NOC 21231 — Software Engineers and Designers

TEER Category: 1 (occupations usually requiring a university degree)

What does this occupation involve?

Software engineers and designers research, design, evaluate, integrate, and maintain software applications, technical environments, operating systems, embedded software, information warehouses, and telecommunications software. They work in IT consulting firms, IT research and development firms, and IT units across the private and public sectors, or may be self-employed. Common job titles include software architect, telecommunications software engineer, and systems designer.

Main duties include:

• Researching and designing software applications and technical environments

• Evaluating and integrating new software systems and platforms

• Maintaining embedded software, operating systems, and telecommunications software

• Developing architecture for information warehouses and large-scale systems

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams on system design and testing

Salary in Canada (2026)

Among practising engineering NOCs, software engineers (21231) have the highest national median hourly wage — ahead of computer engineers (21311) at $52.50 and electrical engineers (21310) at $50.67.

Job outlook 2022–2031: An estimated 44,300 new job openings are expected, against approximately 48,800 new job seekers — a competitive but consistently active national market, with Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa as the leading hubs.

Important 2026 update — STEM category changes

Effective February 18, 2026, the Express Entry STEM category was renewed with two key changes:

1. The minimum qualifying work experience increased from 6 months to 12 months in an eligible occupation within the last 3 years

2. The eligible NOC list was narrowed to 11 occupations

NOC 21231 remains on the narrowed 2026 STEM list, alongside other engineering and tech NOCs including civil engineers (21300), mechanical engineers (21301), electrical engineers (21310), computer engineers (21311), cybersecurity specialists (21220), and data scientists (21211).

Do I need a P.Eng. license to immigrate under NOC 21231?

No. Most professionals working under NOC 21231 do not require a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license for day-to-day coding, architecture, and design work. P.Eng. licensing rules are separate from IRCC's NOC matching requirements — unless your role specifically requires signing off on formal engineering documents for public works or safety, you do not need a P.Eng. for your PR application.

Is NOC 21231 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes. As a TEER 1 occupation, NOC 21231 is eligible for:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• 2026 STEM category-based draws (with the new 12-month minimum experience requirement)

Candidates with experience in this NOC are typically invited at significantly lower CRS cut-off scores than general all-program draws.

Which Provincial Nominee Programs accept NOC 21231?

• Ontario (OINP) — Human Capital Priorities stream frequently holds tech-specific draws (note: OINP streams were closed May 30, 2026 — see our OINP update page for current status)

• British Columbia (BC PNP) — dedicated tech worker program with priority processing

• Alberta (AAIP) — Accelerated Tech Pathway covers related software occupations

How can Visas Avenue help?

Our CICC-registered consultants can assess your eligibility for the 2026 STEM category, Express Entry, and active PNP tech streams as a software engineer, and recommend your fastest route to Canada PR. Call 78-18-000-777 or request a free assessment.