What is NOC/TEER? Canada's Occupation Classification Explained
NOC stands for National Occupational Classification — Canada's official system for classifying every job in the economy. Since November 2022, each NOC code also carries a TEER category (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities), a number from 0 to 5 that replaced the older "Skill Type/Skill Level" system. Your occupation's NOC/TEER classification determines eligibility for most Express Entry programs and category-based draws.
⚠️ NOC 2026 Is Coming — Don't Switch Codes Early
A major NOC revision (Version 1.0) is expected around December 2026, restructuring over 165 unit groups — roughly a third of all occupation codes, a far bigger change than a routine update. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 as of today, and an official crosswalk between the old and new codes hasn't been released yet. Don't change an active application or Express Entry profile to a NOC 2026 code before IRCC officially adopts it — doing so early could misclassify your occupation under a system not yet in force.
The TEER Categories
| TEER | Typical Requirement | Example Occupations |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Management occupations | Senior managers, directors |
| 1 | University degree | Engineers, accountants, IT professionals |
| 2 | College diploma or apprenticeship (2+ years) or supervisory role | Electricians, technicians, supervisors |
| 3 | College diploma or apprenticeship (under 2 years) | Cooks, some trades |
| 4 | High school diploma and/or short-term training | Retail, food service, general labour |
| 5 | Short demonstration and no formal education | Entry-level, on-the-job training only |
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and most category-based draws require experience at TEER 0-3. Anything TEER 4-5 generally isn't eligible for these programs, though provincial programs sometimes have separate rules.
Worked Example: Matching Your Duties to a NOC Code
Someone with the job title "Marketing Specialist" might assume a single obvious NOC code applies — but IRCC looks at actual duties, not the title. If their real work was mostly executing pre-planned campaigns under supervision, they'd likely fall under a lower-TEER marketing/advertising associate code. If instead they independently developed marketing strategy, managed budgets, and supervised a team, they'd more likely match a TEER 1 code requiring a university degree — a meaningfully different classification with different program eligibility, even though the job title on their offer letter never changed. This is why a reference letter that clearly lists specific duties (not just a title) matters more than the title itself when self-assessing your NOC/TEER code.
Why Your NOC/TEER Code Matters
- Program eligibility: Whether you qualify for FSW, CEC, or a category-based draw depends on your NOC/TEER classification.
- Job offer points: A qualifying job offer only adds CRS points if it's classified at the right TEER level with LMIA backing.
- Category-based draws: Trades, Healthcare, STEM, and other category draws are defined by specific lists of NOC codes — your occupation either is or isn't on the list.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing the NOC code that sounds best rather than the one that matches your actual duties. IRCC checks your work experience letters against the NOC's official duties list — a mismatch is a common cause of application delays or refusals.
- Assuming your job title maps directly to a NOC code. NOC classification is based on actual duties performed, not job titles, which vary widely between employers and countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my NOC/TEER code?
Search the National Occupational Classification tool on the Government of Canada website using your job title or duties — it will return the matching NOC code and TEER level.
Did TEER replace NOC entirely?
No — NOC codes still exist and identify the specific occupation. TEER replaced the old "Skill Type/Skill Level" classification that used to sit alongside NOC codes, providing a more precise breakdown of the education/training/experience required.
Can I qualify under a different NOC code than my actual job title?
Your NOC code must match your actual job duties, not your job title — this is verified against your work experience reference letters, so choose the code that genuinely reflects the work you performed.
What should a good reference letter include for NOC verification?
A detailed, specific list of your actual duties and responsibilities — not just your job title. IRCC compares this list directly against the official NOC duties for your claimed code, so a vague or title-only letter is a common cause of eligibility disputes.
Should I use NOC 2026 codes now that they're being developed?
No — IRCC still uses NOC 2021 as of today. NOC 2026 Version 1.0 is expected around December 2026, and no official crosswalk between the old and new codes exists yet. Keep using your current, correct NOC 2021 code until IRCC officially announces the transition.