Biologists and related scientists
Occupation · NOC 2021 21110 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 21110
- TEER
- 1
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 192
- Median wage, Canada
- C$40.00 per hour
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 335
OC<CANBIOLOGISTS<AND<RELATED<SCIENTISTS<<<<< 211105<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<0
About this occupation
Biologists and related scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, to manage natural resources, and to develop new practices and products related to medicine and agriculture. They are employed in both laboratory and field settings by governments, environmental consulting companies, resource and utilities companies, chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnical companies, hospitals and health, research and educational institutions.
Example job titles
- anatomist
- bacteriologist
- bioinformatician
- biologist
- botanist
- cell biologist
- ecologist
- embryologist
- geneticist
- histologist
- immunologist
- marine biologist
- microbiologist
- molecular biologist
- mycologist
- parasitologist
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Biologists
- Plan and conduct studies of the environment, and of the population, distribution, structure and functional characteristics and behaviour of plants and animals
- Conduct ecological and environmental impact studies and prepare reports
- Study, identify and classify plant and animal specimens
- Conduct experiments in plant or animal growth, heredity and breeding
- Prepare reports and plans for management of renewable resources
- May supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Microbiologists and cell and molecular biologists
- Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and algae
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline is required for biologists.
- A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology.
- Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.
- Biologists are regulated in Alberta and British Columbia.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 5 |
- Fertilys6
- Deep Genomics Incorporated4
- Repare Therapeutics Inc.4
- ITR Laboratories Canada Inc4
- Université de Montréal4
- University of Western Ontario3
- Feedlot Health Management Services Ltd.3
- CHU de Québec - Université Laval3
- Université McGill3
- Lallemand Inc3
- Destiny Bioscience Global Corp3
- Laboratoires Charles River Montréal ULC3
- Department of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada3
- Originelle Fertility Clinic & Women's Health Centre3
Work permits
Work permit holders by year the permit took effect, mapped from NOC 2016 where the code has a single NOC 2021 successor (IRCC).
| Year | TFWP permits | IMP permits |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 400 |
| 2025 | 0 | 405 |
| 2024 | 5 | 445 |
| 2023 | 0 | 520 |
| 2022 | 5 | 470 |
| 2021 | 0 | 400 |
| 2020 | 0 | 425 |
| 2019 | 0 | 700 |
| 2018 | 0 | 690 |
| 2017 | 15 | 715 |
| 2016 | 0 | 735 |
| 2015 | 0 | 730 |
All work permits by year
Data table
| 2015 | 730 |
| 2016 | 735 |
| 2017 | 730 |
| 2018 | 690 |
| 2019 | 700 |
| 2020 | 425 |
| 2021 | 400 |
| 2022 | 475 |
| 2023 | 520 |
| 2024 | 450 |
| 2025 | 405 |
| 2026 | 400 |
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2015 | 265 |
| 2016 | 335 |
| 2017 | 375 |
| 2018 | 465 |
| 2019 | 510 |
| 2020 | 215 |
| 2021 | 295 |
| 2022 | 295 |
| 2023 | 320 |
| 2024 | 190 |
| 2025 | 125 |
| 2026 | 110 |
- Federal Skilled Worker1,645
- Canadian Experience Class1,610
- Provincial Nominee Program300
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$25.71 | C$40.00 | C$66.67 |
| Alberta | C$26.44 | C$41.44 | C$88.19 |
| British Columbia | C$28.85 | C$42.00 | C$60.00 |
| Manitoba | C$25.52 | C$37.00 | C$57.69 |
| New Brunswick | C$23.84 | C$41.00 | C$59.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | C$22.00 | C$40.00 | C$54.40 |
| Nova Scotia | C$24.62 | C$37.50 | C$51.06 |
| Ontario | C$24.50 | C$40.00 | C$69.23 |
| Quebec | C$24.50 | C$38.46 | C$54.12 |
| Saskatchewan | C$28.22 | C$42.85 | C$61.71 |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 335
- Vacancies advertised
- 374
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$30.27
Official data, not advice. Visa Atlas publishes figures from government registers and statistics. It does not assess eligibility or give immigration advice; for advice, consult a regulated adviser. Read more