NOC Finder — Occupation Code Lookup 2026

What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's official system for describing occupations. Statistics Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada maintain it. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provincial nominee programs use NOC codes to decide whether your work experience counts as skilled for programs such as Express Entry.

Each occupation is identified by a 5-digit NOC code (for example, 21231 for software engineers) and grouped into a TEER category (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities). Since November 2022, IRCC uses NOC 2021 with the TEER system. Older NOC 2016 skill levels (NOC 0, A, B, C, D) are no longer used for new Express Entry profiles.

Key immigration terms

• NOC code — Five-digit number for your job's unit group (e.g. 31301 for registered nurses).
• TEER — Skill level from 0 (management) to 5 (short work demonstration). TEER 0–3 are generally skilled for Express Entry.
• Unit group — Broad job category; many similar job titles share one NOC code.
• Lead statement & main duties — Official description on the NOC website; your experience must align with these duties.
• CRS — Federal Express Entry points. Calculate your CRS score after confirming your NOC.
• CLB — Language levels for immigration. Convert IELTS or CELPIP to CLB.

How does this NOC Finder work?

This tool searches the same imported NOC 2021 database used across our immigration calculators — more than 28,000 occupation titles linked to 516 unit groups. You can search by:

• Job title — Type at least two characters (e.g. “registered nurse”, “software developer”).
• NOC code — Enter the first digits of a 5-digit code (e.g. “21231”).

Results show the occupation title, NOC code, TEER level, unit group name, and whether the occupation is typically eligible for Express Entry skilled programs. Always verify duties and education requirements on the official IRCC NOC finder before submitting an application.

NOC TEER levels and Express Entry eligibility

*TEER 4 and 5 may qualify for some provincial streams or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) in limited cases. Category-based Express Entry draws may also target specific NOC codes regardless of broader TEER rules.

Why your NOC code matters for PNPs and CRS

Your NOC affects eligibility across federal and provincial programs:

• Express Entry (FSW, CEC) — Usually requires TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 and work experience that matches the NOC lead statement.
• Category-based draws — IRCC may invite candidates in targeted occupations (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, French proficiency).
• Provincial Nominee Programs — Ontario, BC, Alberta, and other provinces list in-demand NOCs. Compare pathways with our PNP Score Calculator, OINP Calculator, or BC PNP Calculator.
• Job offers & LMIA — Employers must nominate the correct NOC when supporting work permits or permanent residence.

How to choose the correct NOC code

IRCC assesses whether your actual job duties match the NOC, not just your job title on paper. Follow these steps:

1. Search this tool for titles similar to your role and note candidate NOC codes.
2. Open each code on the official NOC website and read the lead statement and main duties.
3. Compare duties to your reference letters and employment history (usually the last 10 years, with skilled experience often within the last 3 years for CEC).
4. Select the code where most duties align; if multiple fit, choose the most specific match.
5. Use the same NOC consistently in Express Entry, provincial registrations, and supporting documents.

NOC 2016 vs. NOC 2021

Disclaimer: This NOC Finder is an unofficial search tool for informational purposes only. NOC assignments depend on your specific duties and supporting documents. TEER eligibility summaries are general guides, not legal advice. Always confirm your classification on Statistics Canada NOC and IRCC, or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).