The TEER NOC Code is an updated version of the NOC 2016. The latest NOC 2021 system was implemented on November 16, 2022. This implies that all new application submissions after November 16 last year must switch to the new NOC system.
The National Occupational Classification is a standard system with national recognition for all job occupations in Canada’s labor market. Furthermore, NOC is responsible for assigning a code to each occupation and a job description. Besides this, IRCC assesses the work experience of all applicants through NOC.
Additionally, numerous immigration streams require work experience in specific occupations under NOC.
Hence, all applicants must clearly understand the NOC codes and their functions.
Defining the TEER NOC code system
The NOC system is a standard system that uses the NOC parameters to associate a code with each occupation available in the Canadian labor market. For instance, applicants might apply under a stream or pathway and will be asked to demonstrate their work experience through the NOC code that suits them. Several economic streams also require them to prove their experience in specific occupations, which is against particular NOC codes.
NOC codes- their working process
The most crucial part of an immigration application is to choose the right NOC code. In case you select a NOC code that doesn’t align with your work experience, your application might face refusal. Therefore, checking and choosing the right NOC code that aligns with your work experience is vital. Besides this, you must also demonstrate it through the right set of documents.
However, in the case of Canadian immigration, your job title isn’t necessary to decide your NOC code. What is more substantial is to check whether your code matches the work experience and fits well with the primary statement. Furthermore, you must make sure that you have carried out the given set of duties and responsibilities according to the list. Hence, while verifying all this, you might observe that your work experience aligns with varied NOC codes. Additionally, you might notice that the job title falls under a specific NOC code which is not according to your work experience.
The updated NOC can be defined as the TEER system in which Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities categories are present. The TEER system can be classified into the following six categories. These begin from TEER 0 to TEER 5. Also, your NOC code’s second digit will determine your TEER category.
Division of NOC codes are as follows:
The first digit reflects the broad occupational category.
- Second digit- TEER category
- A combination of the first two digits provides the major group.
- All first three digits reflect the sub-major group.
- Clubbing all four digits provides the minor group.
- All five digits together reflect the occupation or unit group.
NOC TEERs
TEER 0– Management Occupations
TEER 1
- Obtaining a University degree in the form of a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate.
- Considerable experience in a specific occupation within TEER category 2. (When required)
TEER 2
- Acquiring an education in a post-secondary program for two to three years. It could be at a community college, the institution of technology, or CEGEP.
- Demonstrating an apprenticeship training program for two to five years.
- Occupations that involve significant responsibilities like supervising and ensuring safety. For instance, firefighters and police officers.
- If applicable, a considerable experience of several years under TEER category 3 in specific occupations.
TEER 3
- Completing education under a post-secondary program with a duration of below two years. Candidates must have studied at the institute of technology, community college, or CEGEP.
- Below is two years’ Apprenticeship Training.
- Candidates must demonstrate on-the-job training, particular work experience, training courses, and education from a secondary school.
- Considerable experience in a particular occupation from TEER category 4 (if required).
TEER 4
- Secondary school education.
- Getting on-the-job training and secondary school education.
- Possessing adequate work experience in a particular profession under TEER 5 category.
TEER 5
Lastly, under the TEER 5 category, candidates won’t need to display formal education proof and only have a shorter work duration.
NOC TEER work categories- high-skilled and low-skilled work
In the case of Canadian immigration, candidates must understand that work can be categorized as high-skilled and low-skilled. However, this will depend upon the occupation classification. For instance, the occupation associated with TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 falls under high-skilled work. Meanwhile, an occupation classification within TEER 4 and 5 fall under low-skilled work.
The NOC TEER code essentially works in the following ways:
- The first NOC code deals with the broad occupational category, which includes ten skill types from 0 to 9, indicating all work areas.
- Next, the NOC code’s second digit deals with the TEER. The TEER comprises five skill levels against a NOC code’s second digit. For instance, if the second digit is 0, the TEER skill level will be 0. This shall follow for other codes as well.
NOC codes- major and minor groups
The major groups are formed when we combine the first two digits. For instance, major group 31 consists of a majority of health occupations with eligibility for university education. Moreover, all the occupations will receive a NOC code, starting with 31. Professions like dentists, pharmacists, and nutritionists are a part of this.
On the other hand, minor groups represent the first three digits. The minor groups perform the function of clubbing similar occupations within every major group. For instance, minor group 411 consists of judges and lawyers. Additionally, minor group 415 comprises family counselors and social workers.
Know your NOC code
The NOC matrix can help you determine your appropriate TEER NOC code through your industry, job title, and other keywords. Ensure that your introductory statement aligns with your job description. Furthermore, you must ensure you have experience with the responsibilities and duties per the NOC code list.
Besides this, you must stay attentive to the exclusions under NOC. For instance, if you have an occupation that aligns with a specific NOC code and also with another code that is categorized as an exclusion, you can’t display that occupation.
Moreover, if you claim a specific NOC code, ensure you have accurate documentation to prove your experience in the form of reference letters. You must be connected with your former employers to obtain them. In another scenario, your occupation might align with several different NOC codes. Therefore, carefully analyze which one suits you the most. Apart from this, you must know that the visa officers have complete knowledge of the NOC matrix. If they find that your occupation aligns with a different NOC code, they might reject your application immediately.
