Understanding Canada's National Occupational Classification system for Express Entry and work permits.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's authoritative system for classifying occupations. It's used by IRCC to determine eligibility for immigration programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and work permits.
Important: In November 2022, Canada moved from NOC 2016 (Skill Level 0/A/B/C/D) to NOC 2021 (TEER 0/1/2/3/4/5). Make sure you're using the correct system.
Example: NOC 21232 - Software Developer
TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) replaced the old Skill Level system. It categorizes occupations based on education and training requirements.
Senior leadership and executive roles
Requirements:
Several years of experience in management, leadership, or specialized knowledge. Usually requires completion of university degree or professional designation.
Examples:
Express Entry Programs:
✓ Federal Skilled Worker | ✓ Canadian Experience Class | ✓ Federal Skilled Trades
Requires university degree (Bachelor's or higher)
Requirements:
Completion of a university degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate). Some occupations may require professional license or certification.
Examples:
Express Entry Programs:
✓ Federal Skilled Worker | ✓ Canadian Experience Class | ✓ Federal Skilled Trades
Requires college diploma or apprenticeship (2-3 years)
Requirements:
Completion of 2-3 year post-secondary education program at a college, institute of technology, or apprenticeship training. May require certification or licensing.
Examples:
Express Entry Programs:
✓ Federal Skilled Worker | ✓ Canadian Experience Class | ✓ Federal Skilled Trades
Requires college diploma or apprenticeship (less than 2 years)
Requirements:
Completion of a post-secondary program of less than 2 years at a college, or apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training.
Examples:
Express Entry Programs:
✓ Federal Skilled Worker | ✓ Canadian Experience Class | ✓ Federal Skilled Trades
Requires high school diploma or on-the-job training
Requirements:
Completion of secondary school, plus several weeks of on-the-job training. Some occupations require some secondary school education.
Examples:
Express Entry Programs:
✗ NOT eligible for Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, or FST
Requires short-term work demonstration or no formal education
Requirements:
Short work demonstration and no formal educational requirements. Typically entry-level positions with on-the-job training provided.
Examples:
Express Entry Programs:
✗ NOT eligible for Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, or FST
Key Takeaway:
For Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST), you must have work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. TEER 4 and 5 occupations are NOT eligible for these programs.
❌ Error #1: Choosing NOC by Job Title Only
Your job title doesn't determine your NOC. The actual duties you perform do.
✓ Solution: Match your daily duties to the "Main duties" section of the NOC description. You should be performing a substantial number (usually 70%+) of the listed duties.
❌ Error #2: Using NOC 2016 Instead of NOC 2021
Old NOC codes (4-digit, Skill Level 0/A/B) are no longer valid as of November 2022.
✓ Solution: Always use NOC 2021 (5-digit codes, TEER 0-5). Check the official NOC 2021 website or IRCC's correspondence guide to convert old codes.
❌ Error #3: Claiming Multiple NOCs for One Position
Trying to claim 2+ NOC codes for a single job position to maximize experience.
✓ Solution: Each job position gets ONE NOC code based on your primary duties. If you held multiple positions with different duties, list them separately with employment dates.
❌ Error #4: Inflating Job Duties
Claiming you performed duties above your actual role (e.g., claiming managerial duties when you weren't a manager).
✓ Solution: Be honest. IRCC can request detailed employment verification. Misrepresentation can result in a 5-year ban.
❌ Error #5: Reference Letter Doesn't Match NOC
Your employment reference letter lists generic duties that don't align with your claimed NOC.
✓ Solution: Ensure your reference letter specifically describes duties matching the NOC code. Use bullet points listing actual responsibilities you performed.
❌ Error #6: Choosing Higher TEER for More Points
Selecting TEER 0 or 1 when your actual duties are TEER 2 or 3, hoping for better CRS points.
✓ Solution: TEER level doesn't affect CRS points. All TEER 0/1/2/3 give the same points. Choose the NOC that accurately reflects your duties.
Sometimes your job duties may match several NOC codes. Here's how to choose the right one.
Step 1: List Your Primary Duties (80%+ of time)
Write down 8-10 main tasks you perform regularly in your job. Be specific and focus on what you actually do, not your job title or what you wish you did.
Step 2: Search Potential NOC Codes
Go to the official NOC 2021 website and search by keywords related to your duties. Shortlist 3-5 NOC codes that seem relevant.
Visit NOC 2021 Website →Step 3: Match Your Duties to Main Duties
For each shortlisted NOC, read the "Main duties" section carefully. Check how many of the listed duties match your actual responsibilities. Aim for 70%+ match.
Step 4: Check Education and Training Requirements
Verify that you meet the typical education/training requirements listed in the NOC. While not mandatory, significant deviation may raise red flags.
Step 5: Choose the Most Specific Match
If multiple NOCs match equally, choose the most specific one that describes your role. For example, "Software Developer" is more specific than "Computer Programmer."
Scenario: You work as a "Digital Marketing Specialist"
Your duties include social media management, content creation, SEO optimization, email campaigns, and analyzing marketing metrics.
Option A: 11202 - Marketing Managers (TEER 0)
✗ Too senior. Requires managing marketing staff, developing strategies, and budget oversight. You don't manage people or budgets.
Option B: 51120 - Producers, Technical, Creative and Artistic Directors (TEER 1)
✗ Wrong focus. This is for film, TV, and media production, not digital marketing.
✓ Best Match: 11203 - Professional Occupations in Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations (TEER 1)
✓ Perfect fit! Main duties include: conducting market research, developing promotional materials, managing social media, coordinating campaigns, and analyzing metrics. Matches 80%+ of your duties.
One of the most common mistakes is confusing technical/professional roles with administrative support roles.
Technical/Professional (TEER 0/1/2/3)
Performs specialized technical work requiring expertise, analysis, decision-making
Administrative Support (Usually TEER 2/3/4)
Supports professionals by handling clerical and coordination tasks
Common Confusion Examples:
IT: Developer vs IT Support
✓ Software Developer (21232 - TEER 1)
Writes code, designs systems, develops applications, debugs complex issues
IT Support Technician (22220 - TEER 2)
Troubleshoots user issues, installs software, maintains hardware, provides help desk support
HR: HR Manager vs HR Coordinator
✓ HR Manager (10011 - TEER 0)
Develops HR policies, manages staff, makes hiring decisions, oversees employee relations
HR Coordinator (13100 - TEER 2)
Schedules interviews, posts job ads, maintains employee records, coordinates onboarding
Finance: Financial Analyst vs Accounting Clerk
✓ Financial Analyst (11101 - TEER 1)
Analyzes financial data, creates forecasts, develops investment strategies, provides recommendations
Accounting Clerk (14200 - TEER 3)
Processes invoices, records transactions, reconciles accounts, prepares basic reports
Warning:
Don't claim a technical/professional NOC if you primarily perform administrative support duties. IRCC will verify through your reference letter and may request additional proof. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal and a 5-year ban.
Your employment reference letter must accurately describe what you actually do, not just copy-paste from NOC descriptions.
🚩 Reference letter copies NOC description word-for-word
IRCC officers know the NOC descriptions by heart. If your letter is identical to the official text, it raises suspicion of fabrication.
🚩 Duties are too generic or vague
"Performed various tasks related to marketing" vs "Managed company Instagram and Facebook accounts, created 20+ posts per week, increased engagement by 35%"
🚩 Junior position claims senior responsibilities
Entry-level employee claiming to "develop company strategy" or "manage team of 10" without corresponding salary or job progression.
🚩 Duties don't match company size/industry
Small 5-person startup claiming employee performed specialized duties typically requiring large teams (e.g., "Led data science team" in a company with no other data scientists).
1. Be Specific and Measurable
Bad: "Developed software applications"
Good: "Developed and maintained 5 web applications using React and Node.js, serving 10,000+ daily active users. Implemented new features reducing page load time by 40%."
2. Include Real Tools and Technologies
Bad: "Used computer software to complete tasks"
Good: "Utilized Salesforce CRM for customer data management, HubSpot for email marketing automation, and Google Analytics for performance tracking."
3. Match Duties to Your Actual Level
Bad: Junior analyst claiming "Led strategic planning initiatives"
Good: "Conducted financial analysis and modeling under senior analyst supervision, prepared quarterly reports, and assisted in developing investment recommendations."
4. Use Different Wording Than NOC
NOC says: "Design and develop software applications"
Your letter: "Created mobile and web-based software solutions for e-commerce clients, focusing on payment processing and inventory management systems."
5. Include Percentage of Time Per Task
"Spent approximately 50% of time coding new features, 25% debugging and testing, 15% code reviews, and 10% attending team meetings and planning sessions."
1. Company letterhead with address and contact
2. Date and reference number (if applicable)
3. Employee details: Name, position title, employment dates (month/year)
4. Employment type: Full-time/part-time, hours per week
5. Main duties: 8-10 bullet points with specific, detailed descriptions
6. Salary: Annual salary or hourly wage
7. Supervisor signature: Name, title, signature, contact information
Visit Official NOC 2021 Website
Go to noc.esdc.gc.ca and use the search function
Open NOC 2021 Search Tool →Search by Keywords or Browse Categories
Enter keywords related to your job duties (not just title). Example: "web development", "financial analysis", "marketing strategy"
Read Full NOC Description
Don't stop at the title. Read "Main duties", "Employment requirements", and "Additional information" sections carefully
Verify TEER Eligibility
Ensure your NOC is TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 for Express Entry eligibility
Document Your Match
Create a document comparing your actual duties to the NOC main duties. This will help when drafting your reference letter.
Our AI can analyze your job duties and recommend the most accurate NOC code for your Express Entry application, ensuring you avoid common mistakes and maximize your chances of success.
Generated and reviewed by PRCan AI
An automated immigration analysis system trained on IRCC regulations, program guides, and official government documentation. Learn more about PRCan AI →