Back
Migration Overseas
NOC & TEER
Master Canada's occupation classification. Find your code, understand skill levels, and boost your immigration prospects.
Understanding occupation classification
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's official system for organizing occupations. Each occupation gets a unique 5-digit code identifying job duties, required skills, education, and experience. IRCC has used NOC 2021 since November 16, 2022. Older 4-digit NOC 2016 codes are not accepted in an Express Entry profile.
For immigration, your NOC code determines program eligibility, affects your CRS score, and influences Express Entry prospects. Provincial PNP programs also use NOC codes for nominations.
Understanding skill levels
TEER stands for "Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities." It groups occupations by required training and education. The second digit of a NOC 2021 code is its TEER, so 21231 is TEER 1. For Express Entry, you must have work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Management occupations.
Usually require a university degree.
College diploma, apprenticeship of 2 or more years, or supervisory.
College diploma, apprenticeship under 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training.
High school diploma or several weeks of training. Not eligible for Express Entry.
Short work demonstration, no formal education. Not eligible for Express Entry.
How occupation codes affect immigration
Your primary NOC must be TEER 0-3 to qualify for Express Entry.
Since November 3, 2026 your NOC decides high-wage experience points (20, 40 or 70) and job offer points (50, 70 or 100).
Different programs target specific NOC codes and sectors.
Category-based rounds invite only the NOC codes listed for each category.
Example NOC 2021 codes. Confirm yours on the official NOC site
Step-by-step guide
Visit noc.esdc.gc.ca and choose the 2021 version. Search by job title or keywords. The tool provides TEER classification details.
Describe your main responsibilities. The database matches your duties to the closest classification.
Search for similar job titles. Many variations may have the same NOC code.
Immigration program eligibility
| Program | T0 | T1 | T2 | T3 | T4-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSW | |||||
| CEC | |||||
| PNP | |||||
| Draws |
Use the official Government of Canada tool
The most accurate way is through the official IRCC/ESDC NOC database.
Maximize your immigration prospects
Use broad keywords, then narrow down. Try multiple search terms related to duties.
Request your employer include the NOC code in your employment verification letter.
Ensure your job matches the lead statement and most of the main duties.
Keep records of your duties, achievements, and responsibilities for verification.
Common questions about NOC codes
Only TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 codes are eligible. TEER 4 and 5 are not eligible for FSW, FST, or CEC programs.
You must declare one primary NOC code. You can list secondary work experience under different codes.
Every occupation should have an NOC code. Compare your duties with the closest unit groups. An occupation that cannot be matched to TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 is not eligible for Express Entry.
No. IRCC focuses on your actual job duties, not your title. What matters is that your responsibilities match the typical duties listed.
Since November 3, 2026 your NOC code directly affects points: it decides the high-wage bonus for Canadian experience (20, 40 or 70) and job offer points (50, 70 or 100). It also decides whether you fit a category-based round.
TEER 0 is management. TEER 1 usually requires a university degree. Both are eligible. IRCC does not give TEER 0 priority in category rounds, which list specific NOC codes.
Yes, TEER 3 is eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Both need 1 year (1,560 hours) of skilled work: within 10 years for FSW, and Canadian work within 3 years for CEC. Only the Federal Skilled Trades Program needs 2 years.
No. Always use the accurate NOC code. Misrepresenting can result in rejection or even future immigration bans.
Our experts can help identify your correct code and boost your Express Entry competitiveness.
Schedule Free Consultation