Canada’s NOC System Wasn’t Built For Immigration. So Why Does Immigration Depend On It?

The AI strategy promises to use the Global Talent Stream to “accelerate entry and onboarding of highly-skilled AI workers.”

That raises the question: who counts as an AI worker?

Canada’s immigration system relies on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to determine eligibility for immigration programs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the NOC system to classify occupations for immigration programs, like the skilled worker classification needed to qualify for Express Entry.

Meanwhile, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) uses NOC codes to determine priorities and wage requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) and work permits.