Veterinary surgeon NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for veterinary surgeon.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for veterinary surgeon is 31103 (Veterinarians), a TEER 1 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 1): +70 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 100 for a job offer. It's eligible for Healthcare category draws.
NOC code
31103
TEER 1 · skilled
High-wage
Level 1
+70 work · 100 job offer
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 31103 covers
Veterinarians prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in animals and advise clients on the feeding, hygiene, housing and general care of animals. They can also perform surgical procedures. They work in private practice or may be employed by animal clinics, farms, laboratories, government or industry.
| Unit group | 31103 — Veterinarians |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Diagnose diseases or abnormal conditions in individual animals, herds and flocks through physical examinations or laboratory tests
- Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds or performing surgery
- Vaccinate animals to prevent and treat diseases
- Perform routine, emergency and post-mortem examinations
- Advise clients on feeding, housing, behaviour, breeding, hygiene and general care of animals
- Provide a range of veterinary services including obstetrics, dentistry and euthanasia
To use NOC 31103 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 31103 →
Other job titles under NOC 31103
- Farm veterinarian
- Small animal veterinary specialist
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary inspector
- Veterinary pathologist
- Veterinary physiologist
- Zoo veterinarian
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 31103, one of these may fit better:
- Cardiac surgeon — NOC 31101 (Specialists in surgery, TEER 1)
- General surgeon — NOC 31101 (Specialists in surgery, TEER 1)
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon — NOC 31110 (Dentists, TEER 1)
- Orthopedic surgeon — NOC 31101 (Specialists in surgery, TEER 1)
- Veterinary attendant — NOC 65220 (Pet groomers and animal care workers, TEER 5)
- Veterinary technician — NOC 32104 (Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians, TEER 2)
- Veterinary technologist — NOC 32104 (Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians, TEER 2)
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 veterinary surgeon?+
In NOC 2021, "veterinary surgeon" is an example title in unit group 31103 — Veterinarians. It is a TEER 1 occupation in the "Health occupations" broad category.
Is veterinary surgeon eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 31103 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 veterinary surgeon get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 31103 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 1. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 70 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 100 (whichever is higher).
Can a veterinary surgeon get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
Yes — NOC 31103 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 veterinary surgeon 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 31103. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.