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NOC 31303 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals. 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
Physician assistants and midwives provide primary health care and treatment in conjunction with physicians and in collaboration with other health professionals. Physician assistants provide a range of health services to patients delivering preventive and continuous care toward the management of patients' health. Midwives provide full-course care to women and their babies during the pre- and post-natal period. This unit group also includes professionals such as genetic counsellors, orthoptists and pathologists' assistants, who work in collaboration with primary health occupations. Genetic counsellors assess individual or family risk of genetic conditions, and provide information to individuals, families and healthcare providers to promote informed choice. Orthoptists diagnose and treat binocular disorders. Pathologists' assistants assist at autopsies and examinations of surgical specimens, or perform autopsies under a pathologist's supervision. Physician assistants usually work under physicians in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals and clinics. Midwives are employed in hospitals, clinics, birthing centres or in private practice. Genetic counsellors usually work in private practice, hospitals, clinics and research institutes. Orthoptists work under an ophthalmologist, particularly in private practices or clinics. Pathologists' assistants are usually employed in hospitals and universities.
Main duties
Example job titles
Express Entry category draws
NOC 31303 is in the “Healthcare & social services” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 31303 covers physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals. Classified under TEER 1, this occupational group includes highly skilled practitioners who provide essential primary care, obstetric services, and specialized clinical support. For foreign nationals seeking Canadian permanent residency, this high-demand healthcare NOC offers pathways through key economic immigration programs, such as Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker Program and targeted category-based selection draws.
Employment and licensing requirements for NOC 31303 are strict and vary significantly by specific role. Midwives generally require the completion of a university program in midwifery or equivalent recognized training, alongside registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory body. Physician assistants must graduate from an accredited physician assistant program and may require national certification. Other allied health professionals in this category, such as genetic counsellors or orthotists, must meet their respective university education and provincial licensing standards to practice legally in Canada.
Because healthcare remains a critical priority for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates under NOC 31303 are highly competitive for targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and healthcare-focused Express Entry draws. Ensuring your educational credentials and professional licensing match Canadian standards is a vital first step for a successful immigration journey.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 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.
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 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 — Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 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.