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NOC & TEER Codes
Master Canada's National Occupational Classification system. Find your occupation code, understand skill levels, and discover how NOC affects your Express Entry eligibility and immigration prospects.
Understanding Canada's occupation classification system
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's official system for organizing and describing occupations. Each occupation is assigned a unique 5-digit code that identifies the job duties, required skills, education, and experience. IRCC has used the 2021 version (NOC 2021) since November 16, 2022, so codes from the older 2016 version, which have four digits, are not accepted in an Express Entry profile. The NOC system is used by Statistics Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and employment agencies to categorize and track occupational information.
For immigration purposes, your NOC code determines your eligibility for various programs and influences whether you qualify for category-based rounds. Since November 3, 2026 it also affects your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score directly: it decides whether your Canadian work experience earns high-wage points (20, 40 or 70) and whether a job offer earns points (50, 70 or 100). Different provinces also use NOC codes for their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations.
Understanding skill levels and requirements for each TEER level
TEER stands for "Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities." It's a classification system that groups occupations based on the typical training and education required. It replaced the skill type and skill level system of the older NOC. The second digit of a NOC 2021 code is its TEER category, so 21231 is TEER 1. For Express Entry, you must have work experience in a NOC code classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 to be eligible.
Management occupations.
Occupations that usually require a university degree.
Occupations that usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or that are supervisory.
Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training.
Occupations that usually require a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. Not eligible for Express Entry.
Occupations that usually need a short work demonstration and no formal education. Not eligible for Express Entry.
Your occupation's role in the immigration process
Your primary NOC code must be TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 to qualify for Express Entry. TEER 4 and 5 occupations are ineligible for most immigration programs.
Since November 3, 2026 your NOC code affects your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score directly: it decides whether Canadian experience earns high-wage points (20, 40 or 70) and whether a job offer earns points (50, 70 or 100).
Different federal and provincial programs have specific NOC requirements. Some programs target STEM, healthcare, trades, or other sectors exclusively.
Category-based Express Entry rounds invite only candidates whose primary occupation is on the list of NOC codes for that category, such as healthcare, trades, transport or education. French-language rounds do not depend on the NOC.
Example NOC 2021 five-digit codes. Always confirm your own code on the official NOC site, because your duties decide the code, not your job title.
Step-by-step guide to finding your occupation classification
Visit the official IRCC NOC code finder at noc.esdc.gc.ca. Search by job title, keywords, or NOC code. Choose the 2021 version. The search tool provides detailed information about each occupation including required skills, typical duties, and TEER classification.
Describe the main responsibilities of your job. The NOC database matches your job description to the closest occupational classification. Be specific about supervisory duties, technical skills, and decision-making responsibilities.
If you work in a specialized role, search for similar job titles. Many variations (e.g., Developer, Programmer, Software Engineer) may fall under the same NOC code. Check the detailed job description to confirm the match.
Eligibility requirements based on occupation classification
| Immigration Program | TEER 0 | TEER 1 | TEER 2 | TEER 3 | TEER 4-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry - FSW | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible | |
| Express Entry - CEC | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible | |
| Provincial PNP Programs | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible | Varies | |
| Category-Based Draws | Listed NOCs | Listed NOCs | Listed NOCs | Listed NOCs | |
| LMIA Work Permit | Possible | Possible | Possible | Possible | Possible |
Use the official Government of Canada tool
The most accurate way to find your NOC code is through the official IRCC/ESDC NOC database. This ensures your code matches exactly what immigration officials will reference.
Maximize your chances by understanding the system better
Use broad keywords first, then narrow down. Try multiple search terms related to your job duties, not just your job title. The more accurate your code, the better your immigration prospects.
Request your employer to include your NOC code in your employment verification letter or reference letter. This official confirmation protects you during the immigration process.
When you find a potential NOC code, carefully read the typical duties and required qualifications. Your actual job should match the lead statement and most of the main duties listed for the code.
Keep detailed records of your job duties, achievements, and responsibilities. During assessment, IRCC may ask for evidence that your job matches your claimed NOC code.
Common questions about NOC codes and TEER categories
Only NOC codes classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 are eligible for Express Entry. TEER 4 and 5 occupations are not eligible under Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class programs. Check the official NOC finder to confirm your TEER level.
No. You must declare one primary NOC code in your Express Entry profile. However, you can list secondary work experience under different NOC codes. Use your primary NOC code for the job where you have the most recent work experience meeting the TEER requirement.
Every occupation in Canada should have an NOC code. If you can't find yours, review the lead statement and main duties of the closest unit groups and compare them with your duties. An occupation that cannot be matched to a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 code is not eligible for Express Entry.
No. IRCC focuses on your actual job duties, not your official job title. Many companies use non-standard titles. What matters is that your responsibilities match the typical duties listed for that NOC code. Your job letter should clearly describe your duties.
Since November 3, 2026 your NOC code directly affects CRS points. It decides whether your Canadian work experience earns the high-wage bonus of 20, 40 or 70 points and whether a job offer earns 50, 70 or 100 points, because both depend on IRCC's list of high-wage occupations. It also decides whether you can be invited in a category-based round, which only invites candidates in the NOC codes listed for that category.
TEER 0 represents management occupations. TEER 1 includes occupations that usually require a university degree. Both are eligible for Express Entry. IRCC does not give TEER 0 priority in category-based rounds: each category lists specific NOC codes, and only the senior managers category uses the management codes 00012 to 00015 (it also requires Canadian work experience).
Yes, TEER 3 is eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. TEER 3 includes occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training. The Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class each need 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program that work must be within the last 10 years, and for the Canadian Experience Class it must be Canadian work within the last 3 years. Only the Federal Skilled Trades Program needs 2 years of experience, in the trade.
No. Always use the most accurate NOC code that matches your actual job duties. Misrepresenting your occupation can result in application rejection, file closure, or even future immigration bans. Immigration officers verify job duties against supporting documents.
Our immigration experts can help you identify the correct NOC code and ensure your application is competitive for the next Express Entry draw.
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