NOC 31301Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

NOC 31301 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. 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: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

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Definition

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing. They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, community agencies, companies, private homes and public and private organizations or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
General duty registered nurses
Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions
Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement, coordinate and evaluate patient care in consultation with patients and their families
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to established policies and protocols
Monitor, assess, address, document and report symptoms and changes in patients' conditions
Operate or monitor medical apparatus or equipment
Assist in surgery and other medical procedures
May supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff
May develop and implement discharge planning process on admission of patients
May teach and counsel patients and their families on health-related issues in collaboration with other health care providers.
Registered nurses may specialize in areas such as surgery, obstetrics care, psychiatric care, critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, community health, occupational health, emergency care, rehabilitation or oncology.
Occupational health nurses
Develop and implement employee health education programs and provide registered nursing care in private businesses and industry.
Community health nurses
Provide health education and registered nursing care in public health units and through home visits, manage complex home care cases, participate in community needs assessment and program development, conduct disease screening and deliver immunization programs.
Registered psychiatric nurses
Provide nursing care, supportive counselling and life skills programming to patients in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, long-term care facilities and community-based settings.
Nursing researchers and consultants
Engaged in research activities related to nursing, as self-employed or as employed by hospitals, public and private organizations and governments.
Provide consultative services to institutes, associations and health care organizations regarding issues and concerns relevant to the nursing profession and nursing practice.
Clinical nurses
Provide leadership, advice and counsel on the provision of research-based care for specific patient groups within the care of particular health care organizations.

Example job titles

•clinical nurse
•community health nurse
•critical care nurse
•emergency care nurse
•intensive care nurse
•nurse researcher
•nursing consultant
•occupational health nurse

Express Entry category draws

NOC 31301 is in the “Healthcare & social services” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.

Latest draw: June 25, 2026
CRS cut-off: 475
Invitations: 4,000

See all Express Entry draws →

Overview

Under the NOC 2021 classification, NOC 31301 encompasses registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs). This occupation is categorized under TEER 1, representing professional jobs that typically require a university degree or college diploma. Professionals in this unit group provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs, and consult on services related to nursing practice. To work in Canada under this NOC code, individuals must complete a recognized nursing program and secure registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory governing body.

Because of their vital role in the Canadian healthcare system, skilled workers under NOC 31301 are highly sought after for Canadian immigration. This TEER 1 occupation is eligible for federal programs managed through the Express Entry system, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Furthermore, registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses frequently qualify for targeted invitations under IRCC's category-based selection draws for healthcare occupations, as well as specialized streams within various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

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 31301 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 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 31301 usually require?

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 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.

Is this occupation regulated in Québec?

Yes — Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses is regulated in Québec, so practising there requires recognition from the relevant professional body, and Québec immigration programs take this into account.

Do category-based Express Entry draws cover NOC 31301?

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.