NOC 21220: Cybersecurity specialists
Cybersecurity specialists develop, plan, recommend, implement, improve and monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks, connected devices and information to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of the information or of the systems on which the information resides. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 21220 (Cybersecurity specialists) 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 is eligible for STEM category draws.
TEER
TEER 1
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
STEM
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 21220 |
|---|---|
| Title | Cybersecurity specialists |
| Broad category | Natural and applied sciences and related occupations |
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
Category-based draws
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations — 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 (in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation); in Canada or abroad).
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
- cybersecurity analyst
- informatics security analyst
- informatics security consultant
- information technology (IT) security specialist
- systems security analyst
Main duties
- Confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware
- Apply encryption protocols, and manage keys to ensure security of data is maintained while at rest and in transit
- Monitor access and credentials for information and systems
- Install, test and operate security software and tools such as anti-virus and automated threat detection/prevent systems to ensure security measures are in place and working as intended
- Monitor for cyber attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
- Plan and carry out security measures in response to cybersecurity events and incidents in accordance with an organization's incident response plan to protect information, data and systems
- Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
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 21200 — Architects
- NOC 21201 — Landscape architects
- NOC 21202 — Urban and land use planners
- NOC 21203 — Land surveyors
- NOC 21210 — Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
- NOC 21211 — Data scientists
- NOC 21221 — Business systems specialists
- NOC 21222 — Information systems specialists
- NOC 21223 — Database analysts and data administrators
- NOC 21230 — Computer systems developers and programmers
← NOC 21211 Data scientists · NOC 21221 Business systems specialists →
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 21220 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 21220 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 21220 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 21220?+
As published by IRCC: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations. Candidates 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.