can slow down the processing.
Effect on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
The provincial programs also rely on NOC codes to identify in-demand occupations.
With the 2026 update:
- Certain jobs can be new entrants to provincial streams.
- It is possible that others no longer qualify.
- Occupation lists can be revised to include TEER changes by provinces.
- The application must be done by the applicants after going through the provincial guidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In the updated version of the NOC 2026, most applicants commit grave mistakes such as:
- Selecting a NOC on pure job title (not job duties).
- Lack of review concerning updated TEER categories.
- The application of outdated NOC codes (2016 or older).
- Exaggerating duties that are not in line with those that are described.
Keep in mind: Immigration officers will consider your application on job responsibilities- not your title.
The selection of the right NOC Code.
In order to choose the right NOC in the update of 2026:
- Check your real job responsibilities.
- Match them to official NOC descriptions.
- Make sure that a majority of your duties are aligned to the provided duties.
- Ensure that your job is at an eligible TEER level in your course.
- Ask an expert, in case of confusion.
- One minor mistake in classification can have a huge impact on your immigration.
Final Thoughts
The update of the NOC 2026 does not only represent a technical change of the document, but it also embodies the changing economic priorities and labor needs of Canada. Regardless of whether you are seeking Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program and even a work permit, these changes are important.
Knowing the right NOC code, staying informed, and choosing the right one can help you reinforce your application, prevent delays, and increase your chances of success.
In case you are not aware of what the update of the program NOC 2026 means to your profile, you may hire a skilled immigration expert and work with him to make sure that your application is up to date.
Canada is still open to global talent and talents worldwide- make sure your application is rooted on the correct platform.