What Is the NOC System?
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s official system for categorizing and describing all occupations in the Canadian labor market. Each job is assigned a unique five-digit NOC code, along with a detailed description of the duties, responsibilities, required training, education, and experience. The NOC plays a critical role in immigration, employment, and workforce planning.
Why Is NOC Important for Immigration?
Whether you’re applying for Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a work permit, or a study-to-PR pathway, your NOC code is one of the first things immigration officer’s check. Choosing the correct NOC code helps determine:
- Your eligibility for various immigration programs
- Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
- Whether your work experience is considered skilled
- Whether a job offer is valid for LMIA or PNP purposes
Submitting an application with the wrong or mismatched NOC can lead to refusal. That’s why it’s critical to ensure your job duties and employment records align closely with the NOC description.
What Is TEER?
With the recent update to NOC, Canada now uses a TEER system (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) instead of the older “Skill Level 0 to D” format. There are now six TEER levels (0 to 5) that reflect the complexity of the job and the level of education or experience typically required.
| TEER Level | General Requirement |
| TEER 0 | Management positions |
| TEER 1 | University degree (bachelor’s or higher) |
| TEER 2 | College diploma or apprenticeship training |
| TEER 3 | Post-secondary education of less than 2 years |
| TEER 4 | Secondary school education and/or on-the-job training |
| TEER 5 | No formal education requirements |
How NOC Codes Are Structured
Each NOC code is a five-digit number that reflects the job’s sector, level, and specialization. Here’s how it breaks down:
- The first digit represents the broad occupational category
- The second digit refers to the TEER level
- The third digit identifies the major group
- The fourth digit indicates the minor group
- The fifth digit specifies the unit group (your exact job)
To find your correct NOC code based on your job title or description, you can use the official tool provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
Search the NOC on the Government of Canada website
How We Can Help at Uniland Immigration
At Uniland Immigration, we assist clients in selecting the most accurate NOC code and ensuring their application reflects that code with consistency and compliance. Our services include:
- Reviewing your job duties and matching them to the correct NOC
- Drafting NOC-compliant reference letters for Express Entry and PNPs
- Advising on LMIA or job offer requirements related to NOC codes
- Helping international graduates select post-graduate work permit–eligible roles
- Strategic planning for work permit to PR transitions based on occupational classification
Final Word
Understanding your NOC code is not just a technical detail — it’s a foundation of your immigration application. Submitting the wrong NOC code or choosing one that doesn’t align with your actual job duties, could result in delays or rejection. At Uniland Immigration, we make sure your professional background is properly translated into the NOC framework, giving you the strongest possible case for success in Canada.
