NOC 2021 · 83121 · TEER 3

NOC 83121: Fishermen/women

NOC 83121 is a TEER 3 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW, CEC and FST. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.

Last checked against official sources 2026-10-01

TEER level

FSW · CEC · FST

Express Entry programs that accept it

2026 Express Entry categories

Official job titles under this code

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Fishermen/women operate fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.

IRCC goes by what you actually did, not by your job title: your work must match the description above and most of the main duties below. Compare them with your reference letter line by line.

Job titles filed under this code

Official example titles

fisherman/woman
fishing vessel skipper
inshore fisherman/woman
lobster fisherman/woman
longliner fisherman/woman
seiner fisherman/woman

Also included: seaweed dragger; shellfish harvester operator

Search all 34 official titles for this code →

Not this code

Close occupations that have their own code

Fishing masters and officers → 83120
Fishing vessel deckhands → 84121

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Operate fishing vessel to pursue and catch fish and other marine life
Select area for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses and charts or electronic fishing aids
Steer vessel and operate navigational instruments
Operate fishing gear, direct fishing operation and supervise fishing crew members
Maintain engine, fishing gear and other on-board equipment
Record fishing activities, weather and sea conditions
Estimate costs of operations and plan budget for each fishing season
Establish fish marketing plan and keep records of all financial transactions
May transport fish to processing plants or fish buyers.

What this code means for Express Entry

FSWAccepted

TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

CECAccepted

One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.

FSTAccepted

This code is in a trade group the Federal Skilled Trades Program accepts.

This code is not on any 2026 category list. Candidates compete in general rounds and in program rounds such as Canadian Experience Class rounds. See recent rounds →

CRS points from November 3, 2026

NOC 83121 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

Several years of experience as fishing vessel crew member or helper are usually required.
Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada.
A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required.
A commercial fishing licence is required.
Licences are required for each species of fish pursued.
Trade certification for fish harvesters is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Good to know

Progression to master or mate on fishing vessels over 100 gross tonnes is possible with additional training, licensing and experience.

Codes in the same group

NOC	Occupation	TEER
83120	Fishing masters and officers	3

Official sources

noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 83121 Fishermen/women
statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply