The National Occupational Classification Code (NOC) — what it is and why is it important
Mar 6, 2025
When applying for Canadian immigration, you often see references to job codes and skill levels that define if your work is “skilled.” These codes stem from the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This blog clarifies what the NOC is, how it’s structured, why it matters for programs like the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class, and how to identify the right code for your occupation.
What Is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?
The NOC is Canada’s nationwide framework for categorizing and describing occupations. It’s used by federal, provincial, and territorial agencies to compile labor market data, shape employment programs, and, crucially, assess immigration eligibility. Each occupation has a specific four- or five-digit code accompanied by a job description, typical duties, educational requirements, and skill/Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) levels. This blog will be covering the latest version of the NOC system (2021 version).
Occupational Grouping: Similar jobs that require comparable skill sets or education are grouped together.
Skill and TEER Categories: NOC formerly categorized occupations into a TEER system (0–5) that more precisely reflects training and educational requirements.
Why the NOC Matters for Immigration
Determining Skilled Occupations
Programs like FSWP and CEC require at least one year of skilled work experience in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously skill levels 0, A, or B).
Express Entry Eligibility
Your chosen NOC code must align with your actual job duties. If the code mismatch is significant, IRCC might refuse your application.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Some provinces target candidates in specific NOC codes (e.g., healthcare or information technology roles). Correct identification is crucial for these opportunities.
Job Offer Validation
Employers often reference NOC codes when obtaining Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) or verifying positions.
To determine eligibility for Category Based Draws
Individuals under certain occupations (e.g Healthcare, STEM, Trades, etc) are eligible for Category based draws under the Express Entry system. These occupations have specific NOC codes, and only these NOC codes are eligible for the category based draws. You can find the full list here. This is another reason why knowing your NOC code is important.
Understanding NOC Structure
Each occupation has a unique code. Here is a simplified breakdown (under the new NOC 2021 structure with TEER):
First Digit: Broad occupational category (e.g., 0 = Legislative and Senior Management Occupations).
Second Digit: Major occupational group.
Third Digit: Sub-major group.
Fourth Digit: Minor group.
Fifth Digit (if applicable): Unit group or distinct occupation.
Example: A code might look like “21231” for a Software Engineer under the TEER framework. The official government database lists required skills, educational background, main duties, and example job titles.
How to Identify Your Correct NOC
Match Your Main Duties
Read the official job description and see if they match with the lead description and main duties of the NOC.
Check Employment Requirements
If the NOC states certain certifications or education, ensure your background aligns.
Beware of Title Mismatches
Job titles can vary widely. Focus on duties, not just your official job title. For instance, a “Systems Analyst” might match 21222 – Information systems specialist if duties line up.
Consult with Employers
If uncertain, ask your employer’s HR department for insight into the appropriate code. They might have used the NOC before for recruitment or LMIA purposes.
Review the Most Current Version
NOC codes can be updated. Make sure you’re referencing the correct NOC year (e.g., 2021 version) that IRCC is currently using.
TEER Categories vs. Skill Levels
Previously, the NOC recognized skill levels 0, A, B, C, or D. The new TEER system is more granular:
TEER 0: Occupations that require significant managerial or leadership responsibilities.
TEER 1: Occupations requiring a university degree or advanced skill set.
TEER 2 and TEER 3: Roles needing specialized training, diplomas, or apprenticeships.
TEER 4 and TEER 5: Typically lower-skilled or entry-level positions not considered “skilled” for many immigration programs.
For Express Entry, TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 are typically recognized as “skilled” work. Applicants whose jobs fall under TEER 4 or 5 might not qualify for federal programs like FSWP or CEC (unless they have a provincial program that includes such roles).
Impact on Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
FSWP applicants must prove one continuous year of paid full-time skilled work in TEER 0–3 (or old skill levels 0, A, or B). The NOC code must correctly reflect your duties. IRCC checks:
Job Title Consistency: The position you claim in your application should align with the official NOC code’s lead statement or main duties.
Reference Letters: Your employer must list responsibilities that closely match the NOC code’s described tasks.
If IRCC decides your responsibilities differ significantly from the NOC code you selected, the application may be refused.
Impact on Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP focuses on specialized trades. NOC-based categories typically include industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and culinary trades. Applicants:
Must confirm their trade aligns with the recognized NOC for that occupation.
Often need a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification or a valid job offer if the code requires it.
Impact on Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For the CEC, at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience is required (TEER 0–3). The NOC code you pick must match the job you actually performed in Canada:
Accurate Duties: Summaries of your tasks in reference letters must fit the chosen code’s description.
Salary and Education: IRCC might review whether your compensation or credentials align with the typical requirements found in that NOC.
Common Mistakes in NOC Selection
Wrong Code Due to Job Title Alone
People often pick a code matching their job title but not the duties. IRCC looks deeper than the title.
Overlapping Duties
Some roles could fit multiple codes, especially in tech or managerial roles. Choose the code that best encompasses your main duties.
Using Outdated Versions of the NOC
Make sure to use the latest (2021) version of the NOC to make sure your NOC is up to date. You can use this website.
Ignoring TEER Requirements
A job that involves limited responsibilities or training might not qualify as TEER 2 or 3, even if the title sounds skilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the NOC
Q1: Where can I find my occupation’s NOC code?
Use the official “Find your NOC” tool on the Canadian government’s website. Enter keywords describing your job duties, then compare with the listed main duties. You can also use the PR Coach NOC Finder by simply uploading your resume.
Q2: Can I pick more than one NOC code for the same job?
You must choose the single code that best fits your role and main responsibilities. If you changed roles significantly within one year, that continuity might be broken for FSWP.
Q3: Does my NOC code need to be the same across different work experiences?
You can claim multiple experiences under different NOC codes, but each must meet the skilled occupation requirement if you want them to count.
Q4: My reference letters do not perfectly match the NOC’s main duties. What should I do?
Ask your employer to revise, if possible, to accurately reflect tasks you perform. The duties do not have to be an identical word-for-word match, but the overlap should be substantial.
Final Thoughts on the National Occupational Classification
The National Occupational Classification is more than a bureaucratic label; it underpins eligibility for some of Canada’s most significant immigration programs. Choosing the correct NOC code involves careful review of your job’s day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and required training. For many applicants, especially those pursuing the FSWP, FSTP, or CEC, success hinges on aligning every detail with the recognized occupation definitions.
Staying current with NOC updates—particularly the shift to TEER categories—is critical. A mismatch in code selection can derail an otherwise strong application, while a well-chosen code that accurately reflects your experience ensures you earn the points or eligibility you deserve. As with other parts of Canadian immigration, diligence, honesty, and thorough documentation are your best tools in navigating the NOC framework.
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