Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer
05 Nov 2024
Canada might be perfect for you if you are considering engineering chances abroad. The government needs more engineering talent in many sectors, making it an excellent destination for skilled professionals like you. Whether you are an electrical, civil, mechanical, or software engineer, specific programs are instituted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help you immigrate to Canada as an Engineer.
Ready to take the leap to an engineering career in Canada? We explore the best immigration pathways and critical steps for foreign engineers looking to live and work here
Why Canada Needs Engineers?
With a rapidly aging population, labor shortages in critical industries, and a high demand for skilled workers, immigrants in Canada play a crucial role in driving the country's innovation and prosperity - especially in fields like engineering and technology. Let's take a closer look at why immigrants continue to choose Canada.
Labor Shortages in Engineering Fields
A severe engineering shortage grips Canada with no signs of slowing down. Industry experts predict a demand for over 100,000 new engineers by 2025. The situation intensifies as 95,000 experienced engineers approach retirement. Canadian educational institutions produce 12,000 engineering graduates yearly, which falls short of market demands. Engineering disciplines of all types need qualified professionals, which creates opportunities for you to immigrate to Canada as an engineer.
Growing Tech and Infrastructure Sectors
Canada's tech sector continues to thrive, with an addition of nearly 300,000 technology jobs in the last six years. The industry adds an impressive 157,46 billion CAD to the Canadian economy, representing 5.5% of the country's GDP. Canadian engineering opportunities are beautiful because:
- Software engineers earn median salaries 48% higher than national averages,
- Provincial infrastructure projects receive 45,83 billion CAD in investments,
- New opportunities emerge in cutting-edge technologies and AI, and
- Tech hubs in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal show rapid expansion.
Government Initiatives to Attract Skilled Workers
The Canadian government values your engineering skills and has created programs to help your immigration experience. They have expanded the Labor Market Opinion pilot project to speed up the hiring process for foreign workers in engineering and related sectors. A 70,12 million CAD investment now streamlines the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) that targets high-demand jobs like yours.
Engineers are especially needed in British Columbia and Alberta provinces. These regions must attract 30,000 workers each year to handle their labor shortages. You can choose from multiple pathways through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry to transform your engineering expertise into Canadian permanent residency.
Top Engineering Jobs in Canada
Canada boasts a thriving engineering sector, offering a variety of in-demand roles for foreign-skilled professionals in the field. Here is a summary of the top engineering jobs in Canada, including their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and average annual salaries, as sourced from Canada's Jobs Bank.
| Top Engineering Jobs | NOC Codes | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineers | 21332 | 156,548.74 |
| Software Engineers | 21231 | 140,162.99 |
| Chemical Engineers | 21320 | 136,866.54 |
| Mining Engineers | 21330 | 130,470.85 |
| Electrical Engineers | 21310 | 126,566.11 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 21390 | 125,233.56 |
| Environmental Engineers | 21300 | 122,129.57 |
| Civil Engineers | 21300 | 122,104.79 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 117,428.52 |
| Industrial Engineers | 21321 | 110,883.63 |
Top Immigration Programs for Engineers
Engineers looking to work in Canada have several immigration pathways available. The Canadian immigration system welcomes your engineering expertise through three critical programs that can help you make Canada your new home.
Federal Skilled Workers Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) through Express Entry serves as your primary path to Canadian permanent residency. This program reviews your eligibility based on the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). The score looks at:
| Evaluation Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Age (18-35 years) | 12 points |
| Education | 25 points |
| Work Experience | 15 points |
| Language Skills | 28 points |
| Adaptability | 10 points |
Your engineering background under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) and Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, or 2 gives you a strong advantage in this program. However, you must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 language requirement to qualify.
Provincial Nominee Program
The PNP is a great way to get targeted immigration opportunities that match regional engineering needs. Each province sets its selection criteria and provides these benefits:
- Special immigration streams that target engineers where they just need them,
- Extra 600 CRS points when nominated,
- Quick processing times for essential engineering positions, and
- Programs that line up perfectly with local job market needs.
Canadian Experience Class
The CEC works best for engineers currently working in Canada. You need at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. Your engineering duties should match your NOC category. Canadian work experience must be gained with temporary resident status. Language proficiency tests from approved testing systems are also required.
Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) plays a significant role in all these programs and verifies that your engineering degree meets Canadian standards. Each pathway provides different advantages that should align with your specific circumstances and career goals in Canada's engineering sector.
Steps to Immigrate as an Engineer
From assessing your qualifications to navigating the application process, here are the steps to help streamline your path to permanent residence and a successful career in Canada.
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility to Apply
Start by checking if you meet Canadian immigration requirements. The official Express Entry self-assessment tool helps calculate your potential CRS. These factors matter:
| Assessment Criteria | Required Documentation |
|---|---|
| Education | Engineering degree & ECA report |
| Work Experience | Employment letters & references |
| Language Skills | IELTS or CELPIP results |
| Age | Valid passport |
| Adaptability | Proof of Canadian connections |
Step 2: Choose an Immigration Program
Your eligibility assessment results will help you pick the right pathway. You can choose from the FSWP, PNP, or CEC. Think about these key aspects:
- Processing times,
- Each province's engineering needs, and
- Your engineering specialty.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
You need to put together a complete picture of the documents for your Canadian permanent residency application. Everything in your package should have:
- Valid passport,
- Language test results,
- ECA report,
- Reference letters from previous employers,
- Police clearance certificates, and
- Medical examination results.
Step 4: Submit Application
The Express Entry system requires you to create an online profile. Your supporting documents should match all the information you provide. The application needs careful attention to these critical areas:
- Select the correct NOC code that matches your engineering position,
- Write clear descriptions of your work experience,
- Include your complete education background, and
- Provide up-to-date contact details.
Prepare for Arrival
Your approved application means planning your move is time. You should focus on these key areas:
- Researching engineering job opportunities in your destination city,
- Connecting with professional engineering associations,
- Preparing your Canadian-style resume,
- Arranging temporary accommodation, and
- Setting up essential services like banking and healthcare.
Valid documentation needs your attention throughout the process. Keep copies of all submitted materials handy. Your attention to detail will substantially improve your chances of a successful immigration experience.
Getting Licensed as an Engineer in Canada
Engineers who plan to immigrate to Canada must understand the licensing process, which is significant for their professional trips. Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada requires specific knowledge and preparation as outlined in Engineers Canada's guidelines.
Licensing Requirements by Province
Canadian provinces and territories regulate engineering through their regulatory bodies. Engineers must get their licenses from the province where they plan to work. The requirements differ slightly across provinces. However, engineers must complete all but one of these components: academic qualification, work experience, language proficiency, and professional practice examination.
Credential Assessment
A recognized organization needs to assess your engineering degree. These organizations can provide your credential assessment:
- Comparative Education Service â University of Toronto,
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICASC)
- World Education Services (WES),
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), and
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).
Canadian Work Experience
A minimum of one year of engineering experience in a Canadian environment is required, regardless of your international experience level. The experience must meet these criteria:
- A licensed Professional Engineer must supervise your work,
- You need to maintain detailed work experience records,
- Your work should be arranged within your engineering discipline, and
- You must complete this while holding temporary resident status,
Professional Practice Exam
The National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE) is a required 2.5-hour assessment that covers:
- Professional ethics,
- Engineering law,
- Professional liability, and
- Contract regulations.
The exam contains 110 multiple-choice questions and runs five times yearly. You get three chances to pass within your designated time frame. Taking the exam early in your licensing experience will benefit you the most.
FAQs
What is the Processing Time for Immigration Applications For Engineers?
The processing time can vary depending on the program and your specific circumstances. Under the Express Entry system, for example, it can take around 6 to 8 months after receiving an ITA. Processing times for PNPs and other pathways may differ, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for each program.
Do I Need a Job Offer to Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer?
Not necessarily. While having a valid job offer can improve your chances of securing permanent residence, programs like Express Entry do not require one. However, securing a job offer may make your application more competitive, especially under certain PNPs.
Are There Specific Provinces That Are Better For Engineers?
Certain provinces have a higher demand for engineers and offer tailored PNP streams. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa are known for their robust engineering sectors and job opportunities.
Can I Start Working Before Obtaining my P.Eng. License?
Yes, you can work under the supervision of a licensed engineer while you complete your licensing process. Some provinces also offer provisional licenses that allow you to work while fulfilling the remaining requirements.
