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NOC 21231 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Software engineers and designers. 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.
Classification
Natural & applied sciences
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Definition
Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Main duties
Example job titles
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Software engineers and designers are classified under NOC code 21231. This is a TEER 1 occupation, which typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer systems engineering, software engineering, or a related discipline. Individuals in this role research, design, evaluate, integrate, and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, and information warehouses.
This occupation is highly sought after in Canada and is eligible for major federal immigration pathways like the Express Entry system (including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class) as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). It is also frequently targeted in category-based Express Entry selection draws for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) professions, offering streamlined pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
Key duties under NOC 21231 include writing, modifying, and testing software code, as well as leading and co-ordinating teams of software professionals. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and to use the "Engineer" title.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Software engineers and designers 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.
Software engineers and designers 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.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.