NOC 21232: Software developers and programmers
Software developers and programmers design, write, and test code for new systems and software to ensure efficiency. They create the foundations for operative systems and run diagnostic programs to certify effectiveness. They are employed in computer software, computer and video game development firms, 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 21232 (Software developers and programmers) 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 | 21232 |
|---|---|
| Title | Software developers and programmers |
| 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
- application programmer
- computer game developer
- electronic business (e-business) software developer
- interactive media developer
- multimedia developer
- software developer
- software programmer
Main duties
- Design, write, read, test, and correct code for new software
- Analyze information to recommend and plan the installation of new systems or modifications of an existing system
- Evaluate simple interrelationships between programs such as whether a contemplated change in one part of a program would cause unwanted results in a related part
- Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive video games, Internet and mobile applications
- Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce, Internet and mobile applications
- Develop, implement, modify and maintain gameplay features that integrate effectively into existing software
- Write documentation for new and updated software.
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 21220 — Cybersecurity specialists
- NOC 21221 — Business systems specialists
- NOC 21222 — Information systems specialists
- NOC 21223 — Database analysts and data administrators
← NOC 21231 Software engineers and designers · NOC 21233 Web designers →
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 21232 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 21232 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 21232 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 21232?+
None of IRCC's current category-based selection lists include NOC 21232. Candidates can still be invited in general, program-specific (such as CEC) or PNP rounds.