The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is one of the most important tools for Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs. It helps classify every job in the Canadian labour market and assigns it a unique code and description. This classification allows IRCC to evaluate an applicant’s work experience and determine their eligibility for immigration.
Since November 16, 2022, Canada transitioned from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021, bringing major changes such as the shift from skill types to TEER categories. Understanding these changes is essential for choosing the right NOC code for your immigration profile.
What is NOC?
The National Occupational Classification is a standardized framework used by IRCC to classify jobs in Canada. Every job has a unique five-digit code that represents the job duties, responsibilities, and required education.
NOC helps IRCC understand:
What type of job you do
Your responsibilities
Your training or education level
Whether your job fits immigration program requirements
This system is crucial for Express Entry, PNPs, and other economic immigration pathways.
NOC 2021 and the Shift to TEER Categories
The biggest change in NOC 2021 is the introduction of TEER categories instead of old skill types. TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities.
There are six TEER levels, from TEER 0 to TEER 5.
TEER Categories Explained
TEER 0: Management-level jobs
TEER 1: Jobs requiring a university degree or high experience in a TEER 2 role
TEER 2: Jobs requiring a diploma (2–3 years), such as technical or college training
TEER 3: Jobs requiring apprenticeship training or specialized experience
TEER 4: Jobs requiring high school education plus on-the-job training
TEER 5: Jobs with no formal education requirement, only basic job competency
These TEER levels help IRCC understand the skill level and responsibilities associated with each occupation.
How NOC Codes Are Structured
The NOC code consists of five digits, and each digit has meaning.
NOC Code Breakdown
First two digits: Major occupational group
First three digits: Sub-major group
First four digits: Minor group
All five digits: Unit group (your exact job)
To find your correct NOC, you must match your job title and duties to the right five-digit NOC code.
How to Find Your NOC Code
You can find your NOC code using the NOC Matrix on the ESDC website. It allows you to search by job title or job description.
Steps to Identify Your NOC
Go to the NOC Matrix on the ESDC website
Enter your job title or duties
Read the Lead Statement of each potential NOC
Compare the Main Duties with your actual work responsibilities
Pick the NOC that matches your experience most accurately
Choosing the Right NOC Code
Selecting the right NOC code is one of the most important steps in your Express Entry application. IRCC may ask for proof of your duties, so accuracy matters.
Tips for Choosing the Correct NOC
Match the lead statement with your job role
Ensure you performed most of the listed duties
Collect strong proof, like reference letters, job descriptions, and contracts
Avoid choosing a code based on job title alone
Remember—once you submit your NOC in your application, it cannot be changed, so choose very carefully.
Understanding TEER Categories for Work History
Each TEER category reflects the level of training or education needed for a job.
TEER Examples
TEER 0: Managers (e.g., sales managers, restaurant managers)
TEER 1: Jobs needing a degree (e.g., software engineers, accountants)
TEER 2: College diploma jobs (e.g., lab technicians, paramedics)
TEER 3: Apprenticeship fields (e.g., plumbers, firefighters)
TEER 4: Jobs requiring basic training (e.g., caregivers, receptionists)
TEER 5: Labour jobs requiring no formal education
High-Skilled vs. Low-Skilled Jobs
For immigration purposes, TEER categories determine whether a job is high-skilled or low-skilled.
High-Skilled (Eligible for Express Entry)
TEER 0
TEER 1
TEER 2
TEER 3
Low-Skilled (Limited Immigration Pathways)
TEER 4
TEER 5
High-skilled jobs qualify for most Express Entry programs, while low-skilled jobs may require employer sponsorship or PNPs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants choose the wrong NOC due to misunderstanding their duties. Choosing the wrong code can lead to refusal.
Avoid These Mistakes
Picking a NOC based only on job title
Ignoring the job duties listed
Choosing a code that doesn’t match your reference letter
Submitting without double-checking TEER level
Always verify with your employer if you’re unsure.
Why Your NOC Code Matters
Your NOC code affects:
Your Express Entry eligibility
CRS score
Provincial Nominee Program options
Job verification by IRCC
A mismatch between your job duties and NOC description can cause a refusal, so accuracy is essential.
Summary of Key Points
NOC is Canada’s system for classifying jobs for immigration purposes.
NOC 2021 introduced TEER categories, replacing old skill types.
TEER levels (0–5) help IRCC understand training and job responsibilities.
Use the NOC Matrix to find your correct five-digit NOC code.
Match your work duties—not just your job title—to the NOC description.
TEER 0–3 are high-skilled jobs; TEER 4–5 are low-skilled.
Selecting the correct NOC is crucial for a successful immigration application.
