NOC and TEER: Canada's Occupation Classification System Explained
Updated October 26, 2026
What is a NOC code and TEER category?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's standard system for categorizing jobs, and the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) framework replaced skill levels in November 2022 to better reflect how people qualify for occupations. Immigration programs use NOC codes and TEER categories to determine eligibility, with most economic programs requiring TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations.
NOC and TEER: The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a five-digit code system maintained by Statistics Canada that classifies every occupation in the Canadian labour market, while TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) is the six-category framework (0 through 5) that replaced skill levels to indicate the requirements needed to work in each occupation.
Understanding the NOC System
The NOC provides a standardized way to identify and describe occupations across Canada. Every job has a five-digit code that groups it with similar occupations based on the type of work performed and the nature of duties. The first digit indicates the broad occupational category (such as business, health, or trades), while subsequent digits provide more specific classification. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) relies on NOC codes to assess whether an applicant's work experience qualifies them for economic immigration programs. Practitioners need to help clients identify the correct NOC code by reviewing detailed job duties rather than just job titles, because titles alone can be misleading. The official NOC 2021 version is used for all current immigration applications, and it is available on the Statistics Canada website for reference.
How NOC codes are structured
The five-digit structure organizes occupations hierarchically. The first digit represents one of ten broad categories (0-9), such as 0 for legislative and senior management, 1 for business and finance, or 3 for health. The second digit narrows to major groups, the third to sub-major groups, and the fourth and fifth digits identify the specific occupation. For example, 21211 is Data Scientist, where 2 indicates natural and applied sciences, 12 indicates physical and life science professionals, and 11 pinpoints the precise occupation.
Why accurate NOC selection matters
Choosing the wrong NOC code can lead to application refusals or processing delays. Officers compare the duties listed in reference letters against the lead statement and main duties in the NOC description. Even if a job title sounds right, the actual responsibilities must align with the NOC's defined duties. My Briefcase by CRMHUB includes tools to help you match client work experience to the correct NOC and assess eligibility across programs before you invest time in a full application.
What TEER Categories Mean
TEER replaced the old skill level system (0, A, B, C, D) in November 2022 to better reflect modern labour market realities. The framework has six categories numbered 0 through 5, each describing the typical education, training, experience and responsibilities required to perform an occupation. TEER 0 includes management occupations, TEER 1 typically requires a university degree, TEER 2 often needs a college diploma or apprenticeship training, TEER 3 may require a college diploma or several weeks of training, TEER 4 generally involves secondary school and on-the-job training, and TEER 5 includes jobs with short-term work demonstration and no formal education requirements. Most federal economic programs such as Express Entry and many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) require experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations.
TEER categories and program eligibility
Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class streams within Express Entry require work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Some PNPs accept TEER 4 or 5 occupations, particularly for in-demand roles or employer-driven streams. Caregivers under the Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker pilots must work in specific TEER 3 occupations. Always confirm which TEER categories a program accepts before advising a client to pursue that pathway.
Transition from skill levels to TEER
Applications submitted before November 16, 2022 used NOC 2016 and skill levels (0, A, B, C, D). Applications on or after that date use NOC 2021 and TEER. Some occupations shifted categories during the transition, so work experience that qualified under the old system might not automatically qualify under the new one. Review the concordance table on the Statistics Canada website to check how specific occupations moved between systems.
Documenting Work Experience with NOC and TEER
Reference letters must describe duties in enough detail to prove the work aligns with the claimed NOC code. Generic letters listing only a job title and dates will not satisfy IRCC officers. The letter should come from a supervisor or HR representative on company letterhead, state the job title, employment dates, hours per week, salary, and provide a clear list of main duties and responsibilities. Those duties should closely match the lead statement and main duties published in the NOC 2021 description. Clients sometimes hold job titles that do not perfectly match any NOC, or they perform duties that span multiple codes. In those cases, you need to determine which NOC best represents the substantial majority of their work and ensure the reference letter emphasizes those duties.
Common documentation pitfalls
Vague letters, missing duties, or letters that focus only on soft skills rather than concrete tasks are frequent reasons for refusal. Clients may not realize their employer's standard reference format is insufficient. Proactively provide clients with a sample or template that highlights the specific elements IRCC requires, and explain why detail matters. My Briefcase's document checklist and client portal features let you request properly formatted letters upfront and track submission status in real time.
Self-employed and contract workers
Clients who are self-employed, worked as independent contractors, or freelanced face additional documentation challenges. They may need to provide contracts, invoices, proof of payment, business registration documents, and a detailed affidavit describing their duties. The NOC code must still reflect the actual work performed, not just the business name or client roster. Evidence should demonstrate continuity and substantiality of work in the claimed occupation.
NOC and TEER in Express Entry and PNPs
Express Entry uses NOC and TEER in multiple ways. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) requires at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation within the last ten years. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requires one year of skilled Canadian work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 within the last three years. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) focuses on specific TEER 2 and 3 trades listed in designated groups. Provincial Nominee Programs vary widely: some target particular NOC codes in high demand locally, others use broader TEER categories, and employer-driven streams may accept any NOC if a genuine job offer exists. Category-based selection rounds introduced in 2023 also target specific occupations or TEER levels in fields like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport and agriculture.
Arranged employment and NOC requirements
A valid job offer can earn additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points in Express Entry, but the offer must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation and supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be LMIA-exempt under an international agreement or federal-provincial program. The NOC of the job offer does not have to match the NOC of past work experience, but both must meet the TEER threshold for their respective purposes.
Using tools to verify eligibility
Practitioners can use My Briefcase's built-in CRS calculator and preliminary assessment forms to quickly determine whether a client's NOC and TEER combination will yield a competitive score or satisfy program minimums. Because program rules and eligible occupation lists change, always verify current requirements on canada.ca and provincial nominee websites before finalizing your assessment and strategy.
Practical Tips for Practitioners
Start by asking detailed questions about daily tasks, not just the job title on a business card. Compare the client's description against the lead statement and illustrative examples in the NOC 2021 entry. If duties span two NOC codes, pick the one that covers the majority of time and responsibilities. Keep a reference chart of common occupations and their TEER categories for quick consultation during initial assessments. When in doubt, request a draft reference letter early so you can review it and request revisions before the client leaves their job or the employer becomes unresponsive. Track program updates because IRCC and provinces periodically adjust eligible occupation lists, TEER requirements and documentation standards. Finally, maintain clear records of your NOC selection rationale in the client file in case questions arise later during processing or on appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a NOC code from the old 2016 system for a new application?
No. All applications submitted on or after November 16, 2022 must use the NOC 2021 codes and TEER categories. If you previously assessed a client under NOC 2016, you need to find the equivalent NOC 2021 code using the concordance table and confirm the TEER category still meets program requirements, because some occupations shifted between systems.
What if my client's job duties do not perfectly match any single NOC code?
Choose the NOC code that best describes the substantial majority of the work performed. Focus on the main duties rather than occasional tasks. The reference letter should emphasize the duties that align with the chosen NOC's lead statement and main duties. If the role genuinely splits evenly between two codes, document your reasoning and select the one that best supports the immigration pathway being pursued.
Do all Provincial Nominee Programs require TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations?
No. While many PNP streams mirror Express Entry and require TEER 0 through 3, some provinces have streams or pilot projects that accept TEER 4 or 5 occupations, especially in sectors facing acute labour shortages or for employer-driven nominations. Always review the specific stream criteria on the provincial nominee program website to confirm which TEER categories are eligible.
How do I prove work experience in a NOC code if the job title is different?
Job titles are not determinative. Officers assess the actual duties described in the reference letter against the NOC description. Ensure the letter provides a detailed list of responsibilities that closely match the main duties and lead statement of the claimed NOC. Supporting documents like contracts, performance reviews or detailed job descriptions can reinforce the match if the title alone seems inconsistent.
General information for immigration professionals, not legal advice. IRCC rules change; always confirm on canada.ca.
Put these workflows on autopilot
My Briefcase automates timelines, checklists, IRCC form preparation & pre-fill, and billing for immigration practices.
Start free trial