Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is at the core of all major immigration pathways, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), LMIA applications, and work permits.

If you are planning to immigrate, selecting the correct NOC code is one of the most important steps — because your daily job duties, not your job title, determine your eligibility.

This guide provides a complete NOC list, explains how the system works, and helps you identify the right code for your application.

What Are NOC Codes?

A NOC code is a 5-digit number assigned to every occupation in Canada's labor market.

Example:

• 21231 – Software Engineers and Designers
• 33109 – Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

Each NOC code groups occupations based on:

• Skill level
• Industry
• Job duties
• Training & education requirements

Why NOC Codes Matter for Immigration

Choosing the correct NOC is crucial because it affects:

• Eligibility for Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST)

  Certain TEER levels qualify, others do not.

• CRS Score Calculation

  Work experience counts only if matched to a valid NOC.

• Work Permit & LMIA Requirements

• PNP Eligibility

Each province nominates based on specific NOC codes.
Incorrect NOC selection → Rejection for misrepresentation.

How the NOC System Is Structured (TEER Levels Explained)

To qualify for the Express Entry, your work experience must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, which cover skilled and professional roles. These include management jobs, degree-based professions, technical occupations, and skilled trades such as chefs, lab technologists, electricians, and carpenters.

In NOC 2021, Canada replaced the old "Skill Type 0, A, B" with TEER levels:

How to Find Your Correct NOC Code

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Search your job title

Use keywords like "accountant," "nurse," "IT technician," etc.

Step 2: Match job duties (most important)

Your chosen NOC must reflect 80% or more of your actual duties.

Step 3: Check employment requirements

This ensures your background fits TEER expectations.

Step 4: Select the NOC version used by IRCC

IRCC currently uses NOC 2021 (TEER system).

Complete NOC Code List (Major Categories + TEER Levels)

Below is a consolidated table of All NOC Major Groups (00–95) as per NOC 2021.

A. Management Occupations (NOC 00–09)

High-level leadership roles responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing operations. Essential for TEER 0 immigration pathways.

B. Business, Finance & Administration Occupations (NOC 10–19)

Skilled professionals supporting business operations, accounting, HR, and administrative systems. Strong demand across Express Entry and PNP programs.

C. Natural & Applied Sciences (NOC 20–29)

STEM-based roles including engineers, IT professionals, scientists, and technicians. Frequently targeted in category-based Express Entry draws.

D. Health Occupations (NOC 30–33)

Includes nurses, physicians, therapists, and medical technologists. One of Canada's highest-demand sectors with strong PR opportunities.

E. Education, Law & Social Community (NOC 40–44)

Teachers, lawyers, social workers, and counsellors who support learning, legal systems, and community well-being. Regularly featured in labour shortage lists.

F. Art, Culture, Recreation & Sports (NOC 50–54)

Creative and cultural professionals contributing to media, entertainment, heritage, and sports sectors. Select roles qualify under skilled TEER levels.

G. Sales & Service Occupations (NOC 60–65)

Customer-facing roles across retail, hospitality, and service industries. Some supervisory and specialized positions are eligible under TEER 2–3.

H. Trades, Transport & Equipment (NOC 70–75)

Skilled tradespeople such as electricians, welders, mechanics, and truck drivers. A major focus for PNPs due to nationwide shortages.

I. Natural Resources, Agriculture & Production (NOC 80–85)

Roles in farming, forestry, mining, and food production that support Canada's resource-based economy. Many provinces prioritize these occupations for immigration.

J. Manufacturing & Utilities (NOC 90–95)

Sample NOC Codes by Popular Job Categories

IT & Engineering

Healthcare

Business & Finance

Common Mistakes Immigrants Make With NOC Codes

• Selecting NOC based on job title only
• Choosing a NOC from a different TEER level
• Duties do not match (leads to misrepresentation)
• Mixing multiple NOCs in one experience letter
• Using outdated / wrong NOC versions

Tips to Strengthen Your Immigration Profile (EEAT-Oriented)

Document Your Experience with Accuracy

Ensure your experience letters list duties matching your NOC.

Provide Proof of Skills & Credentials

Show education, certifications, or training aligned with TEER.

Maintain Transparency

IRCC evaluates applicants based on documented claims — accuracy builds "Trustworthiness."

Demonstrate Expertise

Aligning your role with the right NOC reflects professional integrity.

Conclusion

Selecting the right NOC code is one of the most critical steps for any immigration pathway. A well-chosen NOC that accurately reflects your job duties increases eligibility, strengthens your application, and ensures compliance with IRCC rules.