The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s system for classifying jobs based on their duties, skills, and work settings. The NOC system is essential for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and various work permits as it helps determine your eligibility for immigration programs.
1. What is the NOC System?
The NOC categorizes occupations into Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) levels to define job requirements. Employers, immigration officers, and job seekers use the system to assess qualifications for jobs in Canada.
2. Understanding NOC TEER Categories
In 2021, Canada replaced the previous skill level structure (0, A, B, C, D) with the TEER system.
| TEER Category | Description | Example Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management-level jobs | Marketing Managers, Financial Directors |
| TEER 1 | Jobs requiring a university degree | Software Engineers, Accountants |
| TEER 2 | Jobs requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship | Police Officers, Web Designers |
| TEER 3 | Jobs requiring a college diploma or less than 2 years of training | Bakers, Dental Assistants |
| TEER 4 | Jobs requiring a high school diploma or job-specific training | Retail Salespersons, Security Guards |
| TEER 5 | Jobs requiring no formal education | General Laborers, Farm Workers |
3. How to Find Your NOC Code
To find your NOC code:
- Identify your main job duties and responsibilities.
- Visit the official Government of Canada NOC website.
- Search for your occupation using keywords or browse by industry.
- Match your job title and duties with the correct NOC code and TEER category.
4. Why is the NOC Code Important for Immigration?
- Express Entry: Your job must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 to qualify for most economic immigration programs.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some provinces have specific in-demand NOC codes for nomination.
- Work Permits & LMIA Applications: Employers must use the NOC system to justify hiring foreign workers.
5. What If Your Job Doesn’t Match an NOC Code?
If your job duties do not match the NOC description exactly, choose the closest match based on responsibilities rather than job title. Ensure at least 50-70% of your job duties align with the NOC description.