Looking up the NOC code is the first and most important step when you prepare a Canadian skilled worker immigration case. Accurately looking up the NOC code helps you determine which classification group your occupation falls under in Canada’s system, and it directly determines whether you are eligible to apply through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This guide will help you understand the structure of the NOC code, the new TEER classification system, and how to look up the correct code for your occupation yourself.
My Second World’s team compiled this guide based on the current NOC 2021 system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is applying. You should take the time to do this step correctly, because an incorrect NOC code can cause the entire case to be rejected at a later stage.
What the NOC code is and why it matters
NOC is Canada’s National Occupational Classification system, jointly managed by two agencies, Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This system groups thousands of real-world jobs into standard occupation groups, each with its own code and description of main duties.
In an immigration case, the NOC code acts as your “occupational ID”. IRCC uses this code to determine whether your occupation is on the accepted list, which skill group it belongs to, and whether it matches the work experience you declared.
In addition, many provincial PNP programs only invite specific occupations by NOC code. Therefore, knowing your exact NOC code helps you narrow down the programs that actually fit you, instead of applying broadly and wasting time. Hence, careful research from the start is the foundation for every decision that follows.
The TEER classification system replacing the old “Skill Level”
As of November 16, 2022, Canada switched to the NOC 2021 system with a new classification method called TEER, standing for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. TEER completely replaces the old “Skill Type” and “Skill Level” classification (0, A, B, C, D).
The TEER system divides occupations into 6 levels, numbered from 0 to 5. The lower the number, the higher the training and responsibility requirements. This is a point you need to grasp clearly, as many older resources online still use the outdated A, B, C, D labels.
The table below summarizes the 6 TEER levels and their corresponding requirements:
| TEER level | Typical requirements | Example occupations |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management positions | Restaurant manager, construction manager |
| TEER 1 | University degree (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate) | Software engineer, physician, accountant |
| TEER 2 | 2-3 year college diploma or supervisory role | Technician, certified electrician |
| TEER 3 | College diploma under 2 years or trade training | Cook, welder, truck driver |
| TEER 4 | High school diploma or a few weeks of on-the-job training | Servers, helpers |
| TEER 5 | Short training, no formal qualification required | General labourers, cleaners |
Understanding your occupation’s TEER category matters a great deal. For Express Entry, most streams only accept occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Meanwhile, some PNP and regional pilot programs are open to TEER 4 and 5 as well.
The 5-digit NOC code structure
Every occupation in the NOC 2021 system is assigned a 5-digit code. This is a change from the old system, which used only 4 digits. Each digit position carries its own hierarchical meaning, letting you read off which group an occupation belongs to directly from the number.
Here is what each digit means:
- 1st digit — Broad occupational category, of which there are 10.
- 2nd digit — The occupation’s TEER category (a value from 0 to 5).
- 3rd digit — Major group.
- 4th digit — Sub-major group.
- 5th digit — Unit group — this is the final code you use on your application.
For example, NOC code 21232 is “Software developers and programmers”. The second digit is “1”, indicating a TEER 1 occupation requiring a university degree. When reading an NOC code, always look at the second digit to immediately know the TEER category without having to look anything up.
Step-by-step guide to looking up an NOC code
This section walks you through looking up the correct NOC code for your own occupation. Follow these steps in order:
- Access the official lookup portal. Open the National Occupational Classification page of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This is the only source with legal standing for NOC codes, not third-party sites.
- Enter the occupation keyword in English. Type the actual job title in English, for example “cook”, “welder” or “accountant”. You should try several synonyms, since an occupation may be described in more than one way.
- Compare against the main duties description. When the list of results appears, click into each code to read the “Main duties” section. Do not pick a code just because the title sounds similar — it must match the actual work you have done.
- Check the “Example titles” section. Each NOC code lists example job titles. If the title on your employment contract or reference letter matches one on this list, that is a sign the code fits.
- Record the 5-digit code and TEER category. Once you have identified the correct unit group, record the full 5-digit code together with its TEER category for use in the following application steps.
Besides the ESDC portal, you can also refer to the NOC-finding tool on the official government website. Government of Canada (IRCC) provides a tool that lets you enter a job title and see suggested NOC codes directly in the context of an Express Entry application.
How to match your actual duties to the right code
This is the step most people get wrong. An NOC code is only correct when most of the main duties described by the agency match the work you actually perform. The job title is only a reference — the job content is what decides.
When reading an NOC code on the lookup portal, you will see three important sections. The “Lead statement” describes the occupation overall. “Main duties” lists specific tasks. “Employment requirements” states the required qualifications and certifications.
You should compare your own work against these according to the following principle:
- Read through the entire “Main duties” list for the code you are considering.
- Mark the duties you have actually performed in your job.
- If most of the main duties match, that code is likely correct.
- If only a few minor duties match, look for a closer-fitting code.
For this reason, when requesting an experience reference letter from your former employer, ask them to clearly list your actual duties. The more closely the letter’s description matches the NOC code’s “Main duties”, the stronger your application will be when IRCC reviews it.
How the NOC code affects Express Entry and PNP
Once you have looked up your NOC code, you need to understand what choices it opens up. This is where the 5-digit number turns into an actual application strategy.
Under Express Entry, the NOC code and TEER category determine which stream you are eligible for. The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) streams generally require occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) stream is for certain technical trade and skilled trades occupations.
In addition, IRCC also holds category-based draws. In these draws, the system prioritizes certain NOC codes in fields such as healthcare, technology, construction, transportation or agriculture. If your NOC code falls under a priority category, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) increase even without an especially high CRS score.
For PNP programs, each province publishes its own occupation list by NOC code and updates it periodically. An occupation may not be prioritized under federal Express Entry but may still appear on a specific province’s labour shortage list. Knowing your exact NOC code therefore helps you open up opportunities through multiple different pathways.
Common mistakes when looking up an NOC code
Many applications are delayed or refused simply because of errors in determining the NOC code. The My Second World team has compiled the most common mistakes so you can avoid them from the start.
First, choosing a code based solely on the job title without reading the “Main duties”. Two occupations with similar-sounding titles can belong to entirely different NOC codes and TEER categories, leading to incorrect eligibility.
Second, using outdated documentation based on the Skill Level system (0, A, B, C, D). This classification was replaced back in 2022, so all lookups must now be based on TEER and the 5-digit code.
Third, choosing a code with a higher TEER category than your actual ability to make your application look better. This is a serious mistake. If your actual duties and qualifications do not match the code you declared, IRCC has the right to refuse the application for misrepresentation.
In addition, some applicants neglect to keep supporting evidence. After determining your code, save a screenshot of the “Main duties” description page together with your employment reference letter as a comparison file. This documentation is very useful if you need to provide clarification to the reviewing officer.
Preparing documents to prove experience under your NOC code
Looking up the correct code is only half the work. The other half is proving that you actually worked in the occupation under that code, for long enough to meet the program’s requirements.
The core document is usually an employment reference letter from your employer. This letter should clearly state your job title, employment period, weekly working hours and list of main duties. The duties listed in the letter should closely follow the “Main duties” section of the corresponding NOC code.
Alongside the reference letter, you should prepare supporting documents such as your employment contract, payslips, or social insurance payment records if available. These documents help reinforce the authenticity of the experience you declare.
As for service fees and government application fees, you should check the fee schedule currently published on the official IRCC portal, as these amounts are adjusted from time to time. Getting the documentation requirements right from the moment you determine your NOC code will save you time and help you avoid multiple rounds of supplementary submissions later.
Summary
Looking up the correct NOC code is a foundational step for any Canada skilled worker immigration application, since it determines your TEER category, Express Entry eligibility and your chances through PNP programs. You need to master three core points: the new TEER system with its 6 categories, the 5-digit code structure, and the principle of matching actual duties rather than relying on job titles alone.
Next steps: visit the official lookup portal to determine your NOC code, then carefully read the “Main duties” section and save your supporting evidence. Once you have the correct code, you can review Express Entry streams and each province’s occupation lists to choose the pathway that best fits you.
If you are not yet sure which NOC code your occupation falls under, or need an assessment of the immigration pathway that fits your personal profile, My Second World’s team of immigration consulting experts is always ready to accompany you through every step.
