NOC Codes Explained — Find Your Canadian Occupation Code 2025

What is an NOC Code?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's national system for categorizing every job based on the type and level of skill required. Administered by Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the NOC assigns a unique 5-digit code to each distinct occupation in the Canadian economy.

Your NOC code is critical to your immigration journey: it determines whether you qualify for Express Entry, what CRS points you earn for Canadian and foreign work experience, which work permits and immigration programs you're eligible for, and whether your occupation falls into a priority category-based draw.

The TEER System — 2021 Update

In November 2021, Canada introduced a major update to the NOC structure, replacing the old skill level designations (0, A, B, C, D) with a new system called TEER — Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. This system more accurately captures the qualifications required for each occupation and aligns immigration eligibility more clearly with skill requirements.

Understanding TEER is essential because immigration program eligibility (Express Entry, CEC, FSWP) is directly tied to your TEER category.

TEER Categories Explained

TEER	Skill Level	Examples	Immigration Eligible?
TEER 0	Management occupations	CEOs, directors, senior managers, legislators	Yes — Express Entry (FSWP, CEC)
TEER 1	University degree (bachelor's or higher)	Engineers, nurses, accountants, physicians, architects	Yes — Express Entry (FSWP, CEC)
TEER 2	College diploma or apprenticeship 2+ years	Technologists, paramedics, supervisors, dental hygienists	Yes — Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP)
TEER 3	College diploma or apprenticeship less than 2 years	Cooks, truck drivers, dental assistants, retail supervisors	Yes — Express Entry (CEC, FSTP)
TEER 4	High school diploma + short-duration training	Retail salespersons, food counter attendants, security guards	Not eligible for FSWP or CEC
TEER 5	No formal education required	Labourers, fruit pickers, housekeeping attendants	Not eligible for federal skilled programs

How to Find Your NOC Code

Visit the Government of Canada NOC website — The official NOC search tool is available at noc.esdc.gc.ca. This is the authoritative source for all occupation codes.

Search by job title or browse by category — Enter your job title in the search bar. Browse through the results to find the occupation that most closely matches your role.

Read the main duties carefully — Each NOC profile lists "main duties." Your actual work duties must match the majority of the listed duties. This is how IRCC verifies your experience.

Verify the TEER level — Confirm whether your NOC falls under TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. This is the single most important factor for determining your Express Entry eligibility.

Keep a record — Note the 5-digit NOC code and the TEER category. You will need this for every immigration form — Express Entry profile, work permit applications, and PNP nominations.

Why Your NOC Code Matters

Express Entry Eligibility

Only TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). TEER 2 and 3 trades also qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). TEER 4 and 5 are not eligible for these programs.

CRS Points

Canadian work experience points in the CRS are calculated based on time spent in eligible NOC TEER 0–3 occupations. Each year of work adds points. Foreign work experience in TEER 0–3 also earns transferability points when combined with strong language scores or Canadian education.

Category-Based Draws

Since 2023, IRCC has issued category-based draws targeting healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, and French speakers. These draws use specific lists of eligible NOC codes. Knowing your NOC tells you exactly which categories you qualify for and whether you may receive an ITA at a lower CRS score than general draws.

Work Permit Categories

Under the TFWP, some permit conditions and wage requirements are organized around NOC wage levels. High-wage vs low-wage determinations often track closely with TEER levels. For PNPs, many provincial streams require specific NOC codes that match their provincial labor market needs.

Changed Jobs? Update Your NOC Immediately

If your NOC code has changed since you submitted your Express Entry profile — due to a promotion, job change, or role reclassification — update your profile immediately. Submitting an Express Entry application with an incorrect or outdated NOC code is a material misrepresentation and can result in application refusal and future inadmissibility. Your RCIC can help you assess whether a role change affects your NOC.

Old NOC vs New TEER: The Conversion

If you have immigration documents or employer letters that reference the old NOC system, here is the general conversion guide:

Old Skill Level 0 (Management) = TEER 0
Old Skill Level A (University degree required) = TEER 1
Old Skill Level B (College/trades/2–3 years training) = TEER 2 or TEER 3
Old Skill Level C (High school + short-term training) = TEER 4
Old Skill Level D (On-the-job training) = TEER 5

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my job duties don't exactly match the NOC description?

Your duties must match the majority of the listed main duties for the NOC occupation — not every single item. Minor variations are acceptable. However, if your actual duties are significantly different from the NOC description, this can be grounds for refusal. When in doubt, consult an RCIC who can assess whether your duties align with the NOC you intend to claim.

Can I have more than one NOC code on my Express Entry profile?

Yes — if you've held multiple qualifying positions, each with its own distinct NOC code, you can list multiple NOC codes on your profile. Each position must independently meet the work experience requirements (duration, skill level, etc.). IRCC evaluates each separately when calculating your points.

What's the difference between the old NOC system and the TEER system?

The old system used broad letter/number skill levels (0, A, B, C, D). The TEER system (introduced November 2021) replaced these with 6 TEER categories (0–5) that are more precisely defined based on training, education, experience, and responsibility levels. The 4-digit NOC codes have also changed to 5-digit codes under TEER. Make sure all your immigration documents reference the current TEER-based NOC system.

My employer calls my role by a different title — which NOC should I use?

The official job title used by your employer is less important than the actual duties you perform. Find the NOC occupation whose main duties most closely match your day-to-day responsibilities. The NOC code you claim on immigration applications must be supportable by your reference letters and employment documents.

NOC Codes — Finding Your Canadian Occupation