Last Updated On : June 21 , 2025
The Canadian government uses a system called the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to categorise different types of employment according to the duties involved, the level of education and training needed, and the type of job performed. It is an essential step in the immigration process to Canada for a number of reasons:
NOTE: Immigration applicants must select the correct NOC code based on their job experience and submit supporting paperwork to support their selection. An application may be rejected or returned if the NOC code selected is incorrect.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which is employed in the immigration procedure to Canada, includes TEER categories to find experience, training, and responsibility needed for a given job.
While Lower TEER categories place a greater emphasis on experience and training gained on the job, higher TEER categories typically call for more formal education.
Canada’s immigration system uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to categorize and evaluate job roles based on duties and skill levels. From 2021, the system introduced TEER categories (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) to better align occupations with the current labour market.
TEER 0 - Management Occupations
These roles involve planning, decision-making, and managing resources and people. They typically require extensive experience or a university degree.
TEER 1 - Occupations Requiring a University Degree
These roles typically need a bachelor’s degree or higher (e.g., master's, Ph.D.).
TEER 2 - College Diploma or Apprenticeship Training
Occupations in this category usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training.
TEER 3 - Post-Secondary Training or Less Than 2 Years of College
Jobs requiring less than 2 years of post-secondary education, or more than 6 months of work training.
TEER 4 - High School Diploma or Several Weeks of Training
These roles typically require a high school diploma or brief job-specific training.
TEER 5 - Short-Term Training or No Formal Education
Jobs in this category require on-the-job training and no formal education.
When moving to Canada for work or immigration, it's important to know whether your NOC (National Occupation Classification) code falls under a regulated or non-regulated occupation. This can affect how quickly you can start working in your field.
These require provincial or territorial licensing or certification before you can legally work in Canada. Typically, these involve public safety, health, or specialized technical skills.
Examples:
To work in these roles, you'll need to go through a regulatory body, which may involve exams, credential recognition, and supervised practice.
These do not require a license from a regulatory body, although you may still need relevant education or experience.
Examples:
These roles generally allow you to start working faster and are often easier for newcomers to access, especially through immigration streams like Express Entry or PNP.
Applicants applying through express entry must be aware of the impact of NOC Code in the express entry ranking system.Candidates hoping to increase their chances of being invited to apply (ITA) for PR visa must comprehend how different NOC codes might affect CRS scores.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for the high demand occupations in Canada are as follows:
Occupation |
NOC Code |
Ontario |
British Columbia |
Alberta |
Manitoba |
Saskatchewan |
Nova Scotia |
Transport truck drivers |
73300 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Welders and related machine operators |
73401 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
31301 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Software engineers and designers |
21231 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Business analysts and consultants |
11202 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Financial auditors and accountants |
11101 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Social workers |
41300 |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators |
72024 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Restaurant and food service managers |
6301 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Customer service representatives |
62023 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Project management professionals |
12201 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Retail sales supervisors |
62101 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Administrative assistants |
13110 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Early childhood educators |
42202 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Construction managers |
70010 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics |
72401 |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
NOTE:The NOC 2021 system, which classifies occupations according to their employment activities and responsibilities, includes these codes.
Yes, Take these actions to update your Express Entry profile's National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:
Before You Start,assemble required information including your work history, job title and responsibilities etc.
Important Considerations:
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is an essential part of the immigration process to Canada since it classifies jobs according to their duties, experience, education, and training. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)uses NOC codes to assess applicants' employment history and ensure that it satisfies the skill requirements for different immigration streams.