How to Find Your NOC Code and TEER Category for Canada (2026)

Almost every Canadian work-based immigration application asks for one thing early on: your NOC code. It tells IRCC which occupation your work belongs to, and its TEER category decides whether that work counts for programs such as Express Entry.

Below: what NOC 2021 and TEER mean, the method IRCC gives for finding your code, which TEER levels the Express Entry programs accept, and the mistakes that cause problems. Everything here was checked on official Government of Canada pages on 22 October 2026. Rules can change, so check the IRCC pages again before you apply.

What the NOC is

IRCC uses the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) to identify and group jobs. IRCC switched to the 2021 version on 16 November 2022. Before that, it used NOC 2016.

IRCC explains that the NOC 2016 "skill type and skill level" structure (NOC 0, A, B, C and D) was replaced with a 6-category system, and that occupation codes changed from 4 digits to 5 digits. If a website still talks about "skill level B" or a 4-digit code, it is describing the old system.

The 6 categories are called TEER categories. TEER stands for the training, education, experience and responsibilities needed to work in an occupation.

The 6 TEER categories

This is how IRCC describes each category, with the example jobs IRCC itself lists for it.

The TEER category belongs to the occupation, not to you.

How a NOC code looks

Each NOC 2021 occupation has a 5-digit code and a title. IRCC's lookup table shows three things side by side: the TEER category, the numeric code and the occupation title.

For example, IRCC's table lists these nursing occupations:

• 31301 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (TEER 1)
• 31302 Nurse practitioners (TEER 1)
• 32101 Licensed practical nurses (TEER 2)
• 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (TEER 3)

So "nurse" alone is not enough. Four nursing jobs sit in three TEER categories, and which one is yours depends on the work you actually did.

How to find your NOC code: IRCC's method

IRCC's "Find your NOC" page gives these steps.

Step 1: search IRCC's table by job title

1. Type your job title into the "Filter items" field of the table on IRCC's page. The table narrows as you type.
2. Write down the numeric code (centre column).
3. Write down the title (right column).
4. Write down the TEER category (left column).

Step 2: check the duties on the NOC website

5. Go to the NOC website, choose NOC 2021 Version 1.0, and search using the title or the code.
6. Make sure the main duties listed match what you did at your job. If they do not, IRCC says you need to find a different job title whose duties match yours.

If your job title is not in the table

IRCC says to search the NOC website (NOC 2021 Version 1.0) for your job title, find the closest match, check that the main duties match your work, write down the code and title, and then enter that code in IRCC's table to see the TEER.

IRCC also states that its table is for reference only. If it conflicts with the NOC website, assume the NOC website is correct.

What "matching" means for Express Entry

For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, IRCC asks you to show that you performed:

• the actions in the lead statement of the NOC job description, and
• most of the main duties listed

In other words, the test is the work you did, not the title your employer gave you.

Which TEER levels Express Entry accepts

As stated on IRCC's program pages on 22 October 2026:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. It must be in the same NOC as your primary occupation, within the last 10 years, paid, and at least 1 year of continuous work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week).
• Canadian Experience Class: Canadian work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, totalling at least 1 year or 1,560 hours (30 hours per week) in the 3 years before you apply.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: IRCC does not set this program by TEER. It lists specific NOC groups instead: Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92 or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932), Minor Group 6320 and Unit Group 62200. You need at least 2 years of full-time work (or 3,120 hours) in that skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply, all in the same NOC.

TEER 4 and 5 work does not count toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.

TEER outside Express Entry

TEER is used in other programs too. For example, whether a foreign worker's spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit depends partly on the worker's TEER category. IRCC refers to TEER 0 and 1 jobs and to select TEER 2 and 3 jobs. See who qualifies for a spousal open work permit for the details.

Common mistakes IRCC warns about

• Choosing by job title alone. IRCC's steps end with checking the main duties, and say to pick a different title if the duties do not match.
• Duties that do not match. For Express Entry, you must show the lead statement actions and most of the main duties. A code that only partly fits your work can cause problems.
• Assuming your latest job is your primary occupation. IRCC notes that your primary occupation may not be your most recent work experience.
• Not choosing the closest match. IRCC advises choosing the NOC that most closely aligns with your work experience, which helps avoid processing delays and makes sure you are assessed against the right program.
• Using NOC 2016 terms or codes. Skill levels 0, A, B, C, D and 4-digit codes belong to the old version.

Finding the right NOC code does not mean an application will be approved. An IRCC officer assesses each application against all the program's requirements.

Check which route may fit you

If you are not sure which programs your work experience could point to, the site's free eligibility check asks a few short questions and points you to the information that matches your situation.