Canada is preparing for a major update to its National Occupational Classification (NOC) system in 2026, and the changes could affect tens of thousands of foreign workers applying for permanent residence. The government has announced an overhaul of 165 job categories, prompting Express Entry hopefuls to reassess their eligibility and future plans.
The NOC system is Canada’s standard for classifying and grouping occupations. It plays a central role in economic immigration programs, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and many work permit pathways. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the NOC code listed on your profile or application to determine if your job qualifies under specific skill levels and categories.
Under the 2026 update, several job titles, descriptions, skill levels and classification rules will be revised. The goal is to better reflect modern workplaces, emerging industries and changes in worker responsibilities. However, this also means that some occupations may move to new categories or lose the status they once held within Express Entry eligibility criteria.
For many applicants, the biggest concern is whether their current NOC code will still qualify under the new system. Express Entry eligibility often hinges on having work experience that meets specific skill requirements. If an occupation is reclassified to a different skill level — especially one that is no longer considered eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class — it may put a candidate’s eligibility at risk.
Canada’s Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) has been working closely with Statistics Canada and IRCC to update the classification system in consultation with employers, educational institutions and immigration experts. Officials have said the overhaul aims to make the NOC more flexible and accurate, especially for jobs in the tech sector, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and trades.
Experts advising immigration candidates recommend that applicants planning to submit an Express Entry profile before or after the 2026 rollout begin reviewing how their occupation is classified today and how it might be redefined. Those with upcoming plans may want to secure reference letters, detailed job descriptions and proof of duties now, before the changes take effect.
Some occupations could see improved recognition, especially new and hybrid roles that were previously hard to classify. But others might face stricter requirements for meeting skill levels. For example, job duties once spread across categories may be combined, making documentation more complex for future applications.
Provincial immigration programs also rely on NOC classifications when issuing nomination streams aligned with labour needs. A shift in categories could influence which jobs provinces prioritise and invite through PNP draws.
IRCC has stated that it will provide transition guidance closer to the implementation date and offer tools to help candidates understand the new classification structure. Nonetheless, immigration consultants emphasize that applicants should stay informed now, as early preparation could make the difference between acceptance and rejection of a future Express Entry application.
The overhaul reflects Canada’s broader attempt to align immigration with labour market realities, ensuring that skills in demand are recognised and rewarded. For many prospective immigrants, the coming changes underline the importance of staying updated on policy shifts and preparing well in advance.
