NOC 53120: Dancers
Dancers are employed by ballet and dance companies, television and film productions and nightclubs and similar establishments. This unit group also includes dance teachers who are usually employed by dance academies and dance schools.
Official Main Duties for NOC 53120
Select the duties you perform in your actual job. Under IRCC guidelines, you must perform at least 60% of these duties for a successful work permit or PR reference letter.
Your employer reference letter must confirm you performed the main actions described in the duties above. Avoid copying words directly from the NOC description — officers expect natural job descriptions with specific company context.
Canadian Labour Market & PR Pathways for NOC 53120
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Dancers is categorized under TEER 3. Occupations in this tier typically require completion of a 2- to 3-year post-secondary diploma, apprenticeship training, or specialized technical certifications.
Express Entry Alignment
Qualifies directly for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. Work experience must be full-time (or equivalent part-time) and continuous for at least one year.
Target Category Status
Currently evaluated under standard General and CEC invitation rounds, or targeted through provincial in-demand lists such as Ontario (OINP), British Columbia (BC PNP), or Alberta (AAIP).
NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Transition & Equivalency
Under Canada's previous NOC 2016 classification, this occupation was mapped under the following 4-digit code(s). When preparing your Express Entry profile or work reference letters, you must use the new 5-digit code NOC 53120.
Regional Wages Across Canada
Under Canadian immigration law, an employer hiring you under an LMIA must pay you at least the median wage listed below for your province.
| Province / Territory | Low Wage | Median Wage | High Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (National Average) | $20.1 | $32.94/hr | $50 |
| Quebec → | $18.33/hr | $32.69/hr | $50.38/hr |
| Ontario → | $20.1/hr | $31.88/hr | $47.32/hr |
| Alberta → | $20/hr | $35/hr | $50/hr |
| British Columbia → | $24/hr | $37.89/hr | $60/hr |
Employment Requirements
These are the education, training, and certification standards usually required by Canadian employers for this occupation:
- A university degree or college diploma in dance or Graduation from a private dance school or academy may be required.
- Talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
- Dance teachers usually require experience as dancers.
- Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
Official Job Titles for NOC 53120
28 Titles ListedIf your current job title matches any of these official examples, this NOC code is likely the right choice for your Express Entry reference letter:
Exclusions (Similar Jobs with Different Codes)
Check this list to make sure your actual job is not classified under one of these related codes:
- Choreographer (See 51120 Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations)View NOC 51120→
- Other performers (See 55109 Other performers)View NOC 55109→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 53120 (Dancers)
Essential answers regarding Express Entry eligibility, LMIA prevailing wage compliance, and official reference letter rules.
Check Your Express Entry Score & Latest Cutoffs
Calculate your exact Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for NOC 53120, explore your TEER 3 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.