NOC 2021 and the TEER matrix
Overview
The National Occupational Classification 2021 (NOC 2021) is the occupational taxonomy used in Canadian immigration to classify jobs. NOC 2021 replaced the older NOC 2016 system in November 2022. The key change was the replacement of the "Skill Level" system (0, A, B, C, D) with the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories (TEER 0 through TEER 5). Most Express Entry pathways require work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
The NOC is maintained by Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Immigration programs reference NOC 2021 codes to determine whether a person's work experience qualifies for a given pathway. Understanding the NOC code and TEER category for a given occupation is a fundamental step in any skilled worker immigration assessment.
Legal basis
- IRPR ss 73–87.1 — the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs reference NOC codes to define qualifying work experience
- Statistics Canada / ESDC — the NOC is an administrative classification system, not a legal instrument; it is incorporated into immigration regulations by reference
How it works
The TEER categories
| TEER | Requirements | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management occupations | Chief executives, senior managers, legislators |
| TEER 1 | University degree required | Engineers, accountants, doctors, lawyers, teachers |
| TEER 2 | College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs), or significant experience | Technologists, licensed nurses, electricians, plumbers |
| TEER 3 | College diploma, apprenticeship (<2 yrs), or >6 months training | Bakers, administrative assistants, retail supervisors |
| TEER 4 | Secondary school diploma, or several weeks of training | Home child-care providers, food counter attendants |
| TEER 5 | Short demonstration only | Labourers, harvesting workers |
Immigration eligibility by TEER
Immigration program eligibility based on TEER:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): requires TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): requires TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): requires specific TEER 2 or 3 trade occupations
- Category-based draws: reference specific NOC TEER codes for each category
- LMIA-based work permits (high-wage stream): TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
- LMIA-based work permits (low-wage stream): TEER 4 or 5
The NOC code structure
NOC 2021 codes are structured as follows:
- The first digit is the TEER category (0–5)
- The second digit is the occupational sector/broad category
- The remaining digits identify the specific occupation
Example: 21231 = Computer systems analysts (TEER 2, sector 1 = Business, Finance, Administration... No, sector 2 = Natural and Applied Sciences). The first digit "2" = TEER 2.
Transition from NOC 2016
Under NOC 2016, occupations were classified as Skill Level 0 (management), A (professional), B (technical/skilled), C (intermediate), or D (labour). The mapping between NOC 2016 levels and TEER is broadly:
- NOC 0 → TEER 0
- NOC A → TEER 1
- NOC B → TEER 2 or 3
- NOC C → TEER 4
- NOC D → TEER 5
Some individual occupations changed their classification in the transition. Applicants who gained experience before November 2022 should verify their NOC code under both systems.