Canadian NOC List 2026
National Occupational Classification Guide

What Is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's official system for categorising and describing jobs based on the training, education, experience, and responsibilities they require. It is managed jointly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Every occupation in Canada is assigned a unique 5-digit NOC code. When you apply for Canadian immigration through Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or any other skilled worker pathway, your NOC code determines whether your occupation qualifies and which immigration programs are available to you.

On November 16, 2022, Canada transitioned from the previous NOC 2016 system to the new NOC 2021 version — a major structural update that introduced the TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) classification framework.

TEER Categories — The Foundation of NOC 2021

The most significant change in NOC 2021 is the introduction of TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) categories. These replace the old Skill Level system (O, A, B, C, D) and provide a clearer, more precise way to classify occupations based on what they actually require.

There are six TEER categories (0 through 5). Your TEER category directly determines your eligibility for Canada's main immigration programs including Express Entry, PNP streams, and the Canadian Experience Class.

Why Your NOC Code Matters for Canadian Immigration

Your NOC code is not just an administrative detail — it is the single most important factor in determining which Canadian immigration programs you are eligible for. Here is why getting your NOC right is critical:

• Express Entry Eligibility: The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) only accept TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations. If your NOC falls under TEER 4 or 5, you are not eligible for these programs.
• CRS Points: Your NOC code determines your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in part — specifically your arranged employment points if you have a Canadian job offer in your NOC.
• PNP Streams: Every provincial nomination program has its own occupation list based on NOC codes. Your NOC determines which provinces and streams you can apply to.
• Work Experience Credit: Only work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations counts toward Express Entry eligibility requirements.
• Job Offer Points: If you receive a Canadian job offer, the NOC code of the offered position must match an eligible category to earn additional CRS points.

How to Find Your NOC Code — Step by Step

Finding the correct NOC code for your occupation is a critical step in any Canadian immigration application. An incorrect NOC code can result in application refusal or delays. Here is the process recommended by the Government of Canada:

1. 1

   Search the NOC Table on This Page

   Use the full official NOC list below to search for your job title. Find your occupation, note the 5-digit NOC code and the TEER category shown next to it.

2. 2

   Verify on the Official ESDC NOC Website

   Go to the official NOC website by ESDC. Select NOC 2021 Version 1.0 from the dropdown menu and search for your occupation using either the title or numeric code.

3. 3

   Match the Main Duties Description

   Read the main duties listed for the occupation carefully. These must match what you actually did in your job. If the main duties do not match your actual responsibilities, you must find a different NOC code that accurately describes your work.

4. 4

   Note Your Code, Title, and TEER

   Record three key pieces of information: the 5-digit numeric code (e.g., 21231), the official job title (e.g., Software engineers and designers), and the TEER category (e.g., TEER 1). These will be needed for all immigration applications.

5. 5

   Confirm with an Immigration Expert

   If you are unsure about your NOC code or TEER category, consult with a registered immigration consultant. An incorrect NOC selection is one of the most common and costly mistakes in Canadian immigration applications. Get a free assessment from Immigration Experts →

NOC Codes and Canada Express Entry

Canada Express Entry is the most popular and fastest route to Canadian permanent residency. Your NOC code is the cornerstone of your Express Entry profile. Here is how the two systems interact:

Which TEER Categories Qualify for Express Entry?

• TEER 0, 1, 2, 3: Eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.
• TEER 4 and 5: Generally not eligible for federal Express Entry programs. Some Provincial Nominee Programs may still accept these occupations through their own streams.

How Your NOC Affects Your CRS Score

Within Express Entry, your NOC code affects your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the following ways:

• Arranged Employment: A valid Canadian job offer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation earns you 50–200 additional CRS points depending on the NOC code and whether the employer is exempt from LMIA requirements.
• Canadian Work Experience: Only work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations counts toward the CRS work experience points and toward CEC eligibility.
• Provincial Nomination: When a province nominates you based on your NOC, you receive 600 additional CRS points — virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Full Official NOC 2021 List — All Occupations

NOC Code Guide for Pakistani Applicants — Most In-Demand Occupations

Pakistani professionals applying for Canadian immigration through Express Entry or PNP need to confirm their correct NOC code as the very first step. Here are the most common and in-demand NOC codes for Pakistani applicants:

Top NOC Codes for Pakistani Professionals

• NOC 21231 — Software Engineers and Designers (TEER 1): One of the most invited occupations in all Express Entry draws. Extremely high demand across all provinces.
• NOC 21300 — Civil Engineers (TEER 1): Strong demand in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Queensland. Eligible for most PNP streams.
• NOC 31301 — Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (TEER 1): Consistently the highest-priority occupation in nearly every state and provincial nomination program.
• NOC 11100 — Financial Auditors and Accountants (TEER 1): Popular among Pakistani professionals. High competition — a strong CRS score is essential.
• NOC 21310 — Electrical and Electronics Engineers (TEER 1): Strong demand from Canada's growing clean energy and technology sectors.
• NOC 21220 — Cybersecurity Specialists (TEER 1): Newly added in NOC 2021. Extremely high demand and relatively few qualified candidates — excellent for high CRS scores.
• NOC 72300 — Plumbers (TEER 2): Strong demand across all provinces especially for skilled trades workers from Pakistan.
• NOC 72200 — Electricians (TEER 2): Consistently in-demand trades occupation across Canada.
• NOC 31102 — General Practitioners and Family Physicians (TEER 1): Extremely high demand especially in rural and regional Canada.