NOC 94153: Photographic and film processors
Photographic and film processors process and finish still photographic film and motion picture film. They are employed in film processing laboratories and retail photofinishing establishments.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 94153 (Photographic and film processors) is a TEER 4 occupation — not skilled work for FSW or CEC. It is not on IRCC's high-wage list. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 4
Not skilled for FSW/CEC
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 94153 |
|---|---|
| Title | Photographic and film processors |
| Broad category | Occupations in manufacturing and utilities |
| TEER | TEER 4 — usually requires a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training |
Example job titles
- darkroom technician
- film developer
- film printing machine operator
- film processor
- photofinisher
- photograph developer
- photograph inspector - photographic processing
- photographic processor
Main duties
- Operate equipment to develop negatives and slides, and to print black and white and colour photographs
- Operate photographic enlarging equipment to produce prints and enlargements from negatives
- Operate equipment to develop motion picture film
- Tend automatic equipment in retail establishments to develop colour negatives, prints and slides
- Operate equipment to transfer film to video tape
- Retouch photographic negatives or original prints to correct defects
- Splice film and mount film on reels
- Measure and mix chemicals required for processing
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 94100 — Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94101 — Foundry workers
- NOC 94102 — Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
- NOC 94103 — Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
- NOC 94104 — Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94105 — Metalworking and forging machine operators
- NOC 94106 — Machining tool operators
- NOC 94107 — Machine operators of other metal products
- NOC 94110 — Chemical plant machine operators
- NOC 94111 — Plastics processing machine operators
← NOC 94152 Binding and finishing machine operators · NOC 94200 Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 4 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 94153 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 94153 is a TEER 4 occupation. IRCC only counts TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 work as skilled experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, so this occupation alone generally won't meet those requirements. Provincial programs may differ.
Is NOC 94153 a high-wage occupation?+
No. NOC 94153 isn't on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage occupations list, so it doesn't earn the extra high-wage or job offer CRS points. Canadian work-length points can still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 94153?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 94153. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.