Physical therapist NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for physical therapist.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for physical therapist is 31202 (Physiotherapists), a TEER 1 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 2): +40 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer. It's eligible for Healthcare category draws.
NOC code
31202
TEER 1 · skilled
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 31202 covers
Physiotherapists assess clients and plan and carry out individually designed treatment programs to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning and mobility, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in clients. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, industry, sports organizations, rehabilitation centres and extended care facilities, or may work in private practice.
| Unit group | 31202 — Physiotherapists |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Assess clients' physical abilities using assessment procedures such as functional ability tests and make a physiotherapy diagnosis
- Establish treatment goals with clients based on diagnosis
- Develop and implement physiotherapy treatment plans including therapeutic exercise, manipulations, massage, education, electrotherapy hydrotherapy and other modalities
- Evaluate effectiveness of treatment plans and modify accordingly
- Provide advice on exercise and strategies to implement at home to enhance and or maintain treatment
- Communicate with referring physician and other health care professionals regarding clients' problems, needs and progress
To use NOC 31202 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 31202 →
Other job titles under NOC 31202
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 31202, one of these may fit better:
- Art therapist — NOC 41301 (Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies, TEER 1)
- Athletic therapist — NOC 31204 (Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment, TEER 1)
- Case manager occupational therapist — NOC 31203 (Occupational therapists, TEER 1)
- Clinical occupational therapist — NOC 31203 (Occupational therapists, TEER 1)
- Community occupational therapist — NOC 31203 (Occupational therapists, TEER 1)
- Dental therapist — NOC 32111 (Dental hygienists and dental therapists, TEER 2)
- Drama therapist — NOC 41301 (Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies, TEER 1)
- Movement therapist — NOC 41301 (Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies, TEER 1)
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 physical therapist?+
In NOC 2021, "physical therapist" is an example title in unit group 31202 — Physiotherapists. It is a TEER 1 occupation in the "Health occupations" broad category.
Is physical therapist eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 31202 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 physical therapist get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 31202 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 2. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 40 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 70 (whichever is higher).
Can a physical therapist get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
Yes — NOC 31202 is on IRCC's list for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3. You generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.
What if my job title says physical therapist 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 31202. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.