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NOC 31111 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Optometrists. 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
Health
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Definition
Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government and universities.
Main duties
Example job titles
Express Entry category draws
NOC 31111 is in the “Healthcare & social services” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.
Overview
Optometrists in Canada are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 31111, which falls under TEER category 1. These highly skilled healthcare professionals are responsible for examining eyes, diagnosing ocular diseases and visual disorders, prescribing corrective lenses, and providing specialized treatments. Because of the ongoing demand for healthcare services across Canadian provinces, qualified optometrists can utilize several primary immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system, category-based Express Entry selection draws for healthcare occupations, and targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
To practice optometry in Canada, candidates must meet strict educational and licensing requirements. This includes completing a three-year pre-optometry university program followed by a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree program. Internationally trained optometrists must undergo a rigorous credential assessment process and pass the national board examinations to obtain registration and licensing from the regulatory body of the specific province or territory where they intend to practice. Securing provincial licensing is critical, as it often significantly enhances an applicant's profile under various provincial immigration streams.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Commonly confused codes
Yes — Optometrists 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.
Optometrists 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.
Applicants most often mix up 31111 with 32100 (Opticians). If your real day-to-day duties fit one of those codes better, that mismatch is exactly what an officer flags — double-check before you submit.
Yes — Optometrists is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.
Yes — it's in the “Healthcare & social services” group. The latest Healthcare & social services round (June 25, 2026) invited 4000 candidates with a CRS cut-off of 475.
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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.