Director of photography NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for director of photography.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for director of photography is 51120 (Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations), a TEER 1 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 3): +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer.
NOC code
51120
TEER 1 · skilled
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 51120 covers
Producers, directors, choreographers and professionals in related occupations oversee and control the technical and artistic aspects of film, television, video game, radio, dance and theatre productions. They are employed by film production companies, radio and television stations, video game companies, broadcast departments, advertising companies, sound recording studios, record production companies and dance companies. They may also be self-employed.
| Unit group | 51120 — Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
| Broad category | Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Film, radio, television and video game producers
- Plan, organize and control the various stages and scheduling involved in the production of presentations, motion pictures, television shows and radio programs; engage directors and other production personnel and supervise all technical personnel, and determine the treatment, scope and scheduling of production; maintain production archives, negotiate royalties and may plan and control the budget pertaining to a particular production.
- Directors
- Interpret scripts and direct the mise-en-scène; select and direct the actors, extras and technical crew; advise the cast and crew on the interpretation and delivery of the performance; direct rehearsals, filmings, broadcasts and performances; and confer with crew and specialists throughout production and post-production to achieve desired presentation.
- Choreographers
- Create dances for film, theatre and television performances that convey stories, ideas and moods, and direct rehearsals for dancers to achieve desired interpretation.
To use NOC 51120 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 51120 →
Other job titles under NOC 51120
- Choreographer
- Cyber-choreographer
- Filmmaker
- Multimedia audio producer
- Artistic director - motion picture
- Director - motion picture
- Producer - performing arts
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for director of photography?+
In NOC 2021, "director of photography" is an example title in unit group 51120 — Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations. It is a TEER 1 occupation in the "Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport" broad category.
Is director of photography eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 51120 is TEER 1, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does director of photography get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 51120 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 50 (whichever is higher).
Can a director of photography get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 51120 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says director of photography but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 51120. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.