Software designer NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for software designer.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for software designer is 21231 (Software engineers and designers), 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.
NOC code
21231
TEER 1 · skilled
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 21231 covers
Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses and telecommunications software. They are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
| Unit group | 21231 — Software engineers and designers |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
| Broad category | Natural and applied sciences and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Collect and document users' requirements and develop logical and physical specifications
- Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems including mobile applications
- Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs
- Plan, design and coordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems including mobile applications
- Assess, test, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software
- May lead and coordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems.
To use NOC 21231 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 21231 →
Other job titles under NOC 21231
- Application architect
- Computer software engineer
- Embedded software designer
- Embedded software engineer
- Software architect
- Software design engineer
- Software design verification engineer
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 21231, one of these may fit better:
- Advertising designer — NOC 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators, TEER 2)
- Aircraft interior designer — NOC 52121 (Interior designers and interior decorators, TEER 2)
- Bank note designer — NOC 52120 (Graphic designers and illustrators, TEER 2)
- Clothing designer — NOC 53123 (Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers, TEER 3)
- Costume designer — NOC 53123 (Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers, TEER 3)
- Director of software engineering — NOC 20012 (Computer and information systems managers, TEER 0)
- Display designer — NOC 64100 (Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers, TEER 4)
- Fabric designer — NOC 53123 (Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers, TEER 3)
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 software designer?+
In NOC 2021, "software designer" is an example title in unit group 21231 — Software engineers and designers. It is a TEER 1 occupation in the "Natural and applied sciences and related occupations" broad category.
Is software designer eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 21231 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 software designer get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 21231 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 software designer get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 21231 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 software designer 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 21231. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.