Every job in Canada has a NOC 2021 code and belongs to one of 6 TEER categories. For work permit holders, TEER affects many important decisions.
The 6 TEER categories
| TEER | Usual requirement |
|---|---|
| 0 | Management occupations |
| 1 | Usually a university degree |
| 2 | Usually a college diploma, apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| 3 | Usually a college diploma, apprenticeship under 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training |
| 4 | Usually a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training |
| 5 | Usually a short work demonstration and no formal education |
What TEER affects
| Topic | Effect of TEER according to IRCC |
|---|---|
| Open work permit for a spouse | Only if the worker is in TEER 0, 1 or a listed TEER 2 or 3 job (for workers not on a PR pathway) |
| Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class | Experience must be TEER 0 to 3; language CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0, 1 and 5 for TEER 2, 3 |
| AIP, RCIP, FCIP | Experience must match the job offer's TEER under each program's table |
| C16 work permit | Any TEER, except primary agriculture in TEER 4 and 5 |
Finding the right code
- Search ESDC's NOC site, version NOC 2021.
- Choose the code whose main duties match your real job, not just the title.
- Your experience must show the actions in the lead statement and most of the main duties.
Regulated occupations
Some occupations in Canada are regulated and need a provincial licence, such as nurses, engineers and electricians. According to IRCC, they often require stronger language skills and Canadian professional standards. Check with the provincial regulator before you go.
Note Declaring a wrong NOC code to qualify for a program is misrepresentation. Your code must reflect the work you actually do.
Regional wages on Job Bank
English, education and experience
Medical exams and police certificates