NOC Codes for Immigration: The TEER System, How to Find Your Code, and Which Jobs Qualify

What Is the National Occupational Classification?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's standardized system for classifying occupations. It is maintained by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and is used across the Canadian government, including by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for immigration purposes.

Every occupation in Canada is assigned a five-digit NOC code based on the type of work performed and the level of training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) required. When you apply through Express Entry, you must identify the NOC code that matches your work experience. Choosing the correct code is critical because it determines your eligibility for specific programs and affects your CRS score.

The NOC was significantly updated in 2021, replacing the old skill level system (Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, B, C, D) with the current TEER system. All Express Entry applications now use the NOC 2021 version.

Official NOC database: NOC 2021

Understanding the TEER System

TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. It categorizes occupations into six levels based on the qualifications typically required:

TEER 0: Management Occupations

These are management and senior supervisory positions across all sectors.

Requirements: Significant experience in the field, often combined with formal education.

Examples:

• Financial managers (NOC 10010)
• Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
• Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
• Advertising and marketing managers (NOC 10022)
• Retail trade managers (NOC 60020)

TEER 1: Occupations Usually Requiring a University Degree

Professional occupations that typically require a bachelor's degree or higher.

Examples:

• Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)
• Registered nurses (NOC 31301)
• Accountants (NOC 11100)
• Civil engineers (NOC 21300)
• Lawyers (NOC 41101)
• University professors (NOC 41200)
• Architects (NOC 21200)

TEER 2: Occupations Usually Requiring a College Diploma or Apprenticeship of Two or More Years

Technical and skilled occupations that require significant specialized training.

Examples:

• Dental hygienists (NOC 32111)
• Electricians (NOC 72200)
• Police officers (NOC 42100)
• Paralegal and related occupations (NOC 42101)
• Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120)
• Computer network and web technicians (NOC 22220)

TEER 3: Occupations Usually Requiring a College Diploma or Apprenticeship of Less Than Two Years

Occupations requiring shorter specialized training programs.

Examples:

• Bakers (NOC 63202)
• Dental assistants (NOC 33100)
• Veterinary technicians (NOC 32104)
• Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300)
• Residential and commercial installers (NOC 73200)

TEER 4: Occupations Usually Requiring a High School Diploma or On-the-Job Training

Occupations requiring a secondary school education or several weeks of training.

Examples:

• Home support workers (NOC 44101)
• Retail salespersons (NOC 64100)
• Letter carriers (NOC 64201)
• Security guards (NOC 64410)

TEER 5: Occupations Usually Requiring Short Work Demonstration or No Formal Education

Entry-level positions requiring minimal formal training.

Examples:

• Landscaping labourers (NOC 85121)
• Food counter attendants (NOC 65201)
• Janitors and building superintendents (NOC 65310)
• Harvesting labourers (NOC 85100)

Which TEER Levels Qualify for Express Entry?

Only occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 are eligible for Express Entry programs. TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations do not qualify.

Here is which TEER levels qualify for each program:

| Program | Qualifying TEER Levels | |---------|----------------------| | Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 | | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 | | Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | TEER 2, 3 (specific trades only) |

Note for CEC: Your language requirement depends on your TEER level. TEER 0 and 1 require CLB 7, while TEER 2 and 3 require CLB 5.

How NOC Codes Are Structured

Each NOC code has five digits, and each digit provides specific information:

Example: NOC 21231 (Software engineers and designers)

• First digit (2): Broad occupational category. Category 2 represents natural and applied sciences and related occupations.
• Second digit (1): TEER level. The digit 1 indicates TEER 1 (university degree typically required).
• Third, fourth, and fifth digits (231): Further classification identifying the specific occupation within the category and TEER level.

The first digit indicates the broad category: | First Digit | Broad Category | |------------|----------------| | 0 | Legislative and senior management | | 1 | Business, finance, and administration | | 2 | Natural and applied sciences | | 3 | Health | | 4 | Education, law, social, community, and government | | 5 | Art, culture, recreation, and sport | | 6 | Sales and service | | 7 | Trades, transport, equipment operators | | 8 | Natural resources, agriculture | | 9 | Manufacturing and utilities |

The second digit indicates the TEER level (0 through 5).

How to Find Your NOC Code

Finding the right NOC code requires careful research. Here is a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Search by Job Title

Go to the NOC search tool at NOC 2021 and enter your job title or keywords related to your occupation. The tool will return a list of possible matches.

Step 2: Read the Full NOC Description

For each potential match, click through to read the complete description. Every NOC code includes:

• Lead statement: A brief description of what the occupation involves
• Example titles: Specific job titles that fall under this code
• Main duties: A detailed list of typical duties performed in this occupation
• Employment requirements: Typical education, certification, and experience requirements
• Additional information: Notes about related occupations, exclusions, and career progression

Step 3: Compare Your Actual Duties

This is the most important step. Your actual work duties must align with the main duties listed in the NOC description. IRCC does not just look at your job title; they assess whether your daily responsibilities match the NOC code you claim.

Make a list of your main duties at work and compare them against the NOC description. You should be performing a substantial number of the duties listed. You do not need to perform every duty, but the majority of your work should align.

Step 4: Check the TEER Level

Confirm that the NOC code is in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 for Express Entry eligibility. Look at the second digit of the five-digit code.

Step 5: Verify With Your Reference Letters

Your employer reference letters should describe duties that match the NOC code. If there is a disconnect between what your reference letter says and what the NOC description states, IRCC may question your claim.

Common NOC Code Mistakes

1. Matching by Job Title Instead of Duties

Many applicants select a NOC code based on their job title alone. However, job titles vary widely between companies and countries. Two people with the title "project coordinator" might do very different work. Always base your selection on actual duties performed.

2. Choosing a Higher TEER Level Than Your Duties Support

Some applicants select a NOC code in a higher TEER level to appear more competitive. If your actual duties do not match that code, IRCC will refuse your application. Be honest and accurate.

3. Using the Wrong NOC Version

Canada transitioned to NOC 2021 in late 2022. Make sure you are using the current five-digit codes, not the old four-digit codes from the 2016 version. The IRCC website and Express Entry portal now use NOC 2021 exclusively.

4. Listing Multiple NOC Codes for One Job

Each work experience entry in your Express Entry profile should have one NOC code. If your job involves duties that span multiple NOC codes, choose the one that best represents the majority of your duties.

5. Not Accounting for Country Differences

Job duties and titles vary across countries. A "software engineer" in one country might focus on testing and quality assurance, which could fall under a different NOC code than a software engineer who designs systems architecture. Focus on what you actually did, not the title.

NOC Codes and Category-Based Draws

IRCC uses NOC codes to determine eligibility for category-based Express Entry draws. If your primary NOC code falls within a targeted category, you may be selected in a category-based draw even if your CRS score is below the general draw cutoff.

Categories and example qualifying NOC codes:

Healthcare:

• Registered nurses (31301)
• Licensed practical nurses (32101)
• Pharmacists (31120)
• Physicians (31100, 31102)
• Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
• Dental hygienists (32111)

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics):

• Software engineers (21231)
• Data engineers (21211)
• Computer systems developers (21230)
• Civil engineers (21300)
• Electrical engineers (21310)
• Mathematicians and statisticians (21210)
• Biologists (21110)

Trades:

• Electricians (72200)
• Plumbers (72300)
• Carpenters (72310)
• Welders (72106)
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72410)

Transport:

• Transport truck drivers (73300)
• Railway conductors (73310)
• Aircraft mechanics (72404)

Agriculture and agri-food:

• Agricultural and farm managers (80020)
• Nursery and greenhouse operators (82030)
• Butchers and meat cutters (63201)

The specific NOC codes targeted in category-based draws can change annually. Check the latest categories at: Category-Based Selection

Using NOC Codes in Your Reference Letters

Your reference letters are the primary evidence that your work experience matches your claimed NOC code. Ensure each letter includes:

1. Your exact job title as used by the employer
2. A detailed description of your duties and responsibilities that mirrors the language in the NOC description (without copying it word-for-word)
3. Dates of employment (start and end)
4. Hours worked per week
5. Whether the position was full-time or part-time
6. Salary or hourly wage (if possible)
7. Company name, address, and contact information
8. Name, title, and signature of the person issuing the letter

If your employer is unfamiliar with immigration reference letters, provide them with a template that includes all required elements. The NOC description can guide the duty descriptions, but the letter should reflect your actual experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my job duties span two NOC codes?

Choose the NOC code that best represents the majority of your duties. If 70% of your work aligns with one code and 30% with another, use the one that covers 70%.

Can I use different NOC codes for different jobs?

Yes. If you held different positions with different duties, you can assign different NOC codes to each position. Each must be in TEER 0-3 for Express Entry eligibility.

Do I need my employer to confirm my NOC code?

Your employer does not need to explicitly state the NOC code in your reference letter. IRCC determines the NOC classification based on the duties described. However, including the NOC code in your letter can provide additional clarity.

What if my occupation does not exist in the NOC?

Every occupation in Canada is classified somewhere in the NOC. If you cannot find an exact match, look for the closest match based on your actual duties. Read the "example titles" and "main duties" sections carefully.

Does my NOC code affect my CRS score?

Your NOC code itself does not directly add or subtract CRS points. However, it determines your eligibility for specific programs and category-based draws, which can indirectly affect your chances of receiving an ITA.

Useful Resources

• NOC 2021 search tool
• Express Entry eligibility
• Category-based selection
• IRCC processing times
• CRS calculator