The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is the foundation of Canada’s labor market and immigration framework 1 . Learning about this system is not going to help, but it is mandatory for anyone who intends to work in Canada or apply to become a permanent resident. On November 16, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a major overhaul of the system, replacing the old structure with the new NOC 2021. This revision came up with a new dimension of job classification that impacts the immigrant applications in Canada a lot.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the current National Occupational Classification. We will discuss the adoption of the TEER system, locating your valid code, and which portfolios are hot in 2025 and beyond.
What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?
The National Occupational Classification is Canada’s official system for describing and organizing occupations. Developed and maintained by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada, it provides a standardized framework used by students, employers, and immigration officers.
- The NOC database brings details of each occupation, including the following details:
- Main job duties
- Educational requirements
- Work experience required Other
- An example of a job title list
This system is the primary tool IRCC uses to evaluate a foreign national’s work experience for immigration programs. Choosing the correct code from the NOC Code List is one of the most important steps in any application for programs like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The Major Overhaul: From NOC 2016 Skill Levels to NOC 2021 TEER Categories
Until November 16, 2022, the NOC system had a system of four categories of skilled levels (Skill Level 0, A, B, C, and D) to group jobs. This was a system that was founded on a kind of work and the education needed. Nonetheless, the government found that it needed a more in-depth system that allowed a greater variety of skills and training/records that applicants have to fit specific jobs.
The NOC 2021 version replaced the four Skill Levels with six TEER categories. TEER is a short band name: Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. This was so as to give a better picture of what is required to access and pass a job.
| Old System (NOC 2016) | New System (NOC 2021) | Key Change |
| Skill Level 0 (Management) | TEER 0 (Management) | Largely similar, it focuses on management roles. |
| Skill Level A (University Degree) | TEER 1 (University Degree) | Jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher. |
| Skill Level B (College/Apprenticeship) | TEER 2 & TEER 3 | Skill Level B was split to better differentiate between technical jobs and skilled trades. |
| Skill Level C (High School/Job-Specific Training) | TEER 4 | Occupations usually require secondary school and/or several weeks of on-the-job training. |
| Skill Level D (On-the-Job Training) | TEER 5 | Jobs that require a short work demonstration and have no formal education requirements. |
This was quite a big change that had larger immigration implications. To give an example, certain positions that were included in Skill Level B will now be under TEER 2 or TEER 3; thus, those involvements have an impact on the eligibility in some immigration streams.
Decoding the New NOC: The 5-Digit Code and TEER Structure in 2025
Another key change in the NOC 2021 update was the shift from a four-digit code to a five-digit code for each occupation. The new structure will give more information on the placement of the job in the Canadian job market.
Here’s how the five-digit code is structured 5 :
- First Digit: It reflects the Broad Occupational Category (BOC). The number of BOCs is 10.
- Second Digit: It describes the type of TEER (0-5).
- First Two Digits as a Totality: make up a major group.
- First Three Digits in Group: constitute a “sub-major-group.”
- First 4 Digits in Combination: Reconstitute a minor group.
- Full Five Digits: Exceeding the unit group, the particular occupation.
Here is a breakdown of the 10 Broad Occupational Categories represented by the first digit of a National Occupational Classification code:
| First Digit | Broad Occupational Category (BOC) |
| 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 |
To take a case example, a Web developer and programmer’s NOC code is 21234.
- 2: Applied science and natural science.
- 1: TEER 1 (pay entry requirement: a university degree).
- 212: Applied science profession.
- 2123: Software, computer, and Web designers and developers.
- 21234: The particular job.
Understanding the 6 TEER Categories: Updated
The TEER categories are central to the new National Occupational Classification system. The types correspond to the level of education, training, and experience, and the demands of the work duties, which need to be executed. It is important that you know what your TEER level is in order to understand whether you can immigrate to Canada through the various immigrant programs.
| TEER Category | Requirements and Responsibilities | Examples of Occupations |
| TEER 0 | Management occupations. | Advertising managers, Financial managers |
| TEER 1 | Usually requires a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate). | Financial advisors, Software engineers |
| TEER 2 | Usually requires completion of a 2-3 year post-secondary program, a 2-5 year apprenticeship, or supervisory roles. | Computer network technicians, Licensed practical nurses |
| TEER 3 | Usually requires completion of a post-secondary program of less than 2 years, an apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or over 6 months of on-the-job training. | Bakers, Dental assistants |
| TEER 4 | Usually requires completion of secondary school and/or several weeks of on-the-job training. | Retail salespersons, Home child care providers |
| TEER 5 | Usually requires a short work demonstration and no formal education. | Delivery service drivers, Landscaping labourers |
To be eligible for Express Entry programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), applicants typically need work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
How to Find Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code in 2025? Updated
The right NOC code is an important step. A wrong code may result in a rejected application. To locate your code on the official Government of Canada website, go through the following steps 7 :
- Go to the NOC Website: Navigate to the official National Occupational Classification page on the Canada.ca website.
- Use the Search Function: Do a Search for your job title. Be specific. Like in the case of using the term manager, use restaurant manager.
- Review the Job Duties: Once you find a potential match, carefully read the lead statement and the list of main job duties. You need to have your own working experience that should match most of the listed duties. It is not only about the job title.
- Check the Educational Requirements: Make sure the listed educational requirements and experience match your qualifications.
- Confirm the 5-Digit Code and TEER: Once you are confident you have found the right occupation, note the five-digit code and its corresponding TEER level. This is what you will attach to your immigration application.
Canada’s In-Demand Jobs: The 2025 NOC Code List
Canada is facing a significant job shortage that is expected to last until at least 2033. Retiring workers and development are generating a million vacancies. The NOC Code List is used to identify these in-demand jobs in Canada, guiding both federal and provincial immigration strategies.
The most demanded industries are:
- Healthcare: Due to the ageing population, there is a high demand in such professional areas as registered nurses, physicians, and personal support workers.
- The Tech and Natural and Applied Sciences: There is a high need for software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts since the tech industry is flourishing in Canada.
- Skilled Trades: The construction of the future in Canada is in critical lack of construction managers, electricians, welders, and mechanics.
Below is a table of some of the top in-demand jobs in Canada for 2025, along with their NOC codes and TEER levels.
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER Category |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 | 1 |
| Software developers and programmers | 21232 | 1 |
| Construction managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Financial advisors | 11102 | 1 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | 2 |
| Transport truck drivers | 73300 | 3 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 | 3 |
| Carpenters | 72310 | 3 |
| Retail and wholesale trade managers | 60020 | 0 |
| Administrative assistants | 13110 | 3 |
| Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Data scientists | 21211 | 1 |
| Web developers and programmers | 21234 | 1 |
Latest NOC Revision Process in 2025
The National Occupational Classification is not a static system. Updates are carried out periodically to mirror shifts in the Canadian economy and labour market.
- Minor Revisions: Minor revisions occur every year and entail minor updates, such as appending additional job titles to an existing unit group.
- Major Revisions: Major Revisions occur about every ten years. They can involve structural changes, like creating new unit groups or moving occupations between TEER categories. The last major revision was NOC 2021, and the next one is scheduled for 2031.
This continuous revision process ensures the NOC Code List remains relevant and accurately reflects the world of work in Canada.
Conclusion
The National Occupational Classification is a complex but vital system for anyone aspiring to build a life in Canada. With the shift to the NOC 2021 and the TEER system, it is more important than ever for potential immigrants and foreign workers to do their research. By carefully identifying the correct five-digit code and ensuring your experience matches the official job duties, you can improve your chances of a successful application. As Canada continues to seek skilled workers to fill its job shortage, a strong understanding of the NOC Code List is your first step towards achieving your Canadian dream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between NOC 2016 and NOC 2021?
The principal difference revolves around how occupations are categorised. By contrast, NOC 2016 employed a four-category Skill Level system—0, A, B, C, D. NOC 2021, introduced on November 16, 2022, uses a six-level system called TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) categories 0-5. Occupational codes likewise transformed from four to five digits.
2. Which TEER categories are eligible for Express Entry?
Generally, occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 are eligible for Canada immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Nonetheless, eligibility requirements differ from one program to another.
3. How can I figure out my TEER category?
 To find your TEER, you must first find your occupation’s five-digit code on the official National Occupational Classification website. The second figure in this code denotes your TEER category. As an illustration, the NOC code 21234 aligns with the TEER category 1.
4. What if my job duties match more than one NOC code?
You need to adopt the NOC code that most accurately represents what you do. Thoughtfully review the key statements and primary obligations outlined under every prospective code. Choose the alternative for which the majority of your professional experience mirrors the responsibilities set out. It matters more than simply matching the job title by itself.
5. How often is the National Occupational Classification updated?
The NOC is subject to yearly, minor revisions to keep its content up to date. Every decade, there are substantial structural overhauls—examples include the switch to the TEER system. The forthcoming major revisions are slated for 2031.
