National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 Canada– Find Your Job Code and TEER Category
Discover and master your path to Canadian immigration success with the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 system. As of November 16, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) have officially adopted the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 system.
This update affects numerous Canadian immigration and work permit programs, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and more.
The NOC framework is used to categorize jobs based on the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) required for each occupation.
If you were previously familiar with the NOC 2016 version (Skill Levels 0, A, B, C, D), note that it has been replaced by a six-category TEER system under NOC 2021.
Table of Contents – NOC 2021 Canada
- What is the TEER System in NOC 2021 Canada?
- How to Find Your NOC 2021 Canada Code and TEER Category
- Changes from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Canada
- Which Immigration Programs Are Affected?
- NOC 2021 Canada and Express Entry Eligibility
- New Jobs Now Eligible Under Express Entry
- Occupations Now Ineligible for Express Entry
- How Does NOC 2021 Canada Affect CRS Scoring?
- Updating Your Express Entry Profile
- Conclusion
What is the TEER System in NOC 2021 Canada?
The TEER categories classify jobs based on the level of education, experience, and training typically needed.
Here’s how occupations are grouped:
| Skill Level | TEER | Occupation types | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Level 0 | TEER 0 | Management occupations | - Advertising, marketing and public relations managers - Financial managers |
| Skill Level A | TEER 1 | Occupations that usually require a university degree | - Financial advisors - Software engineers |
| Skill Level B | TEER 2 | Occupations that usually require - a college diploma - apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or - supervisory occupations | - Computer network and web technicians - Medical laboratory technologists |
| Skill Level B | TEER 3 | Occupations that usually require - a college diploma - apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or - more than 6 months of on-the-job training | - Bakers - Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants |
| Skill Level C | TEER 4 | Occupations that usually require - a high school diploma, or - several weeks of on-the-job training | - Home child care providers - Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers |
| Skill Level D | TEER 5 | Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education | - Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers - Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors |
📌 Note: NOC 2021 codes now have five digits instead of four.
How to Find Your NOC 2021 Canada Code and TEER Category
Follow these steps to determine your correct NOC classification:
-
Search for Your Job Title:
Use the Government of Canada’s official NOC website and enter your job title. -
Note the Details:
Record the five-digit code, occupation title, and TEER category associated with your job. -
Verify Main Duties:
Compare the main duties listed under the NOC description with your actual job responsibilities.
If they don’t match closely, look for a better-matching occupation. -
Use NOC 2021 for Immigration Applications:
When filling immigration forms like Express Entry profiles, use the updated NOC 2021 version (Version 1.0).
📝 If there’s a difference between any table here and the official NOC website, always trust the official Government NOC database.
Changes from NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Canada
Previously, under NOC 2016, jobs were grouped under Skill Types/Levels (0, A, B, C, D).
NOC 2021 replaces this with the TEER categories.
| Old NOC 2016 | New NOC 2021 (TEER) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level 0 | TEER 0 | Managers |
| Skill Level A | TEER 1 | University degree jobs (e.g., Software engineers) |
| Skill Level B | TEER 2 and TEER 3 | Technical jobs (e.g., Technicians, Bakers) |
| Skill Level C | TEER 4 | Support and sales jobs |
| Skill Level D | TEER 5 | Labour jobs requiring no formal education |
Which Immigration Programs Are Affected?
The transition to NOC 2021 impacts eligibility for the following programs:
-
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
-
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
-
Caregivers Programs
-
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
-
Agri-Food Pilot
-
Out-of-Status Construction Workers Pilot
-
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
-
International Mobility Program (IMP)
NOC 2021 Canada and Express Entry Eligibility
The Express Entry system has also adapted to the new TEER categories:
| Eligibility Criteria | CEC | FSWP | FSTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | CLB 7 (TEER 0/1), CLB 5 (TEER 2/3) | CLB 7 | CLB 5 speaking/listening, CLB 4 reading/writing |
| Work Experience | 1 year in Canada (TEER 0-3) | 1 year continuous (TEER 0-3) | 2 years in skilled trades (TEER 2-3) |
| Job Offer | Not mandatory | Not mandatory | Required or trade certification |
| Education | Not required | Secondary education minimum | Not required |
New Jobs Now Eligible Under Express Entry
Thanks to NOC 2021, several additional occupations are now eligible, such as:
-
Payroll administrators
-
Dental assistants
-
Transport truck drivers
-
Bus and subway operators
-
Correctional service officers
-
Heavy equipment operators
-
Aircraft assemblers
And more.
Occupations Now Ineligible for Express Entry
Three occupations have been removed from Express Entry eligibility:
-
Other performers
-
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness
-
Tailors, dressmakers, and furriers
🎯 Note: These occupations might still qualify under other immigration programs, such as certain PNP streams.
How Does NOC 2021 Canada Affect CRS Scoring?
Good news:
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points system remains similar.
If your arranged employment fell under NOC 0, A, or B (2016), it still qualifies under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (2021).
Similarly, selection points for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) continue without significant change.
Updating Your Express Entry Profile
Depending on where you are in the immigration process:
-
Before submitting profile: Use your NOC 2021 code and TEER category.
-
Submitted but no ITA yet: Update your profile to reflect NOC 2021 details.
-
Already received ITA before Nov 16, 2022: Continue with your NOC 2016 information.
Conclusion
Navigating the NOC 2021 update is crucial for a successful Canadian immigration application.
Make sure you search for your correct job title, NOC code, and TEER category to ensure eligibility for your intended program.
Ready to check your NOC?
👉 Visit the official Government of Canada NOC website and find your code today!
