NOC 94121 job description: paper machine operator duties and responsibilities
- Operate and monitor paper mill, papermaking and finishing process machinery and equipment such as screening equipment, bleaching equipment, digesters, mixing tanks and washers to carry out one or more cellulose processing steps and equipment such as dryers, laminators, cutters, coaters, calenders and hoists to carry out one or more papermaking and finishing process steps
- Observe equipment and machinery panel indicators, gauges, level indicators and other equipment instruments to detect machinery and equipment malfunctions and ensure process steps are carried out according to specifications
- Communicate with pulping, papermaking and coating control operator to make process adjustments and start up or shut down machinery and equipment as required
- Collect processing samples and conduct titration tests, pH readings, specific density tests and other routine tests on pulp and solutions
- Inspect paper visually for wrinkles, holes, discolouration, streaks or other defects and take corrective action
- Complete and maintain production reports.
Job titles under NOC 94121
See every job title and its code in the A–Z job title index, or all TEER 4 jobs.
Is NOC 94121 eligible for Express Entry?
Not through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades Program, which all need TEER 0 to 3. Some provincial nominee streams and federal pilots accept TEER 4 jobs, so check your province's current list.
| Program | TEER check | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | Not eligible | TEER 4 is outside TEER 0 to 3 |
| Canadian Experience Class | Not eligible | TEER 4 is outside TEER 0 to 3 |
| Federal Skilled Trades | Not a listed trade | Only certain trade groups qualify. Check IRCC |
| Spouse's open work permit | Not eligible | TEER 4 and 5 do not qualify. SOWP rules |
Category-based draws: NOC 94121 is not on any category-based selection list (checked 2026-10-16). Under NOC 2016, TEER 4 was skill level C ("NOC C").
Category-based Express Entry draws and provincial nominee programs use their own occupation lists. Check the current lists on IRCC's Express Entry page and provincial nominee page.
NOC 94121: common questions
What is NOC 94121?
NOC 94121 is the code for pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators in Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021). Its first digit, 9, is the broad category and its second digit, 4, is the TEER level. Immigration forms, job offers and LMIA applications use this five-digit code.
What TEER is NOC 94121?
NOC 94121 is TEER 4. Occupations that usually need a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training. Under the older NOC 2016 system, TEER 4 lines up with skill level C.
Is NOC 94121 eligible for Express Entry and PR?
Not through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades Program, which all need TEER 0 to 3. Some provincial nominee streams and federal pilots accept TEER 4 jobs, so check your province's current list.
Is NOC 94121 in a category-based Express Entry draw?
No. As of IRCC's list dated 2026-10-16, NOC 94121 is not in any category-based selection list (healthcare, STEM, trades, education, transport and others). You can still be invited in general and program-specific draws.
Is NOC 94121 eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP)?
No. For applications made since January 21, 2025, only TEER 0 and 1 jobs and a list of selected TEER 2 and 3 occupations qualify, and NOC 94121 is not on that list (IRCC page modified 2026-06-12).
What is the NOC code for a paper machine operator?
Paper machine operator is listed under NOC 94121, pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators. The job title alone does not decide your code: your duties should match the main duties of NOC 94121.
How do I know if NOC 94121 is my NOC code?
Compare what you actually do with the main duties listed for NOC 94121, not just your job title. IRCC expects your duties to match the lead statement and most of the main duties of the code you choose. If they fit another code better, use that one. You can paste your duties into nocfinder to see how they line up, duty by duty.
Source: ESDC NOC 2021 · IRCC program pages. Not legal advice.