fb pixel

Canada’s Targeted Express Entry Draws: List Of Eligible NOC Codes

Canada’s Express Entry system, which facilitates the immigration of skilled workers, has recently undergone significant changes with the introduction of targeted Express Entry draws. These draws focus on specific in-demand occupations, allowing professionals with experience in key industries to receive faster invitations for permanent residency. The primary goal is to address labor shortages in critical sectors like healthcare, technology, and agriculture, thereby strengthening Canada's economy. Immigration Minister has provided a comprehensive list of National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for professions eligible under these new targeted draws. This article will outline the list of eligible NOC codes, provide key details about eligibility, and explain how these changes could affect your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Table of Contents

1. [Overview of Targeted Express Entry Draw](#overview-of-targeted-express-entry-draw) 2. [List of Eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes](#list-of-eligible-noc-codes) - [Healthcare Occupation](#health-care) - [STEM Occupation](#stem-occupation) - [Trade Occupation](#trade-occupation) - [Transport Occupation](#transport-occupation) - [Agriculture and agri-food Occupation](#agriculture-and-agri-food) 3. [Eligibility Criteria for Targeted Express Entry Draw](#eligibility-criteria-for-targeted-express-entry-draw) 4. [How Targeted Express Entry Affects CRS Scores](#how-targeted-express-entry-affects-crs-score) 5. [Conclusion](#conclusion) 6. [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#faqs)

Overview of Targeted Express Entry Draw

The targeted Express Entry draws were introduced in 2023 to streamline immigration for candidates with work experience in high-demand sectors. Instead of relying solely on CRS scores, the new system prioritizes specific occupations, allowing the government to meet the growing need for skilled workers in particular industries. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least 6 months of continuous work experience in the past three years in one of the eligible occupations.

List of Eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes

Healthcare Occupations

With a growing need for healthcare professionals, these occupations are at the forefront of the new draws.

Occupation 2021 NOC Code
Audiologists and speech language pathologists 31112
Chiropractors 31201
Dentists 31110
Dieticians and nutritionists 31121
Education counsellors 41320
General practitioners and family physicians 31102
Instructors of persons with disabilities 42203
Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment 31204
Licensed practical nurses 32101
Massage therapists 32201
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations 33101
Medical laboratory technologists 32120
Medical radiation technologists 32121
Medical sonographers 32122
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates 33102
Nurse practitioners 31302
Nursing coordinators and supervisors 31300
Occupational therapists 31203
Optometrists 31111
Other assisting occupations in support of health services 33109
Other practitioners of natural healing 32209
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating 31209
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment 32109
Paramedical occupations 32102
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants 33103
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals 31303
Physiotherapists 31202
Psychologists 31200
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses 31301
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists 32103
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31100
Specialists in surgery 31101
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies 41301
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists 32200
Veterinarians 31103

This list also includes specialists such as Veterinarians (NOC 31103), Medical Sonographers (NOC 32122), and Chiropractors (NOC 31201).

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations

The STEM sector remains pivotal in driving innovation. Canada seeks professionals in this domain to contribute to technological advancements:

Occupation 2021 NOC Code
Architects 21200
Architecture and science managers 20011
Business systems specialists 21221
Civil Engineers 21300
Computer and information systems managers 20012
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) 21311
Computer systems developers and programmers 21230
Cybersecurity specialists 21220
Data scientists 21211
Database analysts and data administrators 21223
Electrical and electronics engineers 21310
Engineering managers 20010
Industrial and manufacturing engineers 21321
Information systems specialists 21222
Land surveyors 21203
Landscape Architects 21201
Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries 21210
Metallurgical and materials engineers 21322
Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers 41400
Software developers and programmers 21232
Software engineers and designers 21231
Urban and land use planners 21202
Web designers 21233
Web developers and programmers 21234

Trade Occupations

Skilled trades people are highly sought after, with positions like:

Occupation 2021 NOC Code
Residential and commercial installers and servicers 73200
Elevator constructors and mechanics 72406
Machine fitters 72405
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics 72402
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics 72400
Carpenters 72310
Plumbers 72300
Electricians (except industrial and power system) 72200
Welders and related machine operators 72106
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers 72014

Transport Occupation

Occupation 2021 NOC Code
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors 93200
Transport truck drivers 73300
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators 72604
Engineer officers, water transport 72603
Deck officers, water transport 72602
Air traffic controllers and related occupations 72601
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors 72600
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors 72404
Railway carmen/women 72403
Managers in transportation 70020

Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

Occupation 2021 NOC Code
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services 82031
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors 82030
Butchers- retail and wholesale 63201

Eligibility Criteria for Targeted Express Entry Draw

To qualify for a targeted Express Entry draw, candidates must meet the following conditions:

  1. Work Experience: A minimum of 6 months of continuous work experience within the last three years in one of the eligible NOC occupations listed above.
  2. General Express Entry Requirements: Applicants should have a year (1,560 hours) of work experience in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 to qualify under any Express Entry program.
  3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The candidate must have an active Express Entry profile and meet the CRS cutoff score.

How Targeted Express Entry Affects CRS Scores

The targeted Express Entry draws prioritize work experience in specific in-demand occupations. This means that candidates with work experience in one of the eligible occupations might see the CRS cutoff score drop, providing them with a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Conversely, profiles not included in these targeted draws may face a higher CRS cutoff score.

Conclusion

Canada’s targeted Express Entry draws mark a pivotal shift in the country's immigration strategy, addressing labor shortages in crucial sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades. If you have experience in any of the eligible NOC occupations, now is the time to ensure your Express Entry profile is up to date, as this new system could fast-track your journey toward permanent residency in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much work experience do I need to qualify for targeted draws?

Ans: You need at least 6 months of continuous work experience in the last 3 years in one of the eligible NOC occupations.

Q2. Will the CRS score decrease for candidates in targeted draws?

Ans: Yes, CRS scores are expected to drop for candidates with experience in targeted occupations, while they may increase for others.

Q3. What happens if my occupation is not on the targeted list?

Ans: You will still be eligible for regular Express Entry draws, but the CRS cutoff score might be higher for non-targeted occupations.

To search and compare programs in top universities in the UK and Canada, including popular courses, scholarships, and admission requirements, please click the following link: View Programs.

iconicon