Immigrating to Canada has long been a goal for thousands of professionals around the world. The country’s progressive immigration system offers multiple pathways to permanent residency, many of which are designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute meaningfully to the economy. One of the foundational elements of Canada’s immigration system is the National Occupation Classification (NOC). This system categorizes jobs based on the type of work performed and is crucial for determining eligibility for various immigration programs.
In 2022, Canada implemented a significant update to the NOC system—replacing the previous skill level categories with a new framework called TEER, short for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. This change has far-reaching implications for immigration applicants, employers, and policymakers alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what the NOC TEER system is, how it works, and, most importantly, how it impacts your immigration options if you’re considering a move to Canada.
Understanding the NOC and TEER System
What Is the NOC?
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is Canada’s standardized system for classifying and describing occupations in the labor market. It groups jobs based on duties, the nature of the work, and employment requirements.
Previously, jobs were categorized using a skill-level system ranging from 0 to D. Under the older structure:
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Skill Level 0: Management jobs
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Skill Level A: Professional jobs that typically require a university degree
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Skill Level B: Technical jobs and skilled trades requiring college or apprenticeship training
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Skill Level C: Intermediate jobs requiring high school and/or job-specific training
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Skill Level D: Labour jobs that require on-the-job training
Transition to TEER System
In November 2022, the NOC system transitioned from the skill level structure to the TEER framework. The change aimed to better reflect the training, education, experience, and responsibilities required for a given job. Now, the classification includes six TEER levels, from 0 to 5.
Here’s how the new system aligns:
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TEER 0: Management occupations
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TEER 1: Occupations that usually require a university degree
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TEER 2: Occupations that usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of 2+ years
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TEER 3: Occupations that require college or apprenticeship training of less than 2 years
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TEER 4: Occupations requiring secondary school and/or on-the-job training
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TEER 5: Occupations requiring short-term work demonstration and no formal education
While it may seem similar to the previous version, the TEER system introduces more nuance by focusing not just on education but also on the complexity and responsibility involved in the job.
Why the Change Matters
The shift from NOC Skill Levels to TEERs is not just bureaucratic rebranding—it has real consequences. Many Canadian immigration pathways are dependent on job classification. Your TEER level could now determine:
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Whether you’re eligible to apply under Express Entry
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Whether you can apply through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
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Whether your job qualifies for a work permit
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Whether your spouse is eligible for an open work permit
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How your job is assessed for Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
Let’s take a deeper look at how the TEER classification impacts your specific immigration options.
TEER Classifications Explained
TEER 0: Management Occupations
These are high-level jobs that involve planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the operations of a business or department. Examples include:
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Marketing Managers
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Construction Managers
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Financial Managers
Immigration Impact: These jobs are typically highly favored in Express Entry and PNP streams. If you have experience in a TEER 0 occupation, you may receive high CRS points and priority nomination under several programs.
TEER 1: University-Degree Occupations
These roles usually require a university degree, though in some cases, equivalent experience and certifications may suffice. Examples include:
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Software Engineers
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Accountants
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Registered Nurses
Immigration Impact: TEER 1 occupations are widely accepted under Express Entry, especially in the Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class programs. Many provinces also offer PNP streams targeting TEER 1 professions, particularly in tech and health care.
TEER 2: College Diploma or Apprenticeship (2+ years)
These roles require specialized training through a college program or apprenticeship, often lasting more than two years. Examples include:
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Plumbers
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Electricians
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Medical Technologists
Immigration Impact: Skilled trades under TEER 2 are central to the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The need for workers in these fields is especially strong in regions like Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, often supported through PNPs.
TEER 3: Shorter College Programs or Apprenticeship (Under 2 years)
These jobs usually require shorter post-secondary programs or less intensive training than TEER 2 roles. Examples include:
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Bakers
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Dental Assistants
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Retail Supervisors
Immigration Impact: Many TEER 3 occupations are eligible under Express Entry and various PNPs. However, competition is fierce, and a strong combination of education, experience, and language skills is needed to remain competitive.
TEER 4: Secondary School and/or On-the-Job Training
These roles require a high school diploma or direct experience in the occupation. Examples include:
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Receptionists
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Truck Drivers
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Security Guards
Immigration Impact: While not eligible under Express Entry, many TEER 4 occupations are covered under PNPs or employer-driven immigration streams. Truck drivers, for instance, are in high demand in several provinces and are included in targeted immigration pilots.
TEER 5: Minimal Education or Work Demonstration
These jobs often require short-term training or physical aptitude rather than formal education. Examples include:
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Cashiers
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Landscaping Laborers
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Housekeepers
Immigration Impact: TEER 5 roles generally are not eligible under federal skilled immigration programs. However, they may qualify under temporary foreign worker streams or through pilot programs such as the Agri-Food Pilot.
How TEER Impacts Express Entry Eligibility
The Express Entry system primarily covers skilled workers through three programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
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Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Under the new TEER system, only TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations are eligible for Express Entry programs. TEER 4 and 5 occupations are excluded, meaning individuals working in these roles would need to look at alternative immigration streams.
If your job was previously eligible under Skill Level B but is now downgraded to TEER 4, this could significantly affect your eligibility for federal immigration programs.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and TEER
Each province has its own immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program. TEER levels influence how provinces target specific occupations based on labor market needs.
Examples:
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British Columbia: Uses TEER levels to assess eligibility for BC PNP Tech draws. TEER 1 and 2 tech occupations are frequently prioritized.
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Alberta: Prioritizes TEER 0–3 occupations in agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
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Ontario: Its Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream targets TEER 0–2 occupations in IT, healthcare, and finance.
Provincial programs are often more flexible than federal ones, meaning that even some TEER 4 roles can qualify if they are in high demand within the province.
TEER and LMIA-Based Work Permits
Employers applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) must specify the NOC code of the job being offered. The TEER classification associated with that NOC determines:
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Whether a transition plan is required
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The minimum wage requirements
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The recruitment process needed
Higher TEER jobs typically come with stricter employer obligations but are more likely to lead to permanent residency options for the worker.
TEER and Spousal Open Work Permits
One of the major perks of holding a work permit in Canada is the possibility for your spouse to get an open work permit. However, the eligibility of your spouse hinges on the TEER classification of your job.
As of recent policies:
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If the principal applicant holds a job in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, their spouse may be eligible for an open work permit.
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TEER 4 and 5 occupations generally do not grant spousal work permit eligibility, except in specific cases or pilot programs.
TEER and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program targets foreign workers and international graduates to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. The program accepts candidates in TEER 0 to TEER 4 occupations, making it one of the few pathways still open to lower-skilled occupations.
This makes the AIP an excellent alternative for those who may not qualify for Express Entry due to lower TEER levels.
TEER and Rural or Sector-Specific Pilots
Canada offers multiple pilot programs to address labor shortages in rural areas and specific sectors. These include:
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Agri-Food Pilot
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Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
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Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots
Many of these pilots accept applicants from TEER 4 and sometimes even TEER 5 occupations, depending on labor demands and program design. If your job falls outside Express Entry eligibility, pilot programs may provide a viable route to permanent residency.
Upgrading Your TEER Level: Strategies
If you find that your occupation is in TEER 4 or 5 and want to become eligible for more immigration pathways, here are a few strategies:
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Upskill through Canadian education: Completing a post-secondary program in Canada can lead to jobs in higher TEER levels.
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Gain experience and certifications: Advanced credentials or supervisory experience may help you reclassify your job into a higher TEER.
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Switch employers or job roles: If you’re on a work permit, changing to a role in TEER 0–3 could open more immigration doors.
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Apply through provincial programs: Many provinces have pathways for TEER 4 occupations if they’re in high demand.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the TEER classification system has modernized and fine-tuned Canada’s job categorization process. For immigration hopefuls, understanding how TEER levels align with various pathways is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Your TEER level affects everything from your eligibility for Express Entry to whether your spouse can work in Canada. Knowing where you stand allows you to make smarter decisions about your career, education, and immigration strategy.
Whether you’re a skilled professional, a tradesperson, or a semi-skilled worker, there is likely a pathway for you—but that path may look very different depending on your TEER classification. Start by identifying your NOC code, understand its TEER level, and explore the most relevant programs. The future of your Canadian immigration journey begins with knowing where you stand.
