NOC 21100: Physicists and astronomers
Physicists conduct theoretical and applied research to extend knowledge of natural phenomena and to develop new processes and devices in fields such as electronics, communications, power generation and distribution, aerodynamics, optics and lasers, remote sensing, biotechnology, medicine and health. They are employed by electronic, electrical and aerospace manufacturing companies, telecommunications companies, power utilities, university and government research laboratories, hospitals and by a wide range of other processing, manufacturing, and research and consulting firms. Astronomers conduct observational and theoretical research to extend knowledge of the universe. They are employed by government and universities.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 21100 (Physicists and astronomers) is a TEER 1 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 2: +40 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer. It isn't on any current category-based draw list.
TEER
TEER 1
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 21100 |
|---|---|
| Title | Physicists and astronomers |
| Broad category | Natural and applied sciences and related occupations |
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
CRS points for this occupation
Under the Labour Market Integration factor, IRCC gives you the higher of: your Canadian work-length points plus 40 for 12+ months of qualifying work in a Level 2 occupation, or 70 points for a valid job offer in it. How job offer points work.
Example job titles
- acoustics physicist
- aerodynamicist
- aerospace research scientist
- astronomer
- astrophysicist
- atmospheric physicist
- biophysicist
- cosmologist
Main duties
- Physicists
- Design and conduct research in experimental and theoretical physics
- Carry out analysis of research data and prepare research reports
- Participate as a member of a research or development team in the design and development of experimental, industrial or medical equipment, instrumentation and procedures.
- Physicists may specialize in fields such as aeronomy and space, acoustics, atomic and molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter or solid state physics, electromagnetics, fluids and aerodynamics, health physics, medical physics, metrology, particle physics, optics and laser physics, nuclear physics and plasma physics.
- Astronomers
- Design and conduct observational surveys, conduct detailed analyses and develop numerical models to extend knowledge of celestial bodies and cosmic radiation
- Develop or participate in the development of instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 21101 — Chemists
- NOC 21102 — Geoscientists and oceanographers
- NOC 21103 — Meteorologists and climatologists
- NOC 21109 — Other professional occupations in physical sciences
- NOC 21110 — Biologists and related scientists
- NOC 21111 — Forestry professionals
- NOC 21112 — Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
- NOC 21120 — Public and environmental health and safety professionals
- NOC 21200 — Architects
- NOC 21201 — Landscape architects
← NOC 20012 Computer and information systems managers · NOC 21101 Chemists →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 1 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 21100 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 21100 is a TEER 1 occupation. IRCC counts work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, as long as all other program requirements are met.
Is NOC 21100 a high-wage occupation?+
Yes. It's on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 2. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work in it adds 40 CRS points, or a valid job offer in it is worth 70 points (whichever is higher).
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 21100?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 21100. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.