Canada uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to categorize and describe occupations across the Canadian labour market. This classification system is essential for Canadian immigration programs because it helps determine whether a person’s work experience qualifies for immigration pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

The current version of the system, known as NOC 2021, was introduced on November 16, 2022 and replaced the previous NOC 2016 classification. The updated system organizes occupations based on Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER).

Each occupation in Canada is assigned a unique five-digit NOC code that identifies the type of work, industry, and skill requirements associated with the job.

What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

The National Occupational Classification is Canada’s official system for organizing and describing jobs in the labour market. It provides a standardized framework used by the government, employers, and immigration authorities to classify occupations and analyze labour market information.

The NOC system also helps:

  • Define and organize job roles across industries
  • Analyze labour market trends in Canada
  • Support immigration program eligibility
  • Provide career planning information

Canada’s NOC structure includes hundreds of occupational groups covering more than 40,000 job titles.

NOC 2021 Structure

The NOC 2021 system uses a hierarchical structure with five levels to classify occupations. These levels organize jobs from broad industry groups to specific occupations.

The structure generally includes:

  • Broad occupational category
  • Major group
  • Sub-major group
  • Minor group
  • Unit group (specific occupation)

Each job is assigned a five-digit NOC code that reflects its position within this classification structure.

Understanding TEER Categories

NOC 2021 introduced the TEER classification system, which stands for:

  • Training
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Responsibilities

These categories determine the level of skills and training required for a particular occupation. The NOC system includes six TEER levels, ranging from TEER 0 to TEER 5.

TEER Categories Overview

TEER Level Description Examples
TEER 0 Management occupations Financial managers, marketing managers
TEER 1 Jobs requiring a university degree Engineers, doctors, software developers
TEER 2 Occupations requiring college education or apprenticeship training Technicians, police officers, electricians
TEER 3 Jobs requiring college training or several years of experience Medical assistants, truck drivers
TEER 4 Occupations requiring high school education or short training Retail salespersons, administrative assistants
TEER 5 Jobs requiring short-term work training Labourers, cleaning staff

For many Canadian immigration programs, work experience in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 is generally considered skilled work.

How NOC Codes Affect Immigration

When applying for Canadian immigration programs such as Express Entry, applicants must identify the NOC code that matches their work experience.

Immigration officers review the applicant’s duties and compare them with the duties listed under the selected NOC code to confirm eligibility.

Choosing the correct NOC code is essential because it determines whether the applicant qualifies for specific immigration programs.

Examples of NOC Codes

Some common occupations and their NOC 2021 codes include:

  • Software Engineers – NOC 21231
  • Financial Managers – NOC 10010
  • Registered Nurses – NOC 31301
  • Electricians – NOC 72200
  • Truck Drivers – NOC 73300

These codes help Canadian immigration authorities evaluate work experience requirements for various programs.

Finding Your NOC Code

To determine your correct NOC code, you should review the official NOC database and match your job duties with the occupation descriptions listed in the system.

It is important that the majority of your job duties align with the NOC description for the occupation you select.

How LB Pathway & LandBird Law Firm Can Help

Choosing the correct NOC code is a critical step in Canadian immigration applications.

Our experienced immigration professionals help applicants analyze their work experience and determine the appropriate NOC classification for their immigration profile.

  • Work experience evaluation
  • NOC code identification
  • Express Entry profile guidance
  • Immigration documentation support
  • Legal immigration assistance through LandBird Law Firm

Start Your Canadian Immigration Journey

Understanding Canada’s job classification system is an important step in preparing a successful immigration application.

Contact LB Pathway today to receive professional guidance on Canadian immigration programs and determining the correct NOC code for your occupation.