Latest update: This announcement details the 2025 Express Entry categories, including a new education category, to align the selection of federal economic immigrants with Canada's long-term labour shortages.
NOC Code Canada is the official system used by the Canadian government to classify jobs based on skill type, education, and experience required. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada, the National Occupational Classification (NOC) helps in identifying eligible occupations for immigration and work permits.
In 2025, Canada updated its NOC system to the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories, which impacted eligibility for Express Entry and other immigration streams. According to Government of Canada data, over 547,800 job vacancies were recorded in 2024, with healthcare, IT, and skilled trades among the top in-demand fields.
Knowing your correct NOC code is crucial for immigration applications, as even a small mismatch can lead to rejection. The NOC database encompasses over 500 occupations, enabling candidates to match their skills with the most suitable job market opportunities.
The five-digit National Occupational Classification, or NOC, code is a database developed by the government of Canada which categorizes all occupations in the country. These codes earmark all the jobs available in Canada for a systematic classification that helps organize, track, collect, analyze, and circulate data for the labor market. As an aspiring candidate, this data make you aware of the labor market provision, forecast occupation, analyze the labor supply and demand, and understand various services and programs.
Why NOC Codes Matter in Canadian Immigration Journey
What is the importance of an NOC code Canada in the overall immigration journey of an applicant?
The NOC Canada list helps in classifying and categorizing multiple occupations in the labor market of the country in a standardized manner.
This helps immigration authorities understand the type of work that can be performed by those applying for immigration.
The Express Entry System for immigration makes use of the NOC classification Canada list to evaluate eligibility of those applying for the Federal Skilled Trades, Federal Skilled Worker, and Canadian Experience Class programs.
Candidates receive points on the basis of their work experience, education, job offers, and language proficiency. This is where the NOC code of the position offered to the candidate is vital.
It is also important when employers in the country have to get LMIA (Labor Market impact Assessment) done for hiring foreign employees.
Several provinces in the country also have immigration programs where NOC codes are used for similar evaluation procedures, particularly to determine whether an applicant meets the current need for in-demand occupations in the province.
Importance of NOC Codes Canada for Indian Students
Indian students should know more about NOC classification Canada in advance for their future immigration applications. Here’s why:
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is the system used by the country to determine the education and skill level required for any career/occupation in the country.
The NOC codes, for immigration, help determine which occupations are semi-skilled, skilled, or unskilled. Immigration to Canada under any federal program usually requires skilled job experience.
Structure of NOC Code Canada
The NOC system works by assigning occupations a TEER (training, education, experience, and responsibility) category. There are six TEER categories from 0 to 5.
The first digit indicates the broad occupational category
The second digit of the NOC code indicates the TEER category in this case
The first two digits together indicate the major groups
The first three digits indicate the sub-major group
The first four indicate the minor group while the first five indicate the occupation/unit group itself.
NOC Code Categories
The NOC code in Canada is classified into two major categories:
Broad Occupational Category: The first digit of the NOC code represents this category. It provides information regarding the work type, study field, or employment industry whenever specialized industry experience is a prerequisite for entering the occupation. The following are the 10 broad occupational categories:
Digit
Category
0
Legislative and senior management occupations
1
Business, finance, and administration occupations
2
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
3
Health occupations
4
Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
5
Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport
6
Sales and service occupations
7
Trades, transport and equipment operators, and related occupations
8
Natural resources, agriculture, and related production occupations
9
Occupations in manufacturing and utilities
TEER Category: The second digit of the NOC code represents the TEER category which stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. The following are the six TEER categories:
TEER 0
Occupation management responsibilities
TEER 1
Attainment of Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree
Or
Experience or proficiency in subject-specific knowledge acquired from the related occupation within TEER category 2 (when applicable)
TEER 2
Attainment of a two to three years post-secondary education program from a community college, CEGEP, or technology institute
Or
Attainment of two to three years of an apprenticeship training program
Or
Occupations with supervising or safety responsibilities like police officers or firefighters
Or
Work experience of several years in the related occupation within TEER category 3 (when applicable)
TEER 3
Attainment of a maximum two years post-secondary education program from a community college, CEGEP, or technology institute
Or
Attainment of maximum of two years of an apprenticeship training program
Or
Attainment of over six months of on-job training, training courses, or specific work experience from any secondary school education
Or
Work experience of several years in the related occupation within TEER category 4 (when applicable)
TEER 4
Attainment of secondary school education
Or
On-job training of several weeks with any secondary school education
Or
Work experience in the related occupation within TEER category 5 (when applicable)
TEER 5
No requirement for formal education and any short-duration work demonstration
You need to be prudent when it comes to finding your NOC code. It can be done by going through the NOC matrix (NOC list) or by searching for keywords related to your job title. Make sure the NOC code matches the education and the skillset. To ensure that you have made the right selection, you can check the lead statement for the job description and the responsibilities listed under the NOC code. You can visit the official website and search for the NOC code related to a specific job.
Popular NOC Code for Indian Students
Here is the table containing popular codes as per the 2021 system of classification.
TEER Category
Job Types/Examples
TEER 0
Advertising, marketing and public relations managers Financial managers
TEER 1
Financial advisors Software engineers
TEER 2
Computer network and web technicians Medical laboratory technologists
TEER 3
Bakers Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
TEER 4
Home child care providers Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
TEER 5
Landscaping and grounds maintenance laborers Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors
Below are the NOC codes which are in demand in Canada.
NOC Code
Jobs
11100
Financial auditors and accountants
11109
Other financial officers
21300
Civil Engineers
10011
Human Resource Managers
00010
Legislators
00012
Senior Managers (Financial, communications, and other business services)
00013
Senior Managers (Health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations)
00014
Senior Managers (Trade, broadcasting, and other services)
Conclusion
Understanding the NOC Code Canada system is a critical first step for anyone planning to work or immigrate to Canada. With the shift to the TEER classification, accurately matching your skills and work experience to the right NOC code can significantly impact your eligibility for programs like Express Entry or work permits.
As Canada continues to face high job vacancy rates, identifying the correct NOC not only strengthens your application but also helps you target industries with better career prospects. Taking the time to research and confirm your NOC code now can save you from delays and missed opportunities later.
For any queries related to NOC codes and skills, applicants can seek help from counselors of upGrad Abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days will it take to get NOC?
You can instantly search for your NOC code using the numeric code or job title after choosing the NOC 2021 Version 1.0. The timeline for processing immigration applications varies, depending on the nature/category/type of your application and several other factors.
How can I find my NOC code in Canada?
You can identify your NOC code by matching your job title and responsibilities with the official NOC database. It’s important to read the detailed job description to ensure accuracy, as different roles in the same field may have different codes. Using the right code can affect work permits and immigration applications.
What are NOC levels 0, 1, 2, 3?
NOC levels categorize jobs based on skill type and experience. Level 0 is managerial, Level 1 is professional, Level 2 is technical or skilled trades, and Level 3 is intermediate skills. Understanding these levels helps in assessing eligibility for programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
Which NOC is most in demand in Canada?
The most in-demand NOCs shift with labor market needs. Health professionals, IT specialists, and skilled trades often top the list. Checking the official government labor market reports provides the most updated information for 2025.
What is the NOC code for PR job?
Permanent Residency applications under Express Entry require jobs classified under certain NOC codes, usually TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Matching your occupation accurately ensures your points and eligibility are calculated correctly.
Can I change my NOC code after applying for immigration?
Once submitted, changing a NOC code requires strong justification, typically supported by employment letters or updated job descriptions. Incorrect codes can delay your application or reduce your eligibility points.
Are NOC codes updated regularly?
Yes, the Canadian government reviews and updates NOC codes periodically to reflect labor market changes. The 2021 update introduced TEER categories, so staying current is essential for immigration and work permit applications.
How does my work experience relate to NOC points?
Your years of work experience in a NOC-matched occupation directly impact your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Express Entry. Higher-level NOCs and longer experience can boost your score.
Can part-time jobs count toward my NOC code?
Yes, part-time work can count if it meets the minimum hours requirement for your NOC category. It’s important to document your responsibilities and hours carefully when claiming points for immigration.
Do students need a NOC code for internships in Canada?
Students applying for co-op programs or internships may need to refer to NOC codes, especially if the experience contributes to post-graduation work permits. Accurate categorization helps in aligning the internship with future PR applications.
Are self-employed roles included in NOC codes?
Some self-employed roles fit NOC categories, but eligibility depends on whether the occupation aligns with TEER skill levels. Proper documentation of duties and income is critical.
How do I verify my NOC code officially?
The official Canadian NOC website allows you to search by job title or responsibilities. Cross-referencing with employer letters or contracts ensures your selection is accurate and accepted by immigration authorities.
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Markete...
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