Is NOC 31301 part of the Healthcare category Express Entry draw?

Yes. NOC 31301 (Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses) is one of the headline occupations in the Healthcare and social services category-based draws, which use much lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.

Do I need a Canadian nursing licence before applying for PR?

No — you do not need a Canadian nursing licence to claim work experience under NOC 31301. You do need to have been licensed in the jurisdiction where you worked. Most PNP Healthcare streams, however, do require a Canadian licence or a confirmed pathway to one (NNAS, provincial registration).

What's the difference between NOC 31301 and NOC 32101?

NOC 31301 covers Registered Nurses (RN/RPN) — TEER 1. NOC 32101 covers Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) — TEER 2. The scopes are different in supervisory responsibility, scope of practice, and educational requirements.

NOC 31301 — Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

NOC 31301 is the headline code for the Express Entry Healthcare category draws. Cut-offs for this category have been 50+ CRS points lower than general draws. Here's the official scope and how to write a reference letter that holds up.

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 31301 for registered nurses) 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 Registered Nurse applicant claimed NOC 31301 but their reference letter described bedside vitals and hygiene support, none of the nursing-assessment and care-planning duties NOC 31301 requires. Refused at the eligibility stage.

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At a glance

NOC 2021 code: 31301
Title: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
TEER: 1
Eligible: FSW, CEC, most PNP Healthcare streams, Healthcare category-based Express Entry draws

Official main duties

Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions.
Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement, co-ordinate and evaluate patient care.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to established policies and protocols.
Monitor, assess, address, document and report symptoms and changes in patients' conditions.
Operate or monitor medical apparatus or equipment.
Provide nursing care to patients with mental health disorders (RPN).
Supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff.
Develop and implement discharge planning processes.

Reference letter — sample wording

"As Registered Nurse in the Cardiac ICU, [Name] assessed patients to identify nursing interventions, administered medications per physician orders, monitored and documented changes in patient conditions, operated cardiac monitoring equipment, collaborated with the interdisciplinary team on care plans, and supervised two licensed practical nurses on each shift. 36 hours/week, full-time, salary equivalent to CAD $78,000 + benefits."

Licensing & credentials

For Express Entry, you only need to have been registered to practise in the country where you worked. For PNPs and to actually work in Canada you will need to complete the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) review and apply to the provincial regulator (CNO in Ontario, BCCNM in BC, etc.). Start NNAS early — it can take 6–12 months.

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.

31301 vs 32101: one digit, one full draw category

RNs claiming 32101 (or LPNs claiming 31301) are auto-screened out of healthcare draws. Score your duties in 30 seconds — before NNAS, before ITA, before regret.

Check My NOC

FAQ

Is NOC 31301 part of the Healthcare category Express Entry draw?: Yes. NOC 31301 (Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses) is one of the headline occupations in the Healthcare and social services category-based draws, which use much lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.
Do I need a Canadian nursing licence before applying for PR?: No — you do not need a Canadian nursing licence to claim work experience under NOC 31301. You do need to have been licensed in the jurisdiction where you worked. Most PNP Healthcare streams, however, do require a Canadian licence or a confirmed pathway to one (NNAS, provincial registration).
What's the difference between NOC 31301 and NOC 32101?: NOC 31301 covers Registered Nurses (RN/RPN) — TEER 1. NOC 32101 covers Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) — TEER 2. The scopes are different in supervisory responsibility, scope of practice, and educational requirements.

Last updated: June 2026