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NOC 53122: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
NOC 53122 is a TEER 3 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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Painters, sculptors and other visual artists create original paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings and other artistic works. They are usually self-employed. This unit group also includes art instructors and teachers, who are usually employed by art schools.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- art teacher (except primary, secondary and post-secondary education)
- artist
- artistic painter
- portrait painter
- sculptor
- silkscreen artist
- watercolourist
Not this code
Close occupations that have their own code
- Art teacher - elementary school → 41221 Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
- Art teacher - secondary school → 41220 Secondary school teachers
- Artisans and craftspersons → 53124
- Fine arts professor - university → 41200 University professors and lecturers
- Fine arts teacher - college level → 41210 College and other vocational instructors
- Graphic designers and illustrators → 52120
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Painters
- Create drawings, paintings and other artwork using oils, pastels, watercolours, charcoal, ink and other media.
Sculptors
- Create sculptures, statues and other three-dimensional artwork by shaping, carving and working with materials such as clay, ice, paper, stone, wood or metal.
Art instructors and teachers
- Teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 53122 is not on IRCC's high-wage occupations list. From November 3, 2026, Canadian work in it earns only the work-length points, and a job offer in it adds no CRS points (it can still count for program eligibility).
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
- Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of the safe use of materials, tools and equipment are required. Art programs are offered at universities, colleges and private art schools.
- A college diploma in fine arts techniques may be required.
- Art instructors and teachers may be required to have a university degree or college diploma in a field related to art.