If you are applying for Canadian immigration, you may need to identify your NOC code.

NOC stands for National Occupational Classification, Canada’s system for classifying jobs. It is used in many immigration programs, including Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

The most important point is simple:

Your NOC should be based mainly on your actual job duties, not just your job title.

What Is a NOC Code?

Under NOC 2021, occupations are assigned a five-digit code.

For example:

NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers

This group may include titles such as:

• Bookkeeper
• Senior Bookkeeper
• Accounting Technician

However, having a similar job title does not automatically mean that this is your correct NOC. Your actual duties must also match the occupation.

What Is TEER?

NOC 2021 uses a system called TEER, which stands for:

Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities

Occupations are classified from TEER 0 to TEER 5.

In many Express Entry programs, skilled work experience generally falls under TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.

The second digit of a NOC code normally indicates the TEER category.

For example:

NOC 12200 → TEER 2

How to Find the Right NOC Code

1. Check Your Job Title

Start with the job title shown on your:

• Employment letter
• Employment contract
• Pay statements
• HR records

Your job title is useful for searching, but it should not be the only factor.

2. Write Down Your Actual Duties

List the main tasks you perform at work.

For example, a bookkeeper may be responsible for:

• Maintaining financial records
• Reconciling accounts
• Processing payroll
• Preparing journal entries
• Maintaining general ledgers

This is often more important than the title printed on your business card or employment letter.

3. Search the Official NOC Website

Use the Government of Canada’s official NOC database and search your job title.

If your exact title does not appear, try similar titles.

It is often helpful to identify two or three possible NOC codes and compare them.

4. Review the Lead Statement

The lead statement explains the general nature of the occupation.

Ask:

Does this description reasonably reflect what I actually do?

If the overall occupation is very different from your work, you may need to consider another NOC.

5. Compare the Main Duties

This is one of the most important steps.

Compare your actual responsibilities with the main duties listed under the NOC.

For example, someone may have the title “Manager,” but if most of the work involves customer service, scheduling, and data entry, a management NOC may not be appropriate.

The better approach is:

Job Title + Actual Duties + Level of Responsibility = Possible NOC

6. Check Inclusions and Exclusions

Review:

• Example titles
• Inclusions
• Exclusions

This is especially important when two NOC codes look similar.

Your exact job title does not always need to appear in the example-title list.

7. Confirm the TEER and Immigration Program

After identifying the most appropriate NOC, check its TEER category.

Then confirm whether that NOC or TEER meets the requirements of the immigration program you are applying under.

Different programs may have different occupational requirements.

Common NOC Mistakes

Choosing a NOC Based Only on Job Title

This is one of the most common mistakes.

The same title can mean very different things at different companies.

Choosing a Higher TEER Because It Looks Better

A higher TEER category is not automatically better.

The correct NOC is the one that most accurately reflects the work you actually performed.

Copying NOC Duties Into an Employment Letter

Your employment letter should describe your real duties.

It should not simply copy the NOC description word for word.

Using an Old NOC Code

Older websites may still show four-digit NOC codes.

Always confirm the current NOC 2021 five-digit code before submitting an immigration application.

What If Two NOC Codes Both Look Correct?

If your job involves several types of duties, compare:

1. The main purpose of your position
2. Which duties take up most of your time
3. Your level of responsibility
4. The lead statement
5. The main duties
6. The exclusions

The NOC should reflect the overall nature of your employment, not just one or two individual tasks.

FAQ

Q1. Does my job title have to match the NOC title exactly?

No. Your employer’s internal job title does not have to be identical to the NOC title. Your actual duties and responsibilities are more important.

Q2. How many NOC duties need to match?

There is no universal rule that applies an exact percentage in every immigration situation. For example, some programs refer to performing the lead statement and most of the main duties.

Q3. What happens if I choose the wrong NOC?

If the selected NOC does not accurately reflect your work, your work experience may not be accepted for the immigration program you are applying under.

Final Tip

When choosing your Canadian NOC code, do not ask only:

“What is my job title?”

Ask:

“What work do I actually perform?”

Review your job title, actual duties, lead statement, main duties, inclusions, exclusions, and TEER category before using a NOC code in your immigration application.

For the most accurate information, always verify your occupation using the latest official Government of Canada NOC and IRCC resources.

Use our NOC Code Finder below to identify the NOC code that best matches your occupation.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. NOC classifications and immigration program requirements may change.