Is NOC 21231 TEER 1 for Express Entry?

Yes. NOC 21231 (Software engineers and designers) is TEER 1 under NOC 2021, eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades program, and most PNP skilled-worker streams. It is also part of the STEM category-based draw.

What's the difference between NOC 21231 and NOC 21232?

NOC 21231 (Software engineers and designers) covers people who research, design and architect software systems — often with an engineering degree. NOC 21232 (Software developers and programmers) covers people who write, modify, and test code. IRCC reads your reference letter duties; if you spend most of your time coding rather than architecting, 21232 may be a better fit.

Do I need a software engineering degree to claim NOC 21231?

No. The NOC 2021 employment requirements list a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline as 'usually required' — but IRCC scores duties, not credentials. A self-taught engineer doing architecture-level work can still claim 21231 if the reference letter duties match.

NOC 21231 — Software Engineers and Designers

NOC 21231 is one of the most-claimed codes in Express Entry. It's also one of the most-refused when applicants confuse it with NOC 21232 (Software developers). Here's the official scope, eligible programs, and how to verify your reference-letter duties before submitting.

Knowing your NOC code is only half the equation. IRCC doesn't ask what your code is — they ask whether your reference letter duties prove it. Most refusals at the eligibility stage aren't wrong NOC codes, they're correct codes (like 21231 for software engineers) with reference letters that don't back them up.

A NOC code that doesn't match your actual duties isn't just a paperwork issue — IRCC can treat it as misrepresentation, which carries consequences that go well beyond a single refused application.

Confirming your NOC code before you submit is a lot cheaper than correcting it after.

Educational information only, not legal advice. Consequences vary based on individual circumstances.

Real example: A Software Engineer applicant claimed NOC 21231 but their reference letter described bug fixing and story-point grooming, none of the software-design or architecture duties NOC 21231 requires. Refused at the eligibility stage.

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At a glance

NOC 2021 code: 21231
Title: Software engineers and designers
TEER: 1
Eligible: FSW, CEC, FST, most PNPs, STEM category-based Express Entry draws

Official main duties (ESDC)

Per the official NOC 21231 profile, software engineers and designers:

Collect and document users' requirements and develop logical and physical specifications.
Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems.
Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture.
Plan, design and co-ordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems.
Assess, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software.
Lead and co-ordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems.

Reference letter — sample wording

Phrase your duties in the language of NOC 21231's main duties, not your internal job titles. Example:

"As Senior Software Engineer, [Name] was responsible for collecting business requirements, designing logical and physical specifications for distributed back-end systems, leading a team of 5 developers in the design and implementation of payment-processing software, and developing maintenance procedures for the company's cloud applications. 40 hours/week, CAD $120,000 + benefits."

21231 vs 21232 — which one is yours?

If most of your week is spent writing code from someone else's spec, you are almost certainly NOC 21232. If most of your week is spent architecting systems, leading developers, or designing the spec itself, you are NOC 21231. Many applicants get this wrong — see our Job title vs NOC code guide.

What IRCC actually checks

What surprises most applicants: IRCC officers compare your reference letter duty lines word-by-word against the official NOC duty list. Generic phrases like “managed projects” or “supported the team” fail this check every time.

IRCC refused 23% of Express Entry applicants at the eligibility stage. A $9.99 check is insurance against a $1,500+ mistake.

21231, 21232 or 21233? Pick wrong and Tech draws don’t apply to you.

The Match + alternatives plan ranks all three side by side against your actual duties — so the category-based draw you’re waiting for isn’t closed by a misclassification.

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FAQ

Is NOC 21231 TEER 1 for Express Entry?: Yes. NOC 21231 (Software engineers and designers) is TEER 1 under NOC 2021, eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker program, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades program, and most PNP skilled-worker streams. It is also part of the STEM category-based draw.
What's the difference between NOC 21231 and NOC 21232?: NOC 21231 (Software engineers and designers) covers people who research, design and architect software systems — often with an engineering degree. NOC 21232 (Software developers and programmers) covers people who write, modify, and test code. IRCC reads your reference letter duties; if you spend most of your time coding rather than architecting, 21232 may be a better fit.
Do I need a software engineering degree to claim NOC 21231?: No. The NOC 2021 employment requirements list a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline as 'usually required' — but IRCC scores duties, not credentials. A self-taught engineer doing architecture-level work can still claim 21231 if the reference letter duties match.

Last updated: June 2026