NOC 21211Data scientists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

NOC 21211 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Data scientists. It is classified TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 212 › 2121

Definition

Data scientists use advanced analytics technologies, including machine learning and predictive modelling, to support the identification of trends, scrape information from unstructured data sources and provide automated recommendations. They are employed by consulting firms, universities, banks and information technology departments in the public and private sectors.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Implement cutting-edge techniques and tools in machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence to make data analysis more efficient
Perform large-scale experimentation to identify hidden relationships between variables in large datasets
Create advanced machine learning algorithms such as regression, simulation, scenario analysis, modeling, clustering, decision trees and neural networks
Prepare and extract data using programming language
Implement new statistical, machine learning, or other mathematical methodologies to solve specific business problems
Visualize data in a way that allows a business to quickly draw conclusions and make decisions
Develop artificial intelligence models and algorithms and implement them to meet the needs of the organization
Coordinate research and analysis activities using unstructured and structured data and use programming to clean and organize data

Example job titles

•data scientist
•machine learning engineer
•machine learning specialist
•quantitative analyst

Track the latest Express Entry and Québec draws →

Overview

Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Data Scientists are classified under NOC code 21211 within TEER 1. Professionals in this unit group are responsible for analyzing large datasets to identify patterns, building predictive models, and implementing machine learning algorithms to solve complex business and technical challenges. Employment requirements typically include a bachelor's or graduate degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a closely related discipline.

Highly skilled data scientists are in strong demand across Canada, making NOC 21211 a highly viable pathway for economic immigration. Eligible candidates can pursue permanent residency through the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. Additionally, Canadian employers seeking to hire data scientists can often leverage expedited work permit processing via the Global Talent Stream (GTS).

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

Check program eligibility →

Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 21211 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Data scientists is TEER 1, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 21211 usually require?

Data scientists is classified as TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Get the next draw in your inbox

One short email when IRCC publishes a new Express Entry draw — the cutoff, invitations, and what it means. Roughly every two weeks. No spam, ever.

By subscribing you consent to receive draw-alert emails from ScoreRoute Canada. Every email includes a one-click unsubscribe. See our privacy policy for details.

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