On November 16, 2022, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced the implementation of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 for immigration programs processed under the Express Entry system. The NOC 2016 system will be eliminated and replaced by a 6-category structure that takes into account the training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) needed to work in an occupation. The updates to the NOC system will help expand pathways to permanent residency for temporary workers and international students as more jobs become available through programs managed under Express Entry.