NOC Code Canada: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

11 min read

Did you know that by the end of July 2024, over 468,000 skilled workers applied for visas to work in Canada? If you want to join them, understanding the NOC Code in Canada is your first step. This five-digit code helps match your skills and qualifications to the right job, making it essential for immigration and job applications. 

Whether aiming for a top-tier job or planning your future, knowing your NOC Code in Canada can make all the difference. In this article, you’ll learn everything about how the NOC system works and why it matters for your career. 

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Key Highlights

Here is a quick overview of everything you will learn in this article about the NOC code in Canada.

ParticularsDescription
Digit Position of NOC Code in CanadaFirst
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth Digits
Broad Categories of NOC Code in Canada0 to 9
TEER CategoriesTEER 0
TEER 1
TEER 2
TEER 3
TEER 4
TEER 5
Importance of NOC CodesExpress Entry Points
Eligibility
Job Offers
Popular NOC CodesEngineering: 2
Healthcare: 3
Business: 1
Specific Job Roles NOC CodesComputer Engineer: 21311
Doctor: 31209
Software Engineer: 21231

What is the NOC Code in Canada?

The NOC Code in Canada, or the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, is how the Canadian government categorises every job in the country. 

Every occupation has a five-digit code used to classify jobs based on key factors, as mentioned below.

  • The level of skill required
  • The education needed
  • The amount of work experience expected
  • The responsibilities involved

Think of it as a blueprint for your career in Canada. Whether you’re a software engineer or a healthcare worker, the NOC system helps match your qualifications to the right job. 

What’s more? Immigration programs, like Express Entry, use these codes to determine your eligibility based on your work experience. 

Structure of the NOC Code in Canada

The NOC Code in Canada isn’t just a random set of numbers. It’s carefully structured to give you detailed information about any job. Each of the five digits in a NOC code tells you something specific. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the structure of the NOC classification in Canada.

Digit PositionMeaning
First DigitShows the broad job category (for example, business, healthcare, trades)
Second DigitThird, Fourth, and Fifth Digits
Third, Fourth, Fifth DigitsBreaks down the job into sub-groups, minor groups, and the specific job title

NOC codes are structured to provide detailed information about any job. 

Here’s how it works.

  • The first digit shows the broad occupational category.
  • The second digit indicates the TEER category (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities).
  • The first two digits together define the primary group.
  • The first three digits identify the sub-major group.
  • The first four digits represent the minor group.
  • Finally, the full five digits specify the unit group or the exact occupation.

For example, let’s say you’re a software engineer. Your NOC code might start with “2” because it falls under the “Natural and applied sciences” category. The second digit would likely be “1” because it’s a high-skilled job that requires a university degree. The final three digits pinpoint your exact role within that category.

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NOC Code Categories

The NOC Code Categories help organise jobs in Canada based on skills, education, and experience. They make it easier for employers and the government to see where your job fits in the market. 

Understanding your NOC category is crucial when applying for jobs or immigration. In 2024, Canada granted 65,000 PRs to Indian nationals, showing the importance of knowing your NOC code for your career or immigration plans.

Broad Categories of NOC Code in Canada

The first digit of your NOC code shows which broad occupational group your job belongs to. There are 10 categories, each covering a wide range of professions. Whether you’re in business, healthcare, or the trades, this system helps organise the entire Canadian job market.

Here’s a breakdown of the broad categories in the NOC Code in Canada.

DigitOccupational Category
0Legislative and senior management occupations
1Business, finance, and administration occupations
2Natural and applied sciences and related occupations
3Health occupations
4Occupations in education, law, and social, community, and government services
5Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport
6Sales and service occupations
7Trades, transport, and equipment operators and related occupations
8Natural resources, agriculture, and related production occupations
9Occupations in manufacturing and utilities

TEER Categories in NOC Code in Canada

The TEER system is at the heart of the NOC Code in Canada. It stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities, and it’s how jobs are grouped based on what’s required to perform them. 

Each job falls into one of six TEER categories, and the second digit of your NOC code tells you which one applies to your role.

Here’s a breakdown of the TEER categories on the NOC Canada list.

  • TEER 0: Management roles.
  • TEER 1: Requires a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) or several years of experience from TEER 2.
  • TEER 2: Requires a 2-3 year post-secondary education program, apprenticeship training (2-5 years), or supervisory/safety responsibilities like police officers or firefighters. It can also require several years of experience from TEER 3.
  • TEER 3: Requires less than 2 years of post-secondary education, apprenticeship training, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training. It can also require several years of experience from TEER 4.
  • TEER 4: Requires completion of secondary school or several weeks of on-the-job training. It can also require several years of experience from TEER 5.
  • TEER 5: Jobs requiring short-term work demonstrations with no formal education needed.

Importance of NOC Codes for Immigration

Knowing your NOC Code in Canada is essential to immigrate to the country. The Canadian government uses it to assess your work experience for programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.

Here’s why it matters.

NOC Code Canada: A Complete Guide for Indian Students
  1. Job Classification

NOC codes offer a standardised way to classify occupations in Canada. This helps immigration authorities understand your work and how it fits into the Canadian labour market.

  1. Express Entry System

In programs like Express Entry, NOC codes evaluate your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Your NOC code and factors like education, work experience, and language skills help determine your points.

  1. Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

If an employer needs to hire a foreign worker, they may need an LMIA. NOC codes are part of this process, ensuring that the job offer matches the proper classification and that efforts have been made to hire Canadians first.

  1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Many provinces use NOC codes to assess candidates for their immigration needs. If your occupation is in demand in a particular province, your NOC code can help align your skills with what that province is looking for.

  1. Skilled Worker Points System

NOC codes are also part of the points system used in various immigration programs. Your NOC code contributes to the points awarded for factors like your education, work experience, and job offer. The correct NOC code can give you an edge in your immigration application.

How to Find Your NOC Code in Canada?

Finding your NOC code is more accessible. It’s just a few steps away and crucial for understanding where your job fits in the Canadian labour market.

Here’s a quick guide to help you find your NOC code.

  • Visit the Government of Canada’s website and use the NOC search tool.
  • Enter your job title or a related keyword to get a list of matches.
  • Read through the job descriptions to find the one that fits your role.
  • Ensure the TEER category matches your education and experience.

You can easily find your NOC Code in Canada by following these steps.

Popular NOC Codes for Skilled Workers and Students

Canada is ranked the 11th most peaceful country globally, making it an attractive destination for students and skilled workers. Knowing the NOC codes for some of the most sought-after fields and professions is helpful if you plan to work or study in Canada. 

Here’s a quick look at popular industries and their corresponding NOC codes from the NOC occupation list in Canada.

Popular FieldsNOC Code Canada
Engineering2
Healthcare3
Business1
Government Official4
Hotel Management0

In-Demand NOC Codes in Canada

Certain NOC codes represent jobs that are currently in high demand across Canada. These roles are crucial to various industries and offer strong job prospects for skilled workers. 

Here’s a list of some of the in-demand NOC codes.

NOC CodeJobs
11100Financial auditors and accountants
11109Other financial officers
21300Civil Engineers
10011Human Resource Managers
00010Legislators
00012Senior Managers (Financial, communications, and business services)
00013Senior Managers (Health, education, social and community services)
00014Senior Managers (Trade, broadcasting, and other services)

NOC Codes in Canada As Per TEER Category

The TEER system organises NOC codes based on training, education, and responsibilities. Below are specific job roles with their NOC codes, grouped by TEER categories from the NOC occupation list in Canada.

TEER 0: Management-Level Occupations

TEER 0 in the NOC code in Canada includes high-level management roles such as legislators and senior managers. These positions typically require significant experience and responsibilities in leadership and decision-making.

Here is a table with NOC codes for TEER 0 jobs.

NOC CodeOccupation
00010 Legislators
00011Senior government managers and officials
10010Financial managers
10011Human Resources Managers
10020Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers

TEER 1: Jobs Requiring Specialised Knowledge or Expertise

TEER 1 jobs in the NOC code in Canada demand advanced qualifications, such as a university degree or years of experience. These roles include positions like financial analysts and engineers, requiring specialised education and skills.

Here is a table with NOC codes for TEER 1 jobs.

NOC CodeOccupation
11101Financial and investment analysts
11103Securities agents, investment dealers, and brokers
11109Other financial officers
11200Human resources professionals
51100Librarians

TEER 2: Supervisory or Safety-Focused Occupations

TEER 2 roles under the NOC code in Canada typically require post-secondary education or supervisory experience. Jobs in this category include roles like finance or logistics supervisors, focusing on leadership and safety responsibilities.

Here is a table with NOC codes for TEER 2 jobs.

NOC CodeOccupation
12011Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers
12012Supervisors, library, correspondence and related information workers
12013Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling coordination occupations
12100Executive assistants
12101Human resources and recruitment officers

TEER 3: Jobs Requiring Over Six Months of On-the-Job Training

TEER 3 occupations in the Canada NOC code are mid-level roles requiring moderate education or on-the-job training. Examples include administrative officers and payroll administrators, requiring less formal education but practical experience.

Here is a table with NOC codes for TEER 3 jobs.

NOC CodeOccupation
13100Administrative officers
13101Property administrators
13102Payroll administrators
13200Customs, ship and other brokers
13201Production and transportation logistics coordinators

TEER 4: Jobs Requiring a Few Weeks of On-the-Job Training

TEER 4 jobs in the NOC code in Canada are entry-level positions with minimal training requirements. Roles like receptionists and office support workers fall into this category, focusing on tasks that can be learned quickly.

Here is a table with NOC codes for TEER 4 jobs.

NOC CodeOccupation 
14100General office support workers
14101Receptionists
14102Personnel clerks
14103Court clerks and related court services occupations
14111Data entry clerks

TEER 5: Roles with Short-Term Work Experience and No Formal Education Needed

TEER 5 under the NOC code in Canada covers jobs that require no formal education and are often learned through short-term work experience. Typical roles include food counter attendants and light-duty cleaners.

Here is a table with NOC codes for TEER 5 jobs.

NOC CodeOccupation
65201Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
65210Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services
65211Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
65310Light duty cleaners
65311Specialised cleaners

Conclusion

Understanding your NOC Code in Canada is essential for both immigration and job opportunities. From securing permanent residency to matching your skills with high-demand jobs, your NOC code is critical in your journey to work or live in Canada. Knowing where your job fits within the Canadian labour market gives you a clear advantage.

If you’re thinking about working in Canada, studying there can boost your chances. Gaining a Canadian education strengthens your qualifications and enhances your understanding of the local job market. 

Leap Scholar offers tailored services to help you succeed. From personalised university selection and SOP reviews to visa assistance and IELTS preparation, we will guide you through every step of the process. 

Take the next step in your education journey and connect with Leap Scholar today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. What is the NOC Code in Canada?

    Ans. The NOC Code in Canada stands for National Occupational Classification. It’s a system the Canadian government uses to classify jobs in the labour market. Each job is assigned a five-digit code based on the skills, education, experience, and responsibilities involved. This code is essential for anyone applying for immigration, work permits, or job opportunities in Canada, as it helps match your qualifications to the right job.

  • Q. What does NOC classification in Canada mean?

    Ans. The NOC classification in Canada refers to the system used to categorise all jobs in the Canadian labour market. It helps classify occupations based on skills, education, experience, and responsibilities. This system ensures that jobs are consistently classified, making it easier for immigration and employment purposes.

  • Q. What are TEER categories?

    Ans. TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. These categories classify jobs based on what’s required to perform them. There are six TEER levels, with TEER 0 for management roles and TEER 5 for jobs requiring no formal education. Each level clarifies what kind of education and experience is necessary for different occupations. This makes understanding how your job fits into the Canadian labour market easier.

  • Q. How do I find my NOC Code?

    Ans. You can find your NOC Code by visiting the official Government of Canada website, which offers a specific search tool. You only need to enter your job title or a keyword related to your profession. Once you have a list of possible matches, read through the job descriptions to find the one that closely matches your current role. Pay special attention to the TEER category, which must align with your qualifications and work experience.

  • Q. What are popular NOC Codes for skilled workers?

    Ans. Popular NOC Codes for skilled workers include jobs in fields like engineering, healthcare, and finance. Below are some examples.
    Computer Engineer: NOC 21311
    Doctor: NOC 31209
    Software Engineer: NOC 21231

  • Q. What is the NOC Canada list?

    Ans. The NOC Canada list is an official list of all occupations classified by the Canadian government under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This list organises jobs based on skills, education, experience, and responsibilities, helping employers and immigration authorities evaluate candidates effectively.

  • Q. What is the difference between TEER 1 and TEER 2?

    Ans. TEER 1 and TEER 2 differ mainly in the level of education and experience required. TEER 1 jobs typically need a university degree or several years of related experience. These are often high-skilled roles, like engineers or doctors. On the other hand, TEER 2 positions usually require post-secondary education, apprenticeship training, or supervisory experience. Jobs in TEER 2 might include skilled trades or technical roles.

  • Q. Why does the NOC Code matter for students in Canada?

    Ans. The NOC code is vital for international students in determining their eligibility for post-graduation work permits and immigration programs. Knowing your NOC code before graduation lets you plan your career path and ensure your job experience meets the requirements for work or immigration opportunities in Canada.

  • Q. What NOC Codes are common for healthcare professionals?

    Ans. Healthcare professionals have specific NOC codes that reflect their expertise and qualifications. Below are some examples.
    Doctors: NOC 31209
    Registered Nurses: NOC 30102 
    These jobs are often in high demand in Canada, and having the correct NOC code can boost your chances of securing a job and permanent residency.

  • Q. Do students need to know their NOC Code before graduation?

    Ans. Yes, it’s a good idea for students to know their NOC code before graduation. This helps them plan their job search and ensures their work experience qualifies for immigration programs after graduation. By understanding the NOC system early, students can choose internships or part-time jobs that align with their long-term career and immigration goals.

  • Q. How can I use the NOC occupation list in Canada to find my job classification?

    Ans. You can use the NOC occupation list in Canada by searching for your job title or related roles. The list includes responsibilities, education, and experience requirements, helping you choose the correct NOC code that fits your job profile.

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