NOC 31101: Specialists in surgery
Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. Specialists in surgery usually work in hospitals. Residents in training to become specialists in surgery are included in this unit group.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 31101 (Specialists in surgery) is a TEER 1 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 1: +70 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 100 for a job offer. It is eligible for Healthcare and Physicians category draws.
TEER
TEER 1
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Level 1
+70 work · 100 job offer
Category draws
Healthcare, Physicians
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 31101 |
|---|---|
| Title | Specialists in surgery |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
Category-based draws
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3 — 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).
- Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1 — 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).
CRS points for this occupation
Under the Labour Market Integration factor, IRCC gives you the higher of: your Canadian work-length points plus 70 for 12+ months of qualifying work in a Level 1 occupation, or 100 points for a valid job offer in it. How job offer points work.
Example job titles
- cardiac surgeon
- general surgeon
- neurosurgeon
- obstetrician-gynecologist
- ophthalmologist
- orthopedic surgeon
- orthopedist
- otorhinolaryngologist
Main duties
- General surgeons
- Treat diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally-invasive, or non-invasive surgical methods, such as using instruments, appliances, or by manual manipulation.
- Obstetricians and gynecologists
- Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general medical care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
- Ophthalmologists
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
- Urologists
- Diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.
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 31100 — Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31102 — General practitioners and family physicians
- NOC 31103 — Veterinarians
- NOC 31110 — Dentists
- NOC 31111 — Optometrists
- NOC 31112 — Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
- NOC 31120 — Pharmacists
- NOC 31121 — Dietitians and nutritionists
- NOC 31200 — Psychologists
- NOC 31201 — Chiropractors
← NOC 31100 Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine · NOC 31102 General practitioners and family physicians →
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 31101 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 31101 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 31101 a high-wage occupation?+
Yes. It's on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 1. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work in it adds 70 CRS points, or a valid job offer in it is worth 100 points (whichever is higher).
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 31101?+
As published by IRCC: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3; Physicians with Canadian Work Experience, 2026-Version 1. 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.