NOCs Update!

On November 16 2022, IRCC adopted the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). To compare the 2016 and 2021 NOC systems, you can visit Statistics Canada’s Correspondence Table Tool.

The Generic Statistical Information Model (GSIM) is now used to identify the types of changes made to the classification. Real changes (RC) are those affecting the scope of the existing classification items or categories, whether or not accompanied by changes in the title, definition and/or the coding. Virtual changes (VC) are those made in coding, titles and/or definitions, while the meaning or scope of the classification item remains the same. The “real changes” are the most important ones to note for analysis.

Types of changes in the classification, including Codes, Titles and Classification Items (Based on GSIM)

GSIM Category Code	GSIM Category Description
RC – REAL CHANGE	Real change stands for changes in meaning, whether or not accompanied by changes in naming (title or definition) and/or coding.
RC1 – DELETION	A classification item expires, while its denotation reduces to zero; it does not proceed as (part of the) denotation of one or more other (existing) classification items.
RC2 – CREATION	The mirror image of deletion: a classification item emerges, while its denotation is not (part of) the denotation of one or more existing classification items.
RC3 – COMBINATION
RC3.1 – Merger	Two or more classification items expire, while their denotations proceed in one emerging classification item.
RC3.2 – Take-over	A classification item expires, while its denotation proceeds as part of the denotation of another item, which continues its existence.
RC4 – DECOMPOSITION
RC4.1 – Breakdown	The mirror image of merger: a classification item expires, while its denotation is distributed over and proceeds in two or more emerging classification items.
RC4.2 – Split off	The mirror image of take-over: a classification item continues to exist, while part of its denotation moves to another (emerging) classification item.
RC5 – TRANSFER	Part of the denotation of an item moves to another (existing) item. Notes:More than one classification item may be involved in the relationship between the old and new structure.”Transfer” can also be applied at higher levels of a classification. In such cases the part of the denotation that moves (to another (existing) item) corresponds to an item at the lower level.
VC – VIRTUAL CHANGE	Virtual change stands for changes in coding and/or naming (title or definition), while the meaning remains the same.
VC1 – CODE CHANGE	A classification item expires, while its denotation proceeds as the denotation of an emerging classification item.
VC2 – NAME CHANGE	The name (title or definition) of a classification item changes, while its denotation remains the same. Changes which “merely” intend to enhance the clarity or quality of a title and/or definition, or further operationalise them on the basis of situations encountered in practice, do not affect the meaning of a classification item.
NC- NOTIFICATION CHANGE	A classification item stays while changes are made at lower levels without change in scope.
GENERAL NOTE	Deletion and creation may result in border changes. Combination, decomposition and transfer do result in border changes. Code change and name change do not result in border changes.