On November 16, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the Express Entry system will now be implementing the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 for immigration programs. 16 occupations that were previously ineligible will now have access to expanded pathways for obtaining permanent residency. 

The NOC 2021 system allows more global talent in high-demand sectors to immigrate to Canada. Since there are 16 more new occupations included in the NOC 2021 categories, more temporary workers and international students can benefit from this wider pathway to permanent residency. 

Individuals who have work experience in any of the 16 listed occupations are now eligible to apply through Express Entry: 

• payroll administrators
• dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
• nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
• elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
• sheriffs and bailiffs
• correctional service officers
• by-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
• estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
• residential and commercial installers and servicers
• pest controllers and fumigators
• other repairers and servicers
• transport truck drivers
• bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
• heavy equipment operators
• aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors