01. Open the official NOC 2021 matrix
Go to noc.esdc.gc.ca and use the search box. Search by job title, keyword, or TEER. Never rely on a third-party NOC lookup — IRCC officers use the ESDC catalogue.
How to find a NOC code for Canadian PR
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 is the system IRCC uses to decide whether your work experience counts toward Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and most other economic immigration pathways. This guide walks through exactly how to find a NOC code that matches your job — and how to confirm it before you submit.
02. Read the lead statement, not the title
Two jobs with identical titles can map to different NOC codes. Open each candidate code and read the lead statement — it summarizes the occupation in one paragraph.
03. Compare the main duties to your real work
Copy the 'Main duties' bullet list. Tick the ones you actually perform day-to-day at your current job. IRCC requires a 'substantial number' to match.
04. Verify the TEER and skill type
Confirm the NOC's TEER (0, 1, 2, or 3 for Express Entry) qualifies for the program you're applying to — CEC, FSW, FST, or your target PNP stream.
05. Score your match before you submit
Use Check My NOC to score your reference-letter duties against the NOC. A duty match below ~70% is a red flag — pick a closer NOC code or rewrite your reference letter.
Official sources
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Paste your reference-letter duties and get a duty-by-duty match score before you commit.
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