The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration process, especially for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assess an applicant’s work experience and determine eligibility for various immigration pathways.
On November 16, 2022, Canada officially transitioned from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021, introducing a major change: the replacement of skill levels with TEER categories. Understanding this update is essential for choosing the correct NOC code for your immigration profile.
What Is the NOC System?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s official system for classifying jobs. Each occupation is assigned a five-digit code that describes the job’s duties, responsibilities, and required education or training.
IRCC uses NOC codes to assess:
The type of work you performed
Your job responsibilities
Your education and training level
Whether your experience meets program requirements
NOC codes are required for:
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Employer-driven work permits
Other work-based immigration pathways
NOC 2021 and the Shift to TEER Categories
The biggest update in NOC 2021 is the introduction of TEER categories, replacing the old skill type and skill level system.
TEER stands for:
Training
Education
Experience
Responsibilities
There are six TEER levels, ranging from TEER 0 to TEER 5.
What Do TEER Categories Mean?
TEER Level Breakdown
TEER 0 – Management occupations
TEER 1 – Jobs requiring a university degree or significant experience in TEER 2
TEER 2 – Jobs requiring a college diploma (2–3 years) or technical training
TEER 3 – Jobs requiring apprenticeships or specialized training
TEER 4 – Jobs requiring a high school diploma and on-the-job training
TEER 5 – Jobs requiring short-term training and basic skills
These categories help IRCC evaluate the skill level and responsibilities associated with each occupation.
Structure of a NOC Code
Each NOC code consists of five digits, and each digit has a specific meaning.
NOC Code Breakdown
First 2 digits – Major occupational group
First 3 digits – Sub-major group
First 4 digits – Minor group
All 5 digits – Unit group (specific occupation)
Selecting the correct five-digit NOC code is crucial for immigration applications.
How to Find Your Correct NOC Code
You can identify your NOC code using the NOC Matrix on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit the ESDC NOC Matrix
Search using your job title or key duties
Review the Lead Statement carefully
Compare the Main Duties with your actual work experience
Choose the NOC that best matches what you do not just your title
How to Choose the Right NOC Code
Choosing the correct NOC code is one of the most important steps in your Express Entry or PNP application.
Key Tips
Match your job duties with the lead statement
Ensure you performed most of the listed duties
Provide strong documentation:
Reference letters
Job descriptions
Employment contracts
Do not choose a NOC based on job title alone
Double-check the TEER level
Understanding TEER Levels Through Examples
Examples by TEER Category
TEER 0: Sales managers, restaurant managers
TEER 1: Software engineers, accountants
TEER 2: Medical lab technicians, paramedics
TEER 3: Electricians, plumbers, firefighters
TEER 4: Receptionists, personal support workers
TEER 5: General labourers, cleaners
High-Skilled vs Low-Skilled Jobs for Immigration
TEER levels determine whether a job is considered high-skilled or low-skilled for immigration purposes.
High-Skilled Occupations (Express Entry Eligible)
TEER 0
TEER 1
TEER 2
TEER 3
Lower-Skilled Occupations (Limited Pathways)
TEER 4
TEER 5
Applicants in TEER 4 or 5 occupations often require:
Employer sponsorship
Provincial Nominee Programs
Sector-specific immigration streams
Common NOC Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the wrong NOC code can lead to application refusal.
Avoid These Errors
Selecting a NOC based only on job title
Ignoring job duties listed in the NOC description
Choosing a NOC that doesn’t match your reference letter
Not verifying the TEER category
If you’re unsure, confirm duties with your employer before applying.
Why Your NOC Code Matters
Your NOC code directly affects:
CRS score
PNP opportunities
IRCC’s assessment of your work experience
If your job duties don’t align with your chosen NOC, IRCC may refuse your application even if everything else is correct.
Key Takeaways
NOC is Canada’s official job classification system
NOC 2021 introduced TEER categories
TEER levels (0–5) assess training and responsibility levels
Always use the five-digit NOC code
Match duties, not job titles
TEER 0–3 occupations are high-skilled
Choosing the correct NOC is critical for immigration success
