NOC Code Guide for Canadian Immigration: How to Find and Verify Yours

Your NOC code determines everything from eligibility to Express Entry points. Here is how to find and verify yours correctly.

Your NOC (National Occupational Classification) code determines whether you are eligible for Canadian immigration programs, how many points you get in Express Entry, and whether your work experience counts. Picking the wrong NOC, or having duties that do not match the NOC you claim, is one of the top reasons applications get flagged or rejected.

What is a NOC code?

The NOC is Statistics Canada's system for classifying every job in Canada. Each occupation has a 5-digit code that identifies the type of work, the skill level, and the education typically required. IRCC uses NOC codes to determine eligibility for most immigration programs, including Express Entry, CEC, FSW, and most PNP streams.

Understanding TEER levels

In 2022, IRCC moved from the older "Skill Level" system to "TEER" categories (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities). TEER levels determine eligibility for different programs.

TEER 0 Management

Management occupations. Starts with 0. Example: 00012 (Senior managers, finance, communications, and other business services).

TEER 1 Professional

Jobs requiring a university degree. Starts with 1. Example: 21231 (Software engineers and designers).

TEER 2 Technical and skilled

Jobs requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship training of 2 or more years. Starts with 2. Example: 22301 (Mechanical engineering technologists).

TEER 3 Skilled trades and paraprofessional

Jobs requiring college or apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training. Starts with 3. Example: 33102 (Nurse aides, orderlies).

TEER 4 and 5 Intermediate and labour

Lower-skilled occupations. Generally not eligible for Express Entry unless through specific PNP streams.

How to find your correct NOC code

Step 1: Search by job title

Go to the official NOC 2021 search tool at noc.esdc.gc.ca and enter your job title. You will see a list of potential matches with their 5-digit codes.

Step 2: Compare the duties

Click into each potential match and read the "Main duties" section carefully. Your actual day-to-day work should match at least 60 percent of the listed duties. If your work only partially overlaps, you may be in the wrong NOC.

Step 3: Check the lead statement

Each NOC has a "Lead statement" that describes the occupation broadly. Your role should match this high-level description, not just one or two isolated duties.

Step 4: Verify the employment requirements

NOCs list education and experience typically required. If your background differs significantly, review whether a different NOC might fit better.

Common NOC code mistakes

Using an outdated NOC code

NOC 2016 (4-digit codes) is no longer valid. IRCC uses NOC 2021 exclusively. If your employment letter references an old 4-digit code, request an updated letter.

Choosing the highest-paid NOC rather than the accurate one

Applicants sometimes pick a higher TEER NOC because it scores more points, even when their duties do not actually match. IRCC officers compare claimed NOCs against job duties, and mismatches lead to rejection of work experience claims.

Management titles vs actual management duties

Having "Manager" in your title does not automatically mean TEER 0. IRCC looks at whether you actually managed people, budgets, or strategic direction. A "Project Manager" who primarily coordinates tasks without personnel authority may fall under TEER 1, not TEER 0.

Duties in the employment letter not matching the NOC

Your employment letter should list duties that explicitly match the NOC's "Main duties". Generic descriptions or duties from a different NOC are the most common reason work experience claims are rejected.

How to verify your NOC choice before submitting

• Does your job title match the NOC occupation or a close synonym?
• Do at least 5 to 8 of the listed main duties match what you actually do?
• Does the lead statement describe your overall role accurately?
• Does your educational background align with the NOC requirements?
• Are your duties documented in your employment letter using similar language?