NOC 63200Cooks

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

NOC 63200 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Cooks. It is classified TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Sales & service

6 › 63 › 632 › 6320

Definition

Cooks prepare and cook a wide variety of foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions and other establishments. Cooks are also employed aboard ships and at construction and logging campsites. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods
Prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by dietitian or chef
Schedule and supervise kitchen helpers
Oversee kitchen operations
Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment
May set up and oversee buffets
May clean kitchen and work area
May plan menus, determine size of food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies
May hire and train kitchen staff.

Example job titles

•apprentice cook
•cook
•dietary cook
•first cook
•grill cook
•hospital cook
•institutional cook
•journeyman/woman cook

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Cooks are classified under code 63200 in TEER category 3. This high-demand designation makes qualified culinary professionals eligible for key Canadian economic immigration pathways. Eligible cooks can pursue Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Atlantic Immigration Program.

To meet the official employment requirements established by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for NOC 63200, candidates must typically complete secondary school. Additionally, completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks, a college or other program in cooking, or several years of commercial cooking experience is required. Core occupational duties include preparing and cooking full meals or individual dishes, supervising kitchen helpers, managing inventory and food supplies, planning menus, and maintaining clean work areas. Trade certification is available across Canada and is compulsory in some provinces and territories.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 63200 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Cooks is TEER 3, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 63200 usually require?

Cooks is classified as TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.