Finding The Right NOC Code Can Prevent Application Refusal

Thota Akhil Published:
October 12, 2024

It is crucial to select the correct National Occupation Classification (NOC) code based on one's work experience when applying for immigration. Different NOC codes correspond to different immigration streams. Choosing the wrong NOC code can lead to misrepresentation, which is considered fraud in immigration applications. This may result in the cancellation or denial of the immigration application.

What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) system categorizes and describes occupations based on training, education, experience, and responsibilities.

The system was updated in 2021 to include a TEER component, ranging from TEER 0 for jobs requiring the highest education or training/experience to TEER 5 for those requiring the least.

Each TEER level is enumerated in the table below, along with the relevant training, education, and experience requirements:

TEER	Occupation Type
TEER 0	Management occupations.
TEER 1	Occupations that usually require a university degree to adequately perform.
TEER 2	Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years to adequately perform, or supervisory occupations.
TEER 3	Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training to adequately perform.
TEER 4	Occupations that usually require a high school diploma, or several weeks of on-the-job training to adequately perform.
TEER 5	Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstrations to learn, and no formal education.

Which NOC code will suit me the best?

Finding the appropriate NOC code for a profession might be difficult due to the vast size of the NOC system. The government of Canada does, however, have several resources that can greatly simplify this process. First, visit the government of Canada’s NOC Search tool.

To find your NOC code, IRCC recommends that you complete these steps:

Go to the table at the bottom of the page.
Input your job title in the "Filter items" form at the top.

Note that the exact job title might not be available, so you may need to enter a similar job title to get a result. For example, you might need to input "accountant" instead of "forensic accountant" to receive a result.

Copy the TEER number and NOC code from the search result that best matches the required occupation.
Visit the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website and use the "Search by NOC Code" button to verify the code.
Check the "main duties" section to ensure it aligns closely with the occupation you are seeking.
If the duties don't match, repeat from step 1.

After finding your correct NOC Code…

After finding your correct NOC code, include the information in your immigration application. Ensuring the NOC accurately reflects your responsibilities is crucial for eligibility and to avoid misrepresentation issues in the immigration process.