What is an NOC Code?
NOC code stands for the National Occupational Classification (NOC). It is used for standardizing the Canadian labor market, by assigning a nationally recognized five-digit code and job description to every occupation in the market.
These codes are used during immigration applications for identifying the work for one’s work experience. Every NOC code has a list of work duties and job titles linked with it as NOC occupations are arranged by TEER categories based on Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities.
NOC TEER Categories
The modern system comprises 6 distinct TEER categories (0 to 5) which replace the historical legacy skill types and levels:
• TEER 0: Management occupations (e.g., managers in engineering, construction, or corporate sectors).
• TEER 1: Occupations usually requiring a university degree (e.g., software engineers, doctors, accountants).
• TEER 2: Occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2+ years, or supervisory experience (e.g., electricians, chefs, medical technologists).
• TEER 3: Occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training (e.g., bakers, dental assistants).
• TEER 4: Occupations requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of job-specific training (e.g., retail salespersons, food servers).
• TEER 5: Occupations requiring short-term work demonstration and no formal education (e.g., harvesting laborers, cleaning staff).
For Immigration Purposes
Under modern Express Entry parameters, high-skilled experience is defined as occupations falling under TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3. Occupations falling under TEER 4 and 5 are typically categorized under semi-skilled or lower-skilled pathways, accessible through specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
To find their relevant NOC code, a candidate can use a tool created by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
To avoid any confusion when selecting NOC code, we recommend connecting with our licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). Our experts will assist you in choosing the appropriate NOC code based on your job title and specific duties.
