NOC TEER Levels Explained: How They Affect Your Express Entry Application
If you are looking to apply for Canadian immigration through Express Entry Canada, you might have come across the term NOC TEER level. But do you know what it really means and how it can affect your application?
Canada uses the National Occupational Classification system for categorization and evaluation of job roles. In 2022, the country updated the system with a new structure called TEER. It stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what NOC TEER levels (0 to 5) are, how these levels can impact your Express Entry profile, and how you can choose the correct classification to improve your chances of Canadian permanent residency.
What is Express Entry and How Does NOC TEER Fit In?
Express Entry is Canada’s core immigration system for skilled workers. It selects skilled workers by giving them points for their age, education, work experience, and language skills, then invites the top scorers to apply for permanent residence.
Your job experience should fall under the NOC TEER levels to qualify under Express Entry. As per the recent update, only the TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 jobs are eligible to participate in Express Entry.
Your CRS or Comprehensive Ranking System score, which is determined by your TEER category, also gives you a ranking in the Express Entry pool. Hence, one needs to select the appropriate level of NOC TEER. For this, we should know the NOC system.
What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?
The Canadian National Occupational Classification represents a standardized framework that is applied to explain all labor market jobs in the country. The system was developed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada.
Importance of NOC
It helps classify occupations based on different parameters, including:
- Job title
- Job duties
- Required education and experience
For immigration, the NOC helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to determine if your work experience reflects Canadian job standards or otherwise.
The system was, however, revised in 2021. Let’s understand how it works now.
NOC 2016 vs. TEER System: Why the Change?
Before 2022, Skill level (0, A, B, C, D) was used to classify jobs. This skill level structure was considered too broad and was replaced in November 2022.
IRCC switched to the National Occupational Classification Canada (NOC 2021 Version 1.0). It is a more precise model that is based on TEER.
- Training
- Education
- Experience
- Responsibilities
This updated structure better reflects real-world job requirements and gives applicants more clarity.
NOC TEER Category System (TEER 0 to 5)
Canada’s NOC TEER level system divides all occupations into six levels, from TEER 0 to TEER 5. Each level reflects the amount of training, education, experience, and responsibilities required for the job.
Understanding your TEER category is important for determining your eligibility under Express Entry.
TEER 0 – Management Occupations
- Description: Senior management positions
- Education: University degree
- Experience: Years of work experience
- Examples: Financial manager, Marketing director
- Eligible: FSWP, CEC
- May or may not require months of on-the-job training courses
TEER 1 – Professional Occupations
- Description: Deep knowledge roles
- Education: Bachelor’s or higher
- Examples: Lawyer, Data Scientist
- Eligible: FSWP, CEC
TEER 2 – Technical Jobs and Supervisors
- Description: Specialized or supervisory roles
- Education: College diploma or apprenticeship
- Examples: Network technician, Electrician supervisor
- Often found in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- Requires weeks of on-the-job training courses
TEER 3 – Skilled Trades and Technicians
- Description: Requires shorter programs
- Education: College or trade school
- Examples: Butchers, Dental assistants
- Eligible: FSTP, CEC
TEER 4 – Intermediate Jobs
- Description: Entry-level roles
- Education: High school
- Examples: Retail sales, Receptionists
- Not eligible under Express Entry
- Some involve short-term work demonstration and no formal education requirements
TEER 5 – Labor Jobs
- Description: Minimal education/training
- Examples: Cleaners, Delivery drivers
- Not eligible under Express Entry
It means you need to find your NOC TEER level to know if you are eligible for the Express Entry program or not.
How to Find Your NOC TEER Level
Follow these steps to find your NOC TEER level.
Visit the National Occupational Classification (NOC) website
- Search your job title
- Match your job duties (not just title)
- Confirm:
- NOC code
- TEER level
- Major group & Minor group
Impact of NOC TEER Levels on Express Entry Canada
Your NOC TEER level plays a critical role throughout the Express Entry process, from eligibility and points calculation to job offer validation and final approval. Understanding how each TEER level impacts your profile can help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Here’s how your TEER of the national occupation classification directly affects your Express Entry journey:
1. Eligibility for Express Entry Programs
Only TEER levels 0, 1, 2, and 3 are eligible under Express Entry. If your job falls under TEER 4 or 5, you won’t qualify for any of the three Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC). Selecting the wrong TEER level can instantly make you ineligible.
2. Makes An Impact On Your CRS Score
Your work experience, education, and level of skills are used to give you points through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You will only get points in your CRS score based on skilled experience under TEER 0-3.
Besides, occupations that fall under NOC TEER LEVEL 0 and 1 usually have higher education requirements, and these will enhance your scoring in the education and skills transferability categories.
Don’ t know where you stand? To see how your profile is ranked in the Express Entry pool, one can use a free CRS Score Test, which will help determine whether you are eligible.
3. Job Offer Matching (LMIA)
If you have a job offer, it must match the correct TEER level and job duties listed under your chosen NOC code. IRCC and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will review the offer to make sure it aligns with your NOC classification.
A mismatch may result in the offer being rejected and that could lower your CRS score or lead to refusal.
4. Category-Based Draws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now holds targeted Express Entry draws based on occupational categories and TEER levels.
Examples include:
- Health professionals (usually TEER 1)
- Skilled trades like electricians and welders (TEER 2 or 3)
- Tech roles (commonly TEER 1)
So if your TEER level matches a priority occupation, your chances of receiving an ITA increase significantly.
Want to know which jobs are in high demand for Express Entry draws? Check out our guide on Express Entry Category-Based Draws: Best Jobs In-Demand 2025.
5. Post-ITA Document Review
Once an Invitation to Apply is sent to you, IRCC will compare your work experience with your chosen TEER and NOC code.
They will ensure that you match the actual job duties or responsibilities in addition to the qualifications with the TEER declared.
If there’s a mismatch like overstating your responsibilities or misclassifying your occupation, your PR application can be refused even after getting an ITA.
Common Errors People Make Choosing a NOC Code
Selection of the right NOC code is an important part of your Express Entry application. Even small mistakes can lead to delays or rejection. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Relying only on job titles
Your actual job duties, not just the title, must match at least 75% of the NOC description.
- Ignoring NOC TEER Level requirements
Your code must align with your training, education, experience, and responsibilities.
- Using outdated NOC 2016 codes
Always use the updated NOC 2021 with TEER levels, not the older system.
- Selecting ineligible TEER levels
TEER 4 and 5 are not eligible for Express Entry. Only TEER 0–3 qualify.
- Assuming similar titles mean the same code
Different roles can have similar titles but very different duties. Always check the full NOC description.
- Mismatch with education or training
Your job duties must also align with your educational background and qualifications.
- Basing your choice on job ads or contracts
IRCC assesses your role based on the NOC description, not your employment contract or job posting.
To avoid these mistakes, it’s best to consult a professional immigration consultant in Canada who can guide you through the process and ensure your application meets all the necessary requirements.
How Canada Shaws Can Help
At Canada Shaws, we understand that selecting the correct NOC TEER level can be confusing but it’s one of the most important parts of your Express Entry application.
Our expert immigration consultants can
- Help you identify the right NOC code and TEER level
- Review your work experience and education for eligibility
- Ensure your application meets IRCC standards
- Guide you through CRS score improvement strategies
- Support you through the entire Express Entry process
Get professional advice tailored to your case. Book your free consultation today and let us help you take the next step toward Canadian permanent residency.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, your NOC TEER level is the backbone of your immigration profile. It decides if your job is valid for Express Entry and affects your CRS score.
From management occupations to skilled trades, Canada’s national occupational classification system ensures fair immigration assessment.
Contact us today for a personalized Express Entry Visa Consultation tailored to your immigration and financial goals. Our services go beyond the paperwork; we help you build your future.
