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Software developers and programmers

Occupation · NOC 2021 21232 · Canada

NOC 2021 code
21232
TEER
1
Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
1,302
Median wage, Canada
C$48.08 per hour
Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
3,336
NOC21232TEER 1
Year by year
Data as at 2026
OC<CANSOFTWARE<DEVELOPERS<AND<PROGRAMMERS<<<
212326<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<2

About this occupation

Software developers and programmers design, write, and test code for new systems and software to ensure efficiency. They create the foundations for operative systems and run diagnostic programs to certify effectiveness. They are employed in computer software, computer and video game development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors.

Example job titles

  • application programmer
  • computer game developer
  • electronic business (e-business) software developer
  • interactive media developer
  • multimedia developer
  • software developer
  • software programmer

Main duties

  • This group performs some or all of the following duties:
  • Design, write, read, test, and correct code for new software
  • Analyze information to recommend and plan the installation of new systems or modifications of an existing system
  • Evaluate simple interrelationships between programs such as whether a contemplated change in one part of a program would cause unwanted results in a related part
  • Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive video games, Internet and mobile applications
  • Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce, Internet and mobile applications
  • Develop, implement, modify and maintain gameplay features that integrate effectively into existing software
  • Write documentation for new and updated software.

Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering or in another discipline with a significant programming component or completion of a college program in computer science or related field is usually required.
  • Experience as a computer programmer is usually required.
Source: Statistics Canada, National Occupational Classification 2021 Version 1.0. Statistics Canada Open LicenceData as at NOC 2021 v1.0

Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)

Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.

Approved positions by year

305610202420252026
305610202420252026
Data table
2024537
2025610
2026155
By province or territory
  1. Quebec543
  2. Ontario505
  3. British Columbia110
  4. Alberta81
  5. Manitoba41
  6. Nova Scotia11
  7. Saskatchewan7
  8. New Brunswick3
  9. Prince Edward Island1
Employers with the most positions
  1. Ubisoft Divertissements Inc.46
  2. Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc.43
  3. Neo Financial27
  4. CGI Information Systems & Management Consultants Inc.22
  5. Morgan Stanley Services Canada Corp19
  6. Behaviour Interactive Inc.16
  7. SOTI Inc16
  8. Levio Conseils15
  9. FPT Canada Inc.12
  10. GFT Canada12
  11. Mesons Technologies INC12
  12. Autodesk Canada Co.9
  13. OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES8
  14. ATI Technologies ULC8
  15. Banque Nationale - National Bank7
By stream
  1. Global Talent Stream (TFWP)785
  2. High-wage stream (TFWP)512
  3. LMIA for permanent residence only4
  4. Low-wage stream (TFWP)1
Source: ESDC, Temporary Foreign Worker Program: employers who received positive and negative LMIAs (June 2014 – 2026 Q1). Open Government Licence – CanadaData as at 2026 Q1

Wages

Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.

AreaLowMedianHigh
CanadaC$30.00C$48.08C$76.92
AlbertaC$29.81C$48.08C$76.92
British ColumbiaC$31.25C$52.40C$84.13
ManitobaC$30.00C$41.03C$62.02
New BrunswickC$28.00C$45.67C$74.04
Newfoundland and LabradorC$30.77C$43.75C$74.52
Nova ScotiaC$24.50C$40.87C$66.67
OntarioC$30.29C$48.08C$77.40
QuebecC$29.00C$45.67C$68.13
SaskatchewanC$28.85C$48.07C$68.68
Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
3,336
Vacancies advertised
3,622
Median advertised minimum hourly wage
C$34.00
Source: ESDC, Wages by occupation and economic region (2025 release). Open Government Licence – Canada; ESDC, Job Bank job postings, January–September 2026. Open Government Licence – CanadaData as at 24 Oct 2026

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