What's the NOC code for a registered nurse?
Short answer: NOC 31301 for RNs and RPNs, NOC 32101 for LPNs, NOC 31302 for nurse practitioners. All are eligible for the Express Entry Healthcare category, but only the right one will get accepted.
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.
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Nurse-to-NOC map
- Registered Nurse (RN): NOC 31301 (TEER 1).
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN): NOC 31301.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): NOC 31302 (TEER 1).
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Enrolled Nurse: NOC 32101 (TEER 2).
- Nursing Assistant / Personal Support Worker: NOC 33102 (TEER 3).
- Head Nurse / Nursing Supervisor: NOC 31300 (TEER 1).
Why this matters for the Healthcare category draw
NOC 31301 and NOC 31302 are in the Express Entry Healthcare and social services category-based draws, which use cut-offs 50–100 CRS points lower than general draws. NOC 32101 (LPN) is also included. Claiming the right code is the difference between an invitation and a long wait.
NNAS and provincial licensing
For Express Entry alone, you only need to have been registered in your home country. To work in Canada, you'll need a National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) review and provincial registration. Start NNAS early — it can take 6–12 months — but it is NOT required for your PR application itself.
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.
Healthcare draws have the lowest CRS cut-offs — if your NOC is right
RN, NP, LPN — each maps to a different code and each gets screened differently. Score your duties against all three before the next draw closes.
Check My NOCFAQ
- What is the NOC code for a registered nurse?
- Registered Nurses (RN) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) fall under NOC 31301 (TEER 1). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) fall under NOC 32101 (TEER 2). Nurse practitioners fall under NOC 31302 (TEER 1).
- Is NOC 31301 eligible for the Healthcare category Express Entry draw?
- Yes — NOC 31301 is one of the headline occupations in the Healthcare and social services category-based draws, with significantly lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.
- Do internationally educated nurses use NOC 31301?
- Yes. If you were registered to practise as an RN in your home country, you can claim NOC 31301 work experience for Express Entry. For PNPs and to actually work in Canada you will need NNAS assessment and provincial registration (CNO, BCCNM, CRNA, etc.).
Last updated: June 2026