NOC 21109: Other professional occupations in physical sciences
Professionals in other physical sciences occupations conduct theoretical and applied research in fields of physical science. Metallurgists, soil scientists and physical scientists and researchers are included in this unit group. They are employed by governments, educational institutions and a wide range of industrial establishments.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 21109 (Other professional occupations in physical sciences) 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 | 21109 |
|---|---|
| Title | Other professional occupations in physical sciences |
| 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
- astronaut
- ballistics examiner
- materials scientist
- metallurgist
- physical metallurgist
- research scientist - ceramics
- research scientist - composite materials
- soil scientist
Main duties
- Metallurgists
- Conduct studies into the properties and production of metals and alloys.
- Soil scientists
- Conduct research into the composition, distribution and evolution of soils.
- Materials scientists
- Conduct research into the properties, composition and production of materials such as ceramics and composite materials.
- Astronauts
- Command, pilot or serve as crew members of a spacecraft to conduct scientific experiments and research, and participate in space missions as mission specialists to maintain spacecraft, install and repair space station equipment and launch and recapture satellites.
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 21100 — Physicists and astronomers
- NOC 21101 — Chemists
- NOC 21102 — Geoscientists and oceanographers
- NOC 21103 — Meteorologists and climatologists
- 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 21103 Meteorologists and climatologists · NOC 21110 Biologists and related scientists →
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 21109 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 21109 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 21109 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 21109?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 21109. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.