Advertising designer NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for advertising designer.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for advertising designer is 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
52120
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 52120 covers
Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as Web sites and CDs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.
| Unit group | 52120 — Graphic designers and illustrators |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Graphic designers
- Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs
- Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication
- Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives
- Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software
- Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design
To use NOC 52120 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 52120 →
Other job titles under NOC 52120
- 3D animation artist
- Bank note designer
- Cartoonist
- Commercial artist
- Graphic artist
- Graphic designer
- Animator - animated films
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 52120, one of these may fit better:
- Advertising agency president — NOC 00012 (Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services, TEER 0)
- Advertising clerk — NOC 14301 (Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks, TEER 4)
- Advertising clerks supervisor — NOC 12012 (Supervisors, library, correspondence and related information workers, TEER 2)
- Advertising consultant — NOC 11202 (Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations, TEER 1)
- Advertising copywriter — NOC 51111 (Authors and writers (except technical), TEER 1)
- Advertising director — NOC 10022 (Advertising, marketing and public relations managers, TEER 0)
- Advertising editor — NOC 51110 (Editors, TEER 1)
- Advertising manager — NOC 10022 (Advertising, marketing and public relations managers, TEER 0)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for advertising designer?+
In NOC 2021, "advertising designer" is an example title in unit group 52120 — Graphic designers and illustrators. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport" broad category.
Is advertising designer eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 52120 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does advertising designer get extra CRS points?+
NOC 52120 isn't on IRCC's high-wage list, so there are no extra high-wage or job offer points. Canadian work-length points still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Can a advertising designer get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 52120 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says advertising designer but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 52120. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.