Clothing designer NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for clothing designer.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for clothing designer is 53123 (Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers), a TEER 3 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
53123
TEER 3 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 53123 covers
Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers conceptualize and produce designs for film, television, theatre and video productions, garments and textiles, displays and exhibits, and for other creative items such as jewellery and trophies. Theatre designers are employed by performing arts and broadcasting companies and by festivals; fashion designers are employed by clothing and textile companies or may be self-employed; and exhibit designers are employed by museums. Other creative designers in this unit group are employed by manufacturing establishments or may be self-employed.
| Unit group | 53123 — Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 3 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training |
| Broad category | Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Theatre designers
- Design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets.
- Fashion designers
- Design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children.
- Exhibit designers
- Plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions and other exhibitions.
To use NOC 53123 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 53123 →
Other job titles under NOC 53123
- Costume designer
- Fabric designer
- Fashion designer
- Fur designer
- Jewellery designer
- Lighting designer
- Couturier - haute couture
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 53123, one of these may fit better:
- Advertising designer — NOC 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators, TEER 2)
- Aircraft interior designer — NOC 52121 (Interior designers and interior decorators, TEER 2)
- Bank note designer — NOC 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators, TEER 2)
- Clothing buyer — NOC 62101 (Retail and wholesale buyers, TEER 2)
- Clothing factory manager — NOC 90010 (Manufacturing managers, TEER 0)
- Clothing plant labourer — NOC 95109 (Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities, TEER 5)
- Clothing salesperson — NOC 64100 (Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers, TEER 4)
- Clothing store manager — NOC 60020 (Retail and wholesale trade 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 clothing designer?+
In NOC 2021, "clothing designer" is an example title in unit group 53123 — Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers. It is a TEER 3 occupation in the "Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport" broad category.
Is clothing designer eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 53123 is TEER 3, 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 clothing designer get extra CRS points?+
NOC 53123 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 clothing designer get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 53123 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 clothing 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 53123. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.