Canada NOC Codes and TEER Categories Explained: How to Find Your Occupation
Canada classifies every job with a NOC code and a TEER level from 0 to 5. Here is what each TEER means, how to find your NOC code, and which TEER levels count for Express Entry.
CanadaIn brief
- Canada uses NOC 2021 Version 1.0 to classify jobs, with a five-digit code and a TEER level from 0 to 5.
- TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. TEER 0 is management; TEER 5 needs no formal education.
- Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class programs accept TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3 jobs.
- Pick your NOC code by matching your actual duties, not just your job title.
| Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Organization | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Official source | IRCC – Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC) ✓ canada.ca |
If you are applying to work or immigrate to Canada, one of the first things you need is your NOC code. It tells the Canadian government what kind of job you do, and it decides which immigration programs you can use.
What is the NOC?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's system for grouping jobs. Each occupation gets a five-digit code. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses NOC 2021 Version 1.0, which replaced the old NOC 2016 system on 16 November 2022.
If you see old terms like "skill level A" or "skill type 0", they come from NOC 2016 and are no longer used.
The six TEER categories
TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. Every job is placed in one of six levels:
| TEER | What the job usually needs | Example jobs |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Management roles | Financial managers, marketing managers |
| 1 | A university degree | Software engineers, financial advisors |
| 2 | A college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or a supervisory role | Medical lab technologists, network technicians |
| 3 | A college diploma or apprenticeship under 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training | Bakers, dental assistants |
| 4 | A high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training | Retail salespersons, home child care providers |
| 5 | A short work demonstration, no formal education | Landscaping labourers, delivery drivers |
Which TEER levels count for Express Entry
| Express Entry program | TEER levels accepted |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 0, 1, 2 and 3 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 0, 1, 2 and 3 |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | Certain 2 and 3 trades only |
Jobs in TEER 4 and 5 are not eligible for these three programs. Compare the programs here: Express Entry: FSW vs CEC vs FST.
How to find your NOC code
- Go to the official NOC website and select NOC 2021 Version 1.0.
- Search by your job title or a keyword.
- Open the closest match and read the main duties.
- Check that most of those duties match what you actually do at work.
- Note the five-digit code, the title and the TEER level.
If the duties don't match, keep looking. IRCC goes by the official NOC website if it disagrees with any other table.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by job title only. A "manager" title doesn't mean TEER 0 if your duties are mostly hands-on work.
- Using an old NOC 2016 code. Make sure the code is from NOC 2021.
- Reference letters that don't match. Your employer's reference letter should describe duties that match your NOC code.
Frequently asked questions
What is a NOC code in Canada?
A National Occupational Classification code is a five-digit number that identifies an occupation. Canada uses NOC 2021 Version 1.0, which replaced NOC 2016 on 16 November 2022.
What does TEER mean?
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. Every occupation is placed in a TEER category from 0 (management) to 5 (no formal education needed).
Which TEER categories qualify for Express Entry?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class accept TEER 0, 1, 2 and 3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program accepts certain TEER 2 and 3 trades only.
How do I choose the right NOC code?
Search the official NOC 2021 Version 1.0 website by job title, then check that the main duties listed match the work you actually do. If they don't, choose a code whose duties match.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
