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NOC 32101 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Licensed practical nurses. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, 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
Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses or other health team members. Operating room technicians prepare patients and provide assistance to medical practitioners prior to and during surgery. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, companies, private homes and community health centres. Operating room technicians are employed in hospitals.
Main duties
Example job titles
Express Entry category draws
NOC 32101 is in the “Healthcare & social services” group used for category-based Express Entry draws.
Overview
Under Canada's NOC 2021 system, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are classified under NOC code 32101. LPNs play a vital role in the Canadian healthcare system, providing essential nursing care under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses, or other health team members. They are employed in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, and private homes.
To practice as a licensed practical nurse under NOC 32101 in Canada, specific professional and educational requirements must be met. Candidates must complete an approved college, vocational, or other practical nursing program. Additionally, registration with a provincial or territorial regulatory body is mandatory in all provinces and territories, which requires passing the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (or the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec exam in Quebec).
Because NOC 32101 is classified as a TEER 2 occupation, individuals in this category are eligible for key Canadian economic immigration programs. These include the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Federal Category-Based Selection draws focused on healthcare occupations.
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Yes — Licensed practical nurses is TEER 2, 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.
Licensed practical nurses is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.
Yes — Licensed practical nurses 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.