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NOC 21320 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Chemical engineers. 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
Chemical engineers research, design, and develop chemical processes and equipment, oversee the operation and maintenance of industrial chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, resource, pulp and paper, and food processing plants and perform duties related to chemical quality control, environmental protection and biochemical or biotechnical engineering. They are employed in a wide range of manufacturing and processing industries, consulting firms, government, research and educational institutions.
Main duties
Example job titles
Overview
Chemical engineers in Canada are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system as NOC 21320. This is a highly skilled TEER 1 occupation that involves conducting research, designing and developing chemical processes, and supervising the operation and maintenance of chemical plants and equipment. To qualify for immigration pathways under this NOC code, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering discipline. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is mandatory to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and to legally sign off on engineering designs and reports.
As a TEER 1 occupation, chemical engineers are eligible for several economic immigration programs, most notably the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Furthermore, many provinces offer pathways through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targeting skilled engineering professionals to address local labor market shortages. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including language proficiency, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees, and verifiable skilled work experience to qualify for these immigration streams.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Chemical engineers 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.
Chemical engineers 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.
Yes — Chemical engineers is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.