TEER, Express Entry, and NOC Codes: Everything You Need to Know

The Express Entry program is designed to help skilled workers immigrate to Canada. In order to create an Express Entry profile and immigrate through any of the three Express Entry programs, you need to know the NOC code and TEER for the type of work you do. 

What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a catalogue of the occupations (jobs) that exist within the Canadian labour market. Each occupation is accompanied by a description of the duties that are usually undertaken while working in that occupation, the level of training or education needed for that occupation, and a code.

Immigrants who are applying through any of the three Express Entry programs need to know their NOC code. The code is used throughout the application process to confirm that your occupation is aligned with the type of skilled work that the Government of Canada and IRCC are trying to attract with the Express Entry program.

You can find your NOC Code by searching the National Occupational Classification search tool. There may be more than one NOC code that fits your occupation. Choose the one that best matches your job title and job description.

What is TEER?

Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) is a way of categorizing the levels of experience and training that are needed to be employed in an occupation. The TEER of an occupation is represented by a number from 0 to 5.

You can think of the TEER system as a list of skill levels - the lower the TEER number is, the more education and training you are likely to need to be employed in that career. 

The TEER category of your occupation can be found when you search for your NOC code. Here is an example, using various occupations found under the broad category “banking”:

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Your TEER category also corresponds to the second digit in your NOC code. In the above example, you can tell that “banking, credit, and other investment managers” are TEER 0 because the second digit is 0 - the NOC code is 10021. Financial advisors, meanwhile, are TEER 1 - their NOC code is 11102. 

TEER Categories and Career Examples

TEER Category

Description of the TEER Category

Occupation Examples

TEER 0

Management responsibilities

• Managers
• Government officials 
• Senior officials

TEER 1

Occupations that typically require a university degree

• Doctors
• Data scientists
• Financial advisors 
• Architects

TEER 2

Occupations that typically require 2 to 3 years of post-secondary education

• Supervisors
• Transcriptionists
• Insurance 
• Underwriters
• Machinists

TEER 3

Occupations that typically require the completion of a post-secondary education program of less than two years

• Medical administrative assistants 
• Correctional officers
• Actors
• Dancers

TEER 4

Occupations that typically require a high school diploma and/or several weeks of on the job training

• Receptionists
• Data entry clerks
• Home support workers
• Bartenders

TEER 5

Occupations that require no formal education, and little on-the-job training

• Cashiers
• Labourers
• Delivery service drivers
• Janitors

How does TEER affect Express Entry?

The TEER category of your occupation is one of the most important factors when determining whether or not you are eligible for Express Entry. Each of the three Express Entry programs have their own requirements for the minimum TEER level your occupation must be in.

TEER and the Canadian Experience Class

In the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), your occupation must be TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, in addition to the other qualifications needed to immigrate through the program.

TEER and the Federal Skilled Worker Program

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), your occupation must be TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, in addition to the other qualifications needed to immigrate through the program. 

TEER and the Federal Skilled Trades Program

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), your occupation must be in TEER 2 or 3. Unlike the other two streams, your NOC code must be in a specific major group (represented by the first two digits of your NOC code) or minor group (represented by the first four digits of your NOC code). 

As of November, 2023, you can apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program with NOC codes:

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• Beginning in 72 (except those beginning in 726)
• Beginning in 73
• Beginning in 82
• Beginning 83
• Beginning 92
• Beginning in 93 (except those beginning in 932)
• Beginning in 6320
• NOC Code 62200 (chefs)

Want to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry program? Cedric can help

The NOC and TEER system are essential parts of the Express Entry program. To better understand if you qualify for Express Entry under the new TEER system, which was introduced with NOC 2021, you should speak to an immigration lawyer.

Express Entry is one of the best ways for skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Cédric Marin has years of experience with Express Entry applications. He can help you determine whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry, help you complete your application, and more. Book a consultation with him today. 

FAQ

How do I find my NOC code and TEER?

To apply for Express Entry and complete your Express Entry profile, you need to know whether or not you are eligible - and to do that, you need to find your NOC code and TEER.

Use the National Occupational Classification search tool, and look up your job title. Express Entry applicants should take the time to ensure that the occupational description for the NOC code they choose closely matches the job duties of their occupation. 

The TEER of your occupation (a number from 0 to 5) will be the second digit of your NOC code. For example, payroll administrators (NOC Code 13102) are TEER 3.

What are the newly eligible occupations for Express Entry as of NOC 2021?

NOC 2021 introduced 16 newly eligible occupations for Express Entry. They are:

• Payroll administrators
• Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
• Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
• Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
• Sheriffs and bailiffs 
• Correctional service officers 
• By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers 
• Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations 
• Residential and commercial installers and servicers 
• Pest controllers and fumigators 
• Other repairers and servicers 
• Transport truck drivers 
• Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
• Heavy equipment operators
• Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors

What occupations are no longer eligible for Express Entry as of NOC 2021?

3 occupations are no longer eligible for Express Entry under NOC 2021. They are:

• Other performers
• Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
• Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners

Which TEER is eligible for Express Entry?

Occupations in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 meet the TEER eligibility requirement for the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Workers Program. Some occupations in TEER 2 or 3 are eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. 

Is TEER 3 eligible for Express Entry?

All TEER 3 occupations are eligible for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Workers Program. Some (but not all) TEER 3 occupations are eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Is TEER 4 eligible for Express Entry?

Occupations in TEER 4 are not eligible for Express Entry. This is also true for occupations in TEER 5. People with occupations in TEER 4 or TEER 5 seeking permanent residence in Canada will have to immigrate through another program. 

My occupation isn’t eligible for Express Entry. What can I do?

There are several different immigration programs that offer pathways to permanent residence that do not have the same TEER requirements as Express Entry. These programs include:

• The Atlantic Immigration Program
• The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• The Agri-Food Pilot

You may also qualify for Provincial Nominee programs, depending on the province you want to immigrate to. Cédric Marin can help you select the immigration program that’s right for your needs - book a consultation with him today.