Instructions on the elvers possession and export licence forms

Unless specified otherwise, the Applicant or its authorized representative is not required to submit any other documents with the application other than the statutory declaration in Section 2 of the application, verifying the information provided. Under Section 8 (1) of the Fishery (General) Regulations, the Minister may request an applicant for a document to submit such information in addition to that included in the application as may reasonably be regarded as relevant.

Unless specified otherwise, all application fields must be filled out. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

On this page

• Application for an Elver Possession or Export Licence (long form)
  • Section A - Type of request and licence number
  • Section B - Identification of the applicant
  • Section C – Authorized representative
  • Section D – Corporation information
  • Section E – Applicant’s business address
  • Section F – Applicant’s business mailing address
  • Section G – Applicant’s head office address
  • Section H - Applicant’s business telephone number
  • Section I - Applicant’s business email address
  • Section J - Holding facility Information
  • Section K - Authorized personnel - Reporting
  • Section L - Authorized personnel – Off-site handlers
  • Section M - Attestation from the applicant
• Application for an Elver Possession or Export Licence (short form)
  • Section A - Type of request and licence number
  • Section B - Identification of the applicant
  • Section C – Authorized representative
  • Section D – Corporation information
  • Section M - Attestation from the applicant
• Application process

Application for an Elver Possession or Export Licence (long form)

Section A - Type of request and licence number

As part of DFO’s Regulations for the possession and export of elvers (“the Elvers Regulations”), applicants can request a possession or an export licence.

• Applicants need a possession licence to possess elvers once they have been deposited at a holding facility. This includes holding facility operators and fish buyers and processors that possess elvers.
• Applicants need an export licence to be authorized to export elvers from Canada. An export licence is specific to the activity of exporting and does not grant the holder the authority to physically possess elvers. Licence holders of an export licence would also require a possession licence to physically possess elvers.

If you are the holder of possession or export licence for season 2025-2026 and are using the long form to request the issuance of a possession or export licence for season 2026-2027, provide the licence number from the 2025-2026 season. If you were not the holder of a elver possession or export licence in season 2025-2026, you do not have to provide a licence number.

Note that if you want all the information you have provided to be issued a possession or export licence for season 2025-2026 and to comply with the conditions of that licence to be used to assess your eligibility to be issued a similar possession or export licence for season 2026-2027, a shorter application form is available to you on DFO’s Regulations for the possession and export of elvers webpage.

If you were not the holder of a possession or export licence in season 2025-2026 or do not want to use season 2025-2026 information to make a request for a new licence, you must use the long form to make a request for a 2026-2027 licence.

Note that you cannot use the long form to change information on an issued licence. To request changes to an issued licence you must use the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Section B - Identification of the applicant

If the applicant is an individual, B.2 is not a required field. If the applicant is a person other than an individual, B.1 is not a required field.

For all types of applicant, provide the applicant’s full legal name (individual in B.1 or other entity in B.2).

If the applicant is an individual:

• the name provided in B.1 must be the same as the one in the signature sections
• DFO might request a copy of a government-issued photo identification to confirm the identity of the applicant
• the same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS)

If a licence is issued, the name provided in B will appear on the licence in the section “Licence holder name and address”.

If the applicant is a corporation of any kind, provide the full legal name of the corporation in B.2 as established in its jurisdiction of incorporation.

Section C – Authorized representative

If the applicant is an individual, C is not a required field.

If the applicant is not an individual, provide the full legal name of the authorized representative making the application on the applicant’s behalf.

The name provided here must be the same as the one in the signature sections.

In the case of a corporation, the authorized representative must be an officer of the corporation. To demonstrate this, the applicant could provide, if requested, an annual report filed with a registry office, for example.

DFO might request documents to confirm the representative making the application on the Applicant’s behalf is authorized to do so. To demonstrate this, the applicant could provide, for example, a copy of a board of directors or a Band council resolution. DFO may also request a copy of a government-issued photo identification to confirm the identity of the authorized representative.

If a licence is issued, the name provided in C will appear on the licence in the section “Licence holder name and address”

If the applicant is not an individual, the same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Section D – Corporation information

If the applicant is an individual, D is not a required field.

If the applicant is a corporation of any kind, provide the jurisdiction of incorporation, and any applicable corporation number or business number.

To hold an elver possession or export licence, you do not need to be a Canadian registered corporation.

DFO might request a copy of the articles of incorporation or comparable documents to confirm the identity of the applicant.

Section E – Applicant’s business address

For all types of applicants, provide a business address in Canada.

The business address is where the applicant or its authorized representative can be physically reached by DFO in relation to the application or, if a licence is issued, for administrating licence business.

If a licence is issued, the address provided in E will appear on the licence in the section “Licence holder name and address”.

The same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Unless a business mailing address is provided in F, this address will be assumed to be the business mailing address. Unless a head office address is provided in G, this address will be assumed to be the head office address.

Section F – Applicant’s business mailing address

For all types of applicants, provide a business mailing address in Canada if different than the business address provided in E.

This address can be used by DFO to send information in relation to the application or, if a licence is issued, for administering licence business.

Section G – Applicant’s head office address

For all types of applicants, provide a head office address if different than the business address provided in E.

The head office is considered the location where an applicant decision maker(s) work and where many of the key business decisions are made.

Section H - Applicant’s business telephone number

For all types of applicants, provide a business telephone number in Canada.

The business telephone number is where the applicant or the applicant’s representative can be reached by DFO in relation to the application or, if a licence is issued, for administrating licence business.

The business telephone number provided must be answered by an individual with knowledge of the business relating to the requested licence who can provide and receive information in one of Canada’s official languages.

The same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Section I - Applicant’s business email address

For all types of applicants, provide a business email address.

The business email address is where the applicant or the applicant’s representative can be reached electronically by DFO officials in relation to the application or, if a licence is issued, for the purpose of administering licence business.

The same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

It is important to note that if the email address provided in the application is different than the one provided in the Personal Information section of NOLS, DFO will use the NOLS email address for all NOLS system notifications.

Section J - Holding facility Information

For possession licence applicants only, provide holding facility complete address in Canada.

The applicant must ensure that:

• the proposed holding facility specified is a permanent, immobile structure
• the proposed holding facility is not located within a residential building
• if there are sleeping quarters or other residential components in, attached to or directly accessible from the proposed holding facility, no elvers, equipment or records associated with the harvesting, purchase, transport or sale of elvers are brought into or stored in those areas
• either the proposed holding facility:
  • is within cellular service coverage with sufficient signal strength to support data uploads and downloads
  • provides Wi-Fi-based access to the Internet to any persons required to or authorized to provide reports or notifications through the Elver Monitoring and Traceability Application in relation to activities taking place or in the immediate vicinity of the facility
• the proposed holding facility is not used, listed or proposed by another applicant or elver possession licence holder

If a licence is issued, the address provided in J will appear on the licence in the section “Holding facility address”.

DFO might request documentation to confirm the proposed holding facilities meet possession licence requirements. To demonstrate this, the applicant could provide, for example, municipal tax bills, facilities blue prints or deed of property.

Section K - Authorized personnel - Reporting

For possession licence applicants only, provide authorized reporter’s full name and business email address.

If a possession licence is issued to an individual, the licence holder will be designated to be an authorized reporter.

If a possession licence is issued to a person other than an individual, the licence holder’s authorized representative will be designated to be an authorized reporter.

The licence holder can identify up to 2 other individuals, for the purposes of fulfilling reporting requirements.

Providing this information will facilitate user account set-up for authorized reporters in the Elver Monitoring and Traceability Application if the applicant is issued a possession licence. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure the names and email addresses provided are accurate, and to explain to the individuals involved that this information is shared with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the purpose of meeting conditions of licences requirements. Erroneous information submitted in this application may result in delays in account set-up.

This is not an eligibility requirement to be issued a licence.

Section L - Authorized personnel – Off-site handlers

For possession licence applicants only, provide off-site elver handlers full name and phone number.

The phone number provided must be a cellular or satellite telephone number at which each off-site elver handler can be reached when in possession of elvers under the authority of the possession licence

If a possession licence is issued to an individual, the licence holder will be designated to be an off-site elver handler.

The licence holder can identify up to 3 individuals, for the role of off-site elver handlers.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the names and telephone numbers provided are accurate, and to explain to the individuals involved that this information is shared with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for the purpose of meeting conditions of licence requirements.

This is not an eligibility requirement to be issued a licence.

Section M - Attestation from the Applicant

As part of the Elvers Regulations review of the eligibility of an applicant to be issued possession or export licences, DFO requires an attestation of the information in the application. For more information about the elvers regulations, policy and the eligibility requirements to hold this type of licence you may consult the Regulations for the possession and export of elvers webpage.

Application for an elver possession or export licence (short form)

Section A - Type of request and licence number

As part of the Elvers Regulations, applicants can request a possession or an export licence.

• Applicants need a possession licence to possess elvers once they have been deposited at a holding facility. This includes holding facility operators and fish buyers and processors that possess elvers.
• Applicants need an export licence to be authorized to export elvers from Canada. An export licence is specific to the activity of exporting and does not grant the holder the authority to physically possess elvers. Licence holder of an export licence would also require a possession licence to physically possess elvers.

If you are the holder of a possession or export licence for season 2025-2026 and are using the shortform to request the issuance of a possession or export licence for season 2026-2027, provide the licence number from the 2025-2026 season.

If you were not the holder of a elver possession or export licence in season 2025-2026, you cannot use the short form to make a request for a possession or export licence for season 2026-2027. In that case, you must use another application form (the long form). This application form is available to you on DFO’s Regulations for the possession and export of elvers webpage.

Note that if you want to change the information you have provided to be issued a possession or export licence for season 2025-2026 and to comply with the conditions of that licence to be used to assess your eligibility to be issued a similar possession or export licence for season 2026-2027, you must use another application form (the long form).

Note that you cannot use the short form to change information on an issued licence. To request changes to an issued licence you must use the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Section B - Identification of the applicant

If the applicant is an individual, B.2 is not a required field. If the Applicant is a person other than an individual, B.1 is not a required field.

For all types of applicants, provide the applicant’s full legal name (individual in B.1 or other entity in B.2).

If the applicant is an individual:

• the name provided in B.1 must be the same as the one in the signature sections
• DFO might request a copy of a government-issued photo identification to confirm the identity of the Applicant
• the same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS)

If a licence is issued, the name provided in B will appear on the licence in the section “Licence holder name and address”.

If the applicant is a corporation of any kind, provide the full legal name of the corporation in B.2 as established in its jurisdiction of incorporation.

Section C – Authorized representative

If the applicant is an individual, C is not a required field.

If the applicant is not an individual, provide the full legal name of the authorized representative making the application on the applicant’s behalf.

The name provided here must be the same as the one in the signature sections.

In the case of a corporation, the authorized representative must be an officer of the corporation. To demonstrate this, the applicant could provide, if requested, an annual report filed with a registry office, for example.

DFO might request documents to confirm the representative making the application on the applicant’s behalf is authorized to do so. To demonstrate this, the applicant could provide, for example, a copy of a board of directors or a Band council resolution. DFO may also request a copy of a government-issued photo identification to confirm the identity of the authorized representative.

If a licence is issued, the name provided in C will appear on the licence in the section “Licence holder name and address”

If the applicant is not an individual, the same information provided in this section must be used in the Personal Information section of the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

Section D – Corporation information

If the applicant is an individual, D is not a required field.

If the applicant is a corporation of any kind, provide the jurisdiction of incorporation, and any applicable corporation number or business number.

To hold an elver possession or export licence, you do not need to be a Canadian registered corporation.

DFO might request a copy of the articles of incorporation or comparable documents to confirm the identity of the Applicant.

Section M - Attestation from the applicant

As part of the Elvers Regulations review of the eligibility of an Applicant to be issued possession or export licences, DFO requires an attestation of the information in the application. For more information about the Elvers Regulations, Policy and the eligibility requirements to hold this type of licence you may consult the Regulations for the possession and export of elvers webpage.

Application process

Once you have completed the application, you need to submit it to the department using the National Online Licensing System (NOLS).

If you do not have a NOLS profile, instructions on how to register for a profile are available on DFO’s website.

The application form information will allow DFO to assess your eligibility for a licence. If you meet the necessary criteria, a licence will be issued to you.

Currently, there are no fees associated with the issuance of a possession or export licence.

For details regarding the application forms or the process itself prior to submitting a request, please refer to the Regulations for the possession and export of elvers. Should you require additional information please contact us at fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Do not send privileged or sensitive business information via email.

If you have questions regarding your application or the process once you have submitted a request, please use NOLS and the request number provided upon application to contact us. Instructions on how to submit such a request is found on DFO’s website.

Should you require further assistance with any of the above, please contact fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Upon receipt of your application, DFO will conduct a thorough review. If the department determines that additional information is required to assess your eligibility, you may receive a request for further details. To facilitate a timely decision, the department requests that you provide the information within 10 business days. Please note that if no answer is provided to the department, your application could be closed.

DFO aims to make a decision on complete application files within 30 business days. This service standard applies only once the file is considered complete by DFO.

You will be notified of DFO's questions or decision through your NOLS account. If you are deemed eligible, you will be able to download and print the licence. You will also receive instructions on the next steps to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

If you are determined to be ineligible, you will receive, through NOLS, a letter explaining the reasons for this decision.

For season 2026-2027, possession and export licences will be valid on the later of two dates: the date of issuance or March 1, 2026. All licences will expire on February 28, 2027.

Conditions of licence form an integral part of the licence. Accordingly, the licence is not complete until those conditions are attached. The licence holder is not authorized to act on the basis of a licence until the conditions are issued.

Licence eligibility is assessed by DFO prior to the issuance of a licence every year. You may be required to demonstrate or attest eligibility again to be issued a licence next year.

Instructions will be provided by DFO on how to submit a request to be issued a new licence for next year.

We recommend you consult the Regulations for the possession and export of elvers webpage regularly to keep informed of new policy or regulatory requirements.