What Is the NOC Code? List of NOC Codes by Occupation
- Murat Koçak
- Sep 16
- 6 min read
For anyone planning to apply for immigration to Canada, one of the key concepts to learn is the NOC code.
What Is NOC / What Does NOC Mean?
NOC is the abbreviation for the National Occupational Classification system, developed by the Government of Canada to regulate the labor market. This system standardizes all jobs and occupations in Canada and assigns each one a unique code.
Each NOC code indicates the level of a candidate’s work experience and serves as an official reference point in immigration applications. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) relies on NOC codes when evaluating applications for programs such as Express Entry. Therefore, selecting the correct code is a critical step for the validity of your application and your chances of receiving an invitation.
What Is NOC / What Does NOC Mean?
NOC is the abbreviation for the National Occupational Classification system, developed by the Government of Canada to regulate the labor market. This system standardizes all jobs and occupations in Canada and assigns each one a unique code.
Each NOC code indicates the level of a candidate’s work experience and serves as an official reference point in immigration applications. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) relies on NOC codes when evaluating applications for programs such as Express Entry. Therefore, selecting the correct code is a critical step for the validity of your application and your chances of receiving an invitation.
What Is a NOC Code?
The NOC (National Occupational Classification) system is the primary tool used to define Canada’s labor market.
It consists of five-digit codes.
The first digit of the code indicates the occupational sector, while the second digit shows the TEER level.
Each code includes the job description, main duties, and sample job titles.
In IRCC applications, only experiences that fall under the correct NOC code are accepted.
TEER System and Detailed Explanations
In 2022, Canada replaced the old “Skill Level 0/A/B/C/D” framework with the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities) system. Below are the detailed levels:
TEER 0: Management Occupations
Definition: Positions in management at the corporate, government, or institutional level.
Required education: Usually a bachelor’s or master’s degree + years of experience.
Sample occupations:
Financial Manager (NOC 10010)
Marketing Director (NOC 10022)
Hotel Manager (NOC 60031)
Advantage: Considered highly valuable in immigration evaluations. Although TEER 0 is important, Express Entry scoring is not based solely on the occupation group but also considers age, education, language scores, and work experience.
TEER 1: Occupations Requiring a University Degree
Definition: Jobs requiring professional knowledge and expertise.
Required education: Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Sample occupations:
Software Engineer (NOC 21231)
Mechanical Engineer (NOC 21301)
Registered Nurse (NOC 31301)
Teacher (NOC 41221)
Advantage: Work experience in this group provides the most points in Express Entry.
TEER 2: Occupations Requiring a College Diploma or Apprenticeship
Definition: Jobs requiring technical skills or supervisory roles.
Required education: 2–3 years of college diploma or apprenticeship.
Sample occupations:
Computer Technician (NOC 22220)
Chef (NOC 62200)
Master Electrician (NOC 72200)
Note: Includes most technical trades.
TEER 3: Occupations Requiring Shorter College Education / Vocational Training
Definition: Assistant roles in technical fields.
Required education: 1–2 years of college education or on-the-job training.
Sample occupations:
Cook (NOC 63200)
Dental Technician (NOC 33100)
Electrician Helper (NOC 72401)
TEER 4: Occupations Requiring a High School Diploma
Definition: Jobs that require a high school diploma plus short vocational training.
Sample occupations:
Sales Associate (NOC 64100)
Secretary (NOC 14101)
TEER 5: Occupations Requiring No Formal Education
Definition: Jobs that can be learned through on-the-job training.
Sample occupations:
Waiter (NOC 65101)
General Laborer (NOC 95100)
How Is the NOC Code Used in Canada Express Entry?
1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
At least one year of work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 is required.
Experience must be within the last 10 years.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Requires at least one year of work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, gained in Canada.
Only experience obtained with a valid work permit is considered.
3. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Applies to specific trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers).
Work experience must fall under TEER 2 or 3.
An official job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification issued by a province/territory is also required.
4. Category-Based Selection
Since 2023, Express Entry has highlighted specific occupational categories:
Healthcare and social services
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)
Education
Skilled trades
Agriculture and food
French language proficiency
Example: Nurses (31301) may receive additional invitations under the healthcare category.
How to Find Your NOC Code? Step-by-Step Guide
Visit noc.esdc.gc.ca.
Select “NOC 2021 Version 1.0.”
Enter the English job title in the search bar (e.g., Civil Engineer).
Select the most relevant code from the results.
Review the “Main Duties” section.
Ensure that the duties in your reference letter align with this list.
Sample NOC Code List by Occupation
Engineering & Technology
21231 – Software Engineers (TEER 1)
21232 – Software Developers (TEER 1)
21301 – Mechanical Engineers (TEER 1)
21310 – Civil Engineers (TEER 1)
21222 – Information Systems Analysts (TEER 1)
Healthcare
31301 – Registered Nurses (TEER 1)
31102 – Family Physicians (TEER 1)
31120 – Pharmacists (TEER 1)
31110 – Dentists (TEER 1)
32101 – Medical Laboratory Technologists (TEER 2)
Finance & Business
10010 – Financial Managers (TEER 0)
11100 – Accountants (TEER 1)
11201 – Human Resources Professionals (TEER 1)
11202 – Business Management Consultants (TEER 1)
Education
41221 – University Professors (TEER 1)
41220 – Secondary School Teachers (TEER 1)
42202 – Early Childhood Educators (TEER 2)
Food & Hospitality
62200 – Chefs (TEER 2)
63200 – Cooks (TEER 3)
65201 – Food Service Supervisors (TEER 2)
65101 – Waiters (TEER 5)
Common Mistakes in the Application Process
Choosing based on job title: IRCC checks duty alignment.
Using old codes: NOC 2016 is no longer valid.
Selecting the wrong TEER level: TEER 4–5 experience is not counted in Express Entry.
Not aligning duties: Reference letters must reflect NOC-listed duties.
Example: A candidate mistakenly chose “Web Developer” instead of “Software Engineer.” Since the duties did not match, the application was rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is NOC?
It is Canada’s national system that classifies all occupations.
What does “NOC jobs Canada” mean?
It refers to Canadian job postings classified by NOC codes.
If my work experience matches two NOC codes, which should I choose?
Select the NOC that best matches your job duties.
Can I select multiple NOC codes at once?
Yes, if you have multiple job experiences, you can add different codes.
Can I use my old NOC 2016 code?
No, all applications must use NOC 2021 codes.
What happens if I select the wrong code?
Your application may be rejected or face significant delays.
How does the NOC code help with job searching?
Job postings in Canada are often organized by NOC code; choosing the correct one ensures you see the right opportunities.
The Importance of the NOC Code in the Immigration Process
In Canadian immigration and job applications, the NOC code is the backbone of the process. Choosing the right code determines not only eligibility but also your chances of receiving an invitation.
At C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada, we support you in identifying the correct NOC code, preparing your applications thoroughly, and successfully completing your Express Entry process.
This article is for informational purposes only. For up-to-date NOC codes and occupation lists, you can consult the official IRCC website or benefit from our professional consultancy services.
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