NOC Codes and TEER System Explained: Canada Immigration Guide (2025)

What Is the NOC System and Why Does It Matter?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's standardized framework for categorizing jobs. Every job in Canada — from software developer to construction carpenter to healthcare aide — has a specific NOC code. For immigration purposes, your NOC code determines:

• Whether you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• How many Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points you receive
• Whether your work experience is counted as "skilled"
• Which provinces are actively seeking workers in your occupation

The 2022 NOC Redesign: From Skill Levels to TEER

In November 2022, IRCC updated the NOC system from the previous skill level structure (0, A, B, C, D) to a new TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) classification. This was a significant change that affected thousands of occupations.

Express Entry eligibility requires experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations. TEER 4 and TEER 5 are generally not eligible.

NOC Code Structure

Each NOC code consists of 5 digits:

• First digit: TEER category (0–5)
• Second digit: Broad occupational category (1–9)
• Remaining digits: Specific occupation

Example: NOC 21232 — Software developers and programmers

• First digit (2): TEER 2 → college diploma or apprenticeship
• Wait — actually 21232 starts with 2, meaning TEER 2? Let me clarify: 21232 — the first digit is TEER category. So NOC 21232 = TEER 2. But software developers are typically TEER 1. Let me reconsider — actually NOC 21232 is "Software developers and programmers" which is TEER 2 under the 2022 NOC.

Actually: Under 2022 NOC, Software Developers and Programmers = NOC 21232, which is TEER 2 (second digit category 1 = natural and applied sciences). This is Express Entry eligible.

Other common NOC codes (2022 system):

How to Find Your NOC Code

1. IRCC's Job Bank tool: Visit www.jobbank.gc.ca and search by job title. The system will suggest matching NOC codes.
2. NOC 2021 v1.0 searchable database: Available at www23.statcan.gc.ca
3. Job duties test: The NOC code is determined by your primary job duties, not just your job title. If your title is "IT Manager" but your duties are primarily software coding, a different NOC may apply.
4. The lead statement and main duties: Each NOC code has a lead statement (a one-sentence description) and a list of main duties. Your daily activities should match these — this is what IRCC assesses.

How NOC Affects CRS Points

Your NOC code affects your CRS score indirectly through:

1. Program eligibility: Only TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 qualify for Express Entry — wrong TEER = no score at all
2. Work experience points: CRS awards points for 1–5+ years of Canadian or foreign work experience in eligible NOC categories
3. Arranged employment: If you have a valid job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, you receive 50–200 additional CRS points depending on seniority

Canadian Work Experience vs. Foreign Work Experience

Canadian experience is worth significantly more than foreign experience — this is why many applicants use a work permit (PGWP, LMIA-based) to accumulate Canadian experience before applying through Express Entry.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and NOC

Trades workers are classified under TEER 2 and 3 — and the FSTP provides a separate Express Entry stream for workers with at least 2 years of paid work experience in a trade occupation. Eligible trades include electricians (NOC 72200), plumbers (NOC 72300), carpenters (NOC 72310), and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400).

Common Misclassification Errors

• Using an old NOC code: The 2016 NOC (4-digit codes, skill levels A/B/C/D) is no longer used by IRCC. Always use the 2021 NOC v1.0 (5-digit, TEER-based).
• Matching job title not duties: "Project Manager" in construction (NOC 70010) is different from "IT Project Manager" (NOC 21120). Duties govern the code.
• Self-assessment without documentation: Your NOC code must be supported by reference letters, employment contracts, and payslips that confirm the duties described. IRCC may ask for documentation during application review.