NOC 63221Upholsterers

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

NOC 63221 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Upholsterers. 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: No

Classification

Sales & service

6 › 63 › 632 › 6322

Definition

Upholsterers cover furniture, fixtures and similar items with fabric, leather or other upholstery materials. They are employed by furniture, aircraft, motor vehicle and other manufacturing companies, furniture retail outlets and repair shops or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Discuss upholstery fabric, colour, and style with customers and provide cost estimate for upholstering furniture or other items
Lay out, measure and cut upholstery materials according to sketches or design specifications
Replace worn-out webbing, springs and other furniture parts using hand and power tools
Operate sewing machines or sew upholstery materials by hand to seam cushions and join sections of covering materials
Install padding and underlays and fasten covering materials to furniture frames
Tack, glue or sew ornamental trim, braids or buttons on upholstered items
Lay out, cut, fabricate and install upholstery in aircrafts, motor vehicles, railway cars, boats and ships
May repair furniture frames and refinish wood surfaces
May make upholstery patterns from sketches, customer descriptions or blueprints
May install, fabricate, maintain and repair interior components of aircraft, such as seats, coverings, drapes, cargo nets, flooring, closets, bins and panels.

Example job titles

•automobile upholsterer
•custom upholsterer
•furniture upholsterer
•upholsterer
•upholstery repairer

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Upholsterers are classified under NOC code 63221. This occupation falls under TEER 3, reflecting its categorization as a skilled trade that requires specific technical training or work experience. Individuals working as upholsterers are primarily employed by furniture manufacturing companies, furniture repair and upholstery shops, or they may operate their own self-employed businesses. Due to its TEER 3 status, this occupation is eligible for federal economic immigration programs managed through Canada's Express Entry system, including the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

According to the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) guidelines, the primary duties of NOC 63221 include discussing upholstery fabrics, materials, and styles with customers, laying out and cutting fabrics, replacing worn-out webbing, springs, and padding, and operating industrial sewing machines. Employment requirements typically include the completion of secondary school, along with either a college program or an apprenticeship program in upholstery, or several years of on-the-job training. Meeting these specific requirements is critical for candidates seeking to validate their skilled work experience for Canadian permanent residency applications.

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 63221 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Upholsterers 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 63221 usually require?

Upholsterers 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.