Is NOC 21234 TEER 1 or TEER 2?

NOC 21234 (Web designers and developers and digital interface designers) is TEER 1 under NOC 2021 — eligible for Express Entry across FSW, CEC, and most PNPs.

Does front-end work alone qualify for NOC 21234?

Yes, if your reference letter duties cover design, build, and maintenance of websites or interactive digital products. Pure HTML/CSS conversion work without design or architecture responsibility is closer to NOC 22222 (information systems testing technicians).

Is NOC 21234 in the STEM category-based draw?

Yes — NOC 21234 is included in the Express Entry STEM occupations category, which has lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.

Web designer NOC code — NOC 21234 for Express Entry

The web designer NOC code is 21234 — Web designers and developers and digital interface designers. It's TEER 1, eligible for FSW, CEC, most PNPs, and the STEM category-based Express Entry draws. The same code applies to web developers, front-end developers, and digital interface designers — but only if your reference-letter duties read like the official main duties below.

Knowing your NOC code is only half the equation. IRCC doesn't ask what your code is — they ask whether your reference letter duties prove it. Most refusals at the eligibility stage aren't wrong NOC codes, they're correct codes (like 21234 for web developers) with reference letters that don't back them up.

A NOC code that doesn't match your actual duties isn't just a paperwork issue — IRCC can treat it as misrepresentation, which carries consequences that go well beyond a single refused application.

Confirming your NOC code before you submit is a lot cheaper than correcting it after.

Educational information only, not legal advice. Consequences vary based on individual circumstances.

Real example: A Web Developer applicant claimed NOC 21234 but their reference letter described editing WordPress content and running plugin updates, none of the development duties NOC 21234 requires. Refused at the eligibility stage.

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At a glance

NOC 2021 code: 21234
Title: Web designers and developers and digital interface designers
TEER: 1
Eligible: FSW, CEC, most PNPs, STEM category-based draws

Official main duties

Consult with clients to develop and document website requirements.
Prepare mock-ups and storyboards.
Develop website architecture and determine hardware and software requirements.
Create and optimize content for websites using a variety of graphics, database, animation, and other software.
Plan, design, write, modify, integrate and test website-related code.
Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls.
Plan, design and create digital and physical user interfaces for products.

Reference letter — sample wording

"As Senior Web Developer, [Name] consulted with product stakeholders to document website requirements, designed website architecture and determined the front-end framework stack, planned and wrote modular React/Next.js code, conducted security and accessibility quality controls, and designed digital user interfaces for the company's customer portal. 40 hours/week, CAD $95,000 + benefits."

When 21234 is the WRONG code

If you only write back-end APIs and never touch design, mock-ups, or interface work, NOC 21232 (Software developers) is usually a stronger match. If you architect distributed systems rather than websites, consider NOC 21231 Software engineers.

What IRCC actually checks

What surprises most applicants: IRCC officers compare your reference letter duty lines word-by-word against the official NOC duty list. Generic phrases like “managed projects” or “supported the team” fail this check every time.

IRCC refused 23% of Express Entry applicants at the eligibility stage. A $9.99 check is insurance against a $1,500+ mistake.

21234 is TEER 2 — 21232 is TEER 1. One small letter, a different draw.

Most full-stack developers qualify for both — but only one gives you the higher TEER and better Express Entry odds. Score your duties against each before you commit.

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FAQ

Is NOC 21234 TEER 1 or TEER 2?: NOC 21234 (Web designers and developers and digital interface designers) is TEER 1 under NOC 2021 — eligible for Express Entry across FSW, CEC, and most PNPs.
Does front-end work alone qualify for NOC 21234?: Yes, if your reference letter duties cover design, build, and maintenance of websites or interactive digital products. Pure HTML/CSS conversion work without design or architecture responsibility is closer to NOC 22222 (information systems testing technicians).
Is NOC 21234 in the STEM category-based draw?: Yes — NOC 21234 is included in the Express Entry STEM occupations category, which has lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.

Last updated: June 2026