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Occupations

Software Engineers and Designers — NOC 21231

· Reviewed by Tamara Bulantseva, RCIC

NOC 21231 (Software engineers and designers) is a TEER 1 occupation under NOC 2021. The code describes a type of work for classification—it is not a work permit, LMIA approval, or permanent residence grant. Immigration pathways (employer-specific permits, PGWP work, Express Entry, PNP) may use your NOC when assessing skilled work, but eligibility always depends on program rules, duties match, and other factors. Confirm the current NOC profile on ESDC/IRCC tools.

Quick reference

NOC 202121231
TEER1
TitleSoftware engineers and designers
NOC ≠ permitClassification only

Overview

NOC 21231 — Software engineers and designers is a TEER 1 unit group in the NOC 2021 system. This page explains how the code is used in immigration conversations and what it does not do. Always verify the live NOC profile before you rely on it.

Common situations

Job title says “software engineer,” duties look like programming delivery

Nearby codes (especially 21232) may fit better. Officers and program assessors care about duties, not LinkedIn titles.

PGWP holder building Canadian experience

Your work may be classified under 21231 for PR planning if duties match. The PGWP itself does not “assign” a NOC.

Employer offering a closed work permit

The employer’s offer and any LMIA/exemption path authorize work. Putting 21231 on forms does not replace those steps.

Express Entry or PNP exploration

TEER 1 experience can matter for skilled programs, but CRS scores, language, education, and provincial criteria still control outcomes.

What NOC 21231 is

Use the official ESDC/IRCC NOC tools for the current lead statement, main duties, and employment requirements. In plain terms, this unit group is for professionals who research, design, evaluate, and integrate software and related systems at an engineering/design level—not merely implement features under another’s design.

TEER level

TEER 1. TEER replaced older skill-type letters in NOC 2021. For immigration forms and Express Entry discussions, record TEER accurately from the official profile.

NOC is not a permit

A correct NOC helps describe work history. It does not:

  • authorize you to work in Canada
  • approve an LMIA
  • nominate you for a PNP
  • invite you in Express Entry

Work authorization still requires a valid permit or other IRCC authorization. See Work Permit Requirements.

Is 21231 the right NOC for your duties?

Titles mislead. Tamara can help you compare your real duties to the official NOC lead statement before you rely on a code for PR or a work permit.

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Work pathways (high level)

  • Employer-specific permit: possible if an employer supports LMIA or a genuine LMIA exemption—assess the offer, not the NOC alone.
  • Open permits (e.g. PGWP, some spousal categories): eligibility is category-based; NOC is secondary until you later claim skilled work.
  • Do not invent LMIA occupation lists from this page.

Permanent residence pathways (high level)

  • Express Entry (FSW/CEC and related): skilled work in TEER 0–3 occupations can be relevant if program criteria are met.
  • Provincial Nominee Program: some streams target tech occupations; lists and draws change—check the province’s current page.
  • Category-based Express Entry draws also change; confirm IRCC’s current occupation lists before relying on them.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing 21231 because the title “sounds senior”
  • Ignoring 21232 / other IT unit groups that better match daily duties
  • Treating NOC selection as LMIA or PR approval
  • Copying a friend’s code without reading the lead statement

This guide summarizes official NOC and IRCC concepts. Classifications and program rules change. Confirm current details on Canada.ca and noc.esdc.gc.ca.

Before you apply

  • Read the official NOC 21231 lead statement and main duties
  • Compared your actual duties (not job title) to 21231 vs nearby codes like 21232
  • Noted TEER 1 for program discussions
  • Separated work-permit strategy from PR/NOC strategy
  • Avoided assuming LMIA or PNP eligibility from the code alone
  • Confirmed current NOC version on Government of Canada tools

Frequently asked questions

Does NOC 21231 give me a work permit?
No. A NOC code classifies work. Work authorization comes from a permit or other IRCC authorization.
What is TEER 1?
TEER describes training, education, experience, and responsibilities. TEER 1 occupations generally involve roles often associated with a university degree. Confirm definitions on the official NOC pages.
How is 21231 different from 21232?
21231 focuses on software engineers and designers; 21232 covers software developers and programmers. Overlap exists—match duties to the lead statement, not marketing titles.
Is 21231 good for Express Entry?
TEER 1 skilled work can support Express Entry programs if you meet that program’s criteria. The code alone does not create an invitation.
Does this NOC guarantee an LMIA?
No. LMIA decisions are employer- and offer-specific. Do not invent occupation lists.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide summarizes official classification and IRCC concepts. Outcomes depend on your full facts.

See also

References

  1. Find your NOC
  2. NOC search (ESDC)
  3. Express Entry
  4. Work permits overview

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Planning a tech pathway?

Book a consultation to map NOC 21231 experience to work and permanent residence options.

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