21202

Urban and land use planners

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 212 › 2120

Definition

Urban and land use planners develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services for urban and rural areas and remote regions. They are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Compile and analyze data on demographic, economic, legal, political, cultural, sociological, physical and other factors affecting land use
Confer with municipal, provincial and federal authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, the public and special interest groups to formulate and develop land use or community plans
Prepare and recommend land development concepts and plans for zoning, subdivisions, transportation, public utilities, community facilities, parks, agricultural and other land uses
Prepare plans for environmental protection, such as wildlife preserves, national and provincial parks, and protection of watersheds
Present plans to civic, rural and regional authorities and hold public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and special interest groups
Review and evaluate proposals for land use and development plans and prepare recommendations
Process application for land development permits and administer land use plans and zoning by-laws
Formulate long-range objectives and policies relative to future land use and the protection of the environment
Supervise and coordinate work of urban planning technicians and technologists.

Example job titles

•community and urban planner
•environmental planner
•land use planner
•municipal planner
•park planner
•planner
•recreation planner
•regional planner

Overview

Under Canada's NOC 2021 system, urban and land use planners are classified under NOC code 21202, falling within TEER Category 1. These professionals are responsible for developing plans and recommending policies to manage land use, physical facilities, and associated services for urban, suburban, and rural areas. They play a vital role in municipal planning and environmental development, finding employment across all levels of government, land development companies, engineering firms, and private consultancies.

To qualify under NOC 21202, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, or a related discipline, while a master's degree is often required for advanced positions. Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) or provincial planning associations is also commonly required by employers. Because this occupation is categorized as TEER 1, eligible professionals can pursue permanent residency in Canada through programs managed under the Express Entry system, such as the Federal Skilled Worker program, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and official ESDC guidelines for official requirements.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.