TEER 0 and TEER 1 Jobs: Your Fast Track to Canada PR in 2026
In Canada’s immigration system, the skill level of your job matters almost as much as your language scores. Managers and professionals in TEER 0 and TEER 1 occupations enjoy advantages across Express Entry, provincial programs and family work permits. In 2026, one of the clearest examples is the Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience category, whose September 16 draw invited candidates with scores as low as 389, far below the cut-offs for general Canadian Experience Class draws.
This guide explains what TEER 0 and TEER 1 mean, why these jobs offer a faster path to Canada PR, which programs reward them most, and how to make the most of a management or professional career.
Quick Summary
TEER 0 covers management occupations, and TEER 1 covers occupations that usually require a university degree. These jobs qualify for all three Express Entry programs, open targeted 2026 categories such as senior managers, physicians and researchers, and usually allow spouses to qualify for open work permits under the January 2025 rules. In 2026, senior manager draws closed between 389 and 429, well below most Canadian Experience Class cut-offs.
What Are TEER 0 and TEER 1?
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 sorts jobs into six Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories, from 0 to 5.
| TEER | What it means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | Management occupations | Senior managers, financial managers, construction managers, restaurant managers |
| TEER 1 | Usually requires a university degree | Software engineers, accountants, registered nurses, physicians, engineers, teachers |
| TEER 2 | College diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles | Technicians, many trades, supervisors |
| TEER 3 | College diploma or apprenticeship under 2 years, or 6+ months of training | Truck drivers, some trades, administrative roles |
Always confirm your NOC code by matching your actual duties, not just your job title.
Why TEER 0 and TEER 1 Jobs Offer Advantages
Eligibility for every Express Entry program
TEER 0 and TEER 1 work counts for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. The Canadian Experience Class requires CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1 jobs, compared with CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3.
Access to high-value 2026 categories
| 2026 category | Who it targets | Recent results |
|---|---|---|
| Senior managers with Canadian work experience | Senior managers in NOC 00012 to 00015 | Sept. 16: 250 ITAs at CRS 389 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | Eligible physicians | Sept. 3: 229 ITAs at CRS 198 |
| Researchers with Canadian work experience | University professors, lecturers and post-secondary research assistants | No draw reported by early October 2026 |
| STEM occupations | Science, technology, engineering and math roles, including cybersecurity | No draw reported by early October 2026 |
| Healthcare and social services | Many TEER 1 health professions | Sept. 4: 3,500 ITAs at CRS 475 |
Spousal open work permits
Since January 21, 2025, spouses of foreign workers generally qualify for open work permits only if the worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or an eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation in a priority sector, with at least 16 months left on their permit. A TEER 0 or 1 job keeps this family benefit available.
Intra-company transfers
Executives and managers can transfer from multinational companies to Canada under the intra-company transfer category, with permits of up to 3 years initially and up to 7 years in total.
Provincial Programs Value Professionals Too
Many provincial programs favour high-skill, high-wage roles. British Columbia’s 2026 “Innovate” priority targets high-earning or high-scoring candidates with permanent job offers, and many professional roles fit that profile. Alberta’s Accelerated Tech Pathway targets tech professionals with Alberta job offers.
Want to know your real CRS score before you apply?
Book a ConsultationLooking Ahead: The Proposed High-Wage Factor
In 2026, IRCC consulted on Express Entry reforms that would add Comprehensive Ranking System points for Canadian work experience or job offers in high-wage occupations. Many TEER 0 and 1 roles pay above the median wage, so these professionals could benefit if the proposal is implemented. Until IRCC confirms changes, current rules apply.
How to Maximize Your Advantage
- Confirm your NOC code matches your duties, especially if you hold a management title without true management responsibilities.
- Get reference letters that describe management or professional duties in detail.
- Reach CLB 9 or higher in language tests to unlock more points.
- Gain Canadian work experience in your TEER 0 or 1 role to access targeted categories.
- Keep your federal Express Entry profile active and track category draws.
Common Mistakes
- Claiming a TEER 0 NOC for a supervisory role that belongs in TEER 2.
- Reference letters that list generic duties instead of NOC-aligned responsibilities.
- Assuming a job title alone decides the TEER level.
How Can X Global Solutions Helps
At Can X Global Solutions, we help managers and professionals choose accurate NOC codes, prepare strong reference letters and build strategies around targeted categories. With 10+ years of experience and clients from more than 30 countries, we know how much the right classification matters.
Explore our Express Entry services, intra-company transfer support and our guide to spousal open work permit changes, or get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are TEER 0 and TEER 1 jobs in Canada?
TEER 0 jobs are management occupations, such as senior managers, financial managers and construction managers. TEER 1 jobs usually require a university degree, such as software engineers, accountants, registered nurses and engineers. Your TEER level depends on your actual duties under the National Occupational Classification, not just your job title.
Do TEER 0 and TEER 1 jobs get faster PR in Canada?
They can offer advantages. These jobs qualify for all federal Express Entry programs and give access to targeted categories such as senior managers, physicians and researchers. In 2026, senior manager draws closed between 389 and 429, well below general Canadian Experience Class cut-offs. No job guarantees an invitation.
Can my spouse get an open work permit if I work in TEER 0 or TEER 1?
Generally, yes, if you meet the other rules. Since January 21, 2025, spouses of workers usually qualify when the worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or an eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation in a priority sector, and has at least 16 months remaining on their work permit.
What language score do TEER 0 and 1 workers need for the Canadian Experience Class?
The Canadian Experience Class requires at least CLB 7 in all four abilities for TEER 0 and TEER 1 jobs. TEER 2 and 3 jobs require CLB 5. Higher scores improve your Comprehensive Ranking System score and your chances of an invitation.
How This Guide Helps You
Managers and professionals often underestimate how much their occupation classification shapes their immigration options. This guide shows TEER 0 and TEER 1 workers which programs and categories reward their skills, how to protect family benefits and how to avoid classification mistakes. With that knowledge, readers can turn their career into a stronger, faster path to permanent residence.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
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