How to move as an Engineer: Engineering your future in Canada

As Canada’s economy expands, the demand for engineers in diverse fields continues to rise. Engineers in Canada are highly regarded for their expertise and the vital role they play in advancing infrastructure, information and communication technology, environmental sustainability, manufacturing, and other sectors.

Whether you are a newly qualified engineer from abroad or have years of experience, immigrating to Canada can offer numerous career opportunities. In this article, we will delve into the immigration programs available for engineers, the provincial licensing process, and the engineering roles in high demand across Canada.

Why Engineers should consider moving to Canada

Canada is an increasingly popular destination for internationally trained engineers seeking better quality of life and more rewarding career opportunities. As an engineer, relocating to Canada offers compelling reasons to make the move, including:

Critical shortage of skilled engineers

With over 44,000 engineering job vacancies projected between 2020 and 2025, Canada’s rapidly growing economy faces a significant shortage of skilled engineers. As senior engineers retire and industries expand, the demand for experienced engineers at mid and intermediate levels continues to rise. This skills gap presents a tremendous opportunity for engineers trained abroad, as new graduates from Canadian institutions are unable to meet the demand.

Engineering is highly sought-after across Canada

Engineers are in high demand in key provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and Manitoba. There is particularly strong demand for civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software engineers, as well as engineering managers. In provinces where specific industries thrive, such as mining or aerospace, specialized engineering roles are especially prevalent.

Attractive salaries for engineers

Engineering roles in Canada offer competitive salaries. While pay varies by field and location, engineering professionals can expect to earn substantial wages. For example, civil engineers in Canada have an average annual salary of $75,000, with many professionals earning up to $150,000 per year.

Immigration pathways for Engineers with international qualifications

Canada actively seeks skilled individuals to fill crucial labor gaps and offers several immigration programs to help qualified professionals, such as engineers, obtain permanent residence (PR).

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is part of the Express Entry system and allows internationally qualified skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. Under this program, applicants are evaluated based on their Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), not on their profession. When you create an Express Entry profile, your score is determined by factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.

Additional points are awarded for a Canadian job offer, provincial nomination (see PNP section below), or Canadian education or work experience. Profiles are ranked according to CRS scores, and those who meet the required threshold are invited to apply for PR in each Express Entry draw. If selected under the Federal Skilled Worker program, you can live in any Canadian province or territory.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Most Canadian provinces and territories, except for Quebec and Nunavut, have Provincial Nominee Programs to nominate individuals who can address local labor shortages. Once you select your desired province, you can apply for a PNP either directly (through a paper-based application) or via the federal Express Entry system.

While certain provinces rely on CRS scores to select candidates, others focus on nominating skilled professionals to address critical labor shortages by considering the National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes related to their previous work experience. In these instances, your chances of receiving a provincial nomination increase if the province is actively seeking engineers in your area of specialization.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a federal initiative that enables skilled foreign workers, as well as international students who have studied in Canada, to permanently settle in one of the Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador. While the AIP does not specifically target occupations, you may be eligible if you have at least one year of full-time paid work experience (1,560 hours) within the last five years and meet language proficiency requirements. Additionally, you must secure a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada.

How to obtain a license in Canada as a foreign-trained engineer

In Canada, engineering is a regulated profession, and you must be licensed by your provincial or territorial authority before you can practice independently as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). However, you can begin working under the supervision of a licensed engineer once you begin the licensing process, even if you don’t yet qualify for a P.Eng. license. The exception to this is software engineers, who are not required to be licensed.

Understanding engineering licenses in your province

In most provinces, you can start the licensing process before arriving in Canada. The licensing process differs across provinces, so it’s important to understand the types of licenses offered in your province, as well as their requirements and restrictions. Generally, a full license grants you the P.Eng. credential, allowing you to practice independently. Most provinces require applicants to have at least four to five years of engineering experience, including some Canadian experience (usually one year) before qualifying for a full license.

However, as of May 2023, Professional Engineers Ontario became the first regulatory body in Canada to eliminate the Canadian experience requirement for internationally trained engineers. If you plan to work in another province or territory, you will still need Canadian experience to qualify for the P.Eng. license.

Some provinces may issue a provisional license to applicants who meet all requirements except for Canadian work experience. If you have at least three or four years of foreign engineering experience, you may be eligible for a provisional license, which allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed P.Eng. until you obtain your full license.

If you’re a recent graduate or lack the necessary work experience to qualify for a full or provisional license, you can apply for the Engineer-in-Training (EIT), Member-in-Training, or Engineering Intern program (the terminology varies by province). As an EIT, you can work under a licensed P.Eng. and accumulate the required experience for your licensure.

Applying for an Engineering License with the Regulator

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for an engineering license in your chosen province, you must submit an application to the relevant regulatory body. Along with your application, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation and pay the required licensing fee. While specific requirements can vary by province or territory, the typical process includes several key steps:

1. Academic Assessment
   The provincial or territorial regulator will evaluate your academic credentials and supporting documents, such as your degrees, transcripts, certifications, and course syllabi, to determine whether you need additional education, work experience, or exams before you can qualify for a license. If your education was completed outside Canada, you’ll need to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your foreign degrees, diplomas, or certifications are equivalent to Canadian qualifications. If your original documents are in a language other than English or French (for Quebec), you’ll also need to submit certified translations. To be eligible for a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license, you’ll typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or its equivalent, with a focus on the field in which you plan to practice.
2. Work Experience Assessment
   Work experience is a critical component of the licensure process. Most provinces/territories require engineers to have four to five years of professional experience, including at least one year of Canadian experience. Ontario is an exception, as it no longer requires Canadian work experience for licensing. Foreign-trained engineers can begin the licensing process before arriving in Canada, but they typically need to work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer to meet the Canadian work experience requirement for a P.Eng. license (this does not apply in Ontario). To start this supervised work, you may need to apply for a provisional license or join the Engineer-in-Training, Member-in-Training, or Engineering Intern program, depending on the province. After fulfilling the work experience requirement, you must submit a work experience record, validated by your supervisor. In some cases, you may also need to undergo a competency-based assessment to demonstrate your technical knowledge in engineering.
3. Language Competency Assessment
   In most provinces, you will be required to show proficiency in either English or French. The language assessment method may vary by regulator, but you will typically need to achieve a satisfactory score on an approved language test that evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
4. Character Assessment
   To ensure you meet ethical standards, the regulator will assess your character and reputation. You will likely need to provide character references, including one from a licensed engineer in Canada, and answer questions that help the regulator evaluate your trustworthiness and ethical conduct.
5. Professional Practice Examination (PPE)
   As part of the licensure process, you must pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE). This exam tests your understanding of engineering laws, professional ethics, and standards. It also covers topics such as contracts, intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights), and other related areas.

How much do Engineers earn in Canada?

Engineering is a well-compensated profession in Canada, with salaries varying depending on the province, area of specialization, and level of experience. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, civil engineers in Canada earn a median hourly wage of $41.20. However, wages can differ significantly across provinces. For instance, civil engineers in Alberta enjoy the highest median wage at $45 per hour, while those in Prince Edward Island earn the lowest at $31.79 per hour. In certain regions of Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia, highly experienced civil engineers can command wages as high as $70 per hour.

Here are the median hourly wages for other engineering roles in Canada:

• Mechanical Engineers: $42 per hour
• Electrical and Electronic Engineers: $45 per hour
• Chemical Engineers: $43.37 per hour
• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers: $40.87 per hour
• Mining Engineers: $46.67 per hour
• Petroleum Engineers: $52.88 per hour
• Aerospace Engineers: $47.30 per hour
• Computer Engineers (excluding software engineers): $46.39 per hour
• Software Engineers: $48.08 per hour
• Engineering Managers: $55.29 per hour

These figures indicate that engineering roles in Canada are generally well-paying, with opportunities to earn higher wages based on the specific field, location, and experience level.

How to find engineering jobs in Canada

Once you’re in the process of obtaining your engineering license, it’s time to start your job search in Canada. You can even begin looking for opportunities before you arrive. Here’s how to find the right engineering job:

1. Research job market requirements: The qualifications, skills, and experience needed for your engineering field may differ from what you’re accustomed to. To better understand the job market, research the skills employers are seeking. Even if you’re not yet eligible for full engineering roles without Canadian experience and a P.Eng. license, you can apply for positions such as engineering associate, engineering assistant, or Engineer-in-Training roles. These opportunities allow you to gain experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
2. Create a Canadian-style resume: Resumes in Canada may differ from those in your home country. There are three common types of Canadian resumes: reverse chronological, functional, and hybrid. The format you choose will depend on your experience. Most employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so tailoring your resume for each position by using keywords from the job description is key. You can start by using free Canadian-style resume templates available online.
3. Utilize job portals and company websites: There are several online platforms where you can find engineering job listings. Websites like Job Bank, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed are great for exploring job opportunities. Additionally, identify your target companies and regularly check their career pages for openings.
4. Build relevant skills: In addition to the courses or training required for licensure, gaining certifications in software, technology, or other in-demand skills can boost your qualifications. For instance, certifications in AutoCAD or other CAD software could be valuable if you are pursuing a job in civil or electrical engineering.
5. Expand your professional network: Networking is crucial for engineers in Canada. Building connections through LinkedIn, professional associations, and industry events can open up opportunities. Networking gives you access to job leads that may not be advertised, and you may even connect with licensed engineers who are seeking associates. Your network can also provide insights into the licensing process, offer mentorship, give referrals, and help vouch for your character when applying for your P.Eng. license.

By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the Canadian job market and find the engineering role that’s right for you.

Recruitment process for engineers in Canada

The hiring process for engineers in Canada is typically thorough, involving multiple stages, including resume screening, interviews, and technical assessments.

After submitting your resume and cover letter, if you’re shortlisted, the initial stage will likely be a screening interview to ensure that your career goals align with the company’s objectives and the role you’re applying for. This is typically followed by an introductory in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager to assess your skills, experience, and overall fit for the position.

Employers often require applicants to complete tests, case studies, or practical exercises designed to evaluate their technical abilities. For example, software engineering candidates may be asked to complete a coding test, while civil and mechanical engineering applicants could be tested on their problem-solving, mathematical, and analytical skills, in addition to their technical knowledge.

Another key component of the recruitment process is the culture fit interview. This stage focuses on evaluating your interpersonal skills, your alignment with the company’s values, and how well you would integrate into the team environment.

Once you are selected, employers will usually conduct background checks and reference verification to confirm your educational qualifications, work history, and professional conduct. Finally, the employer will extend a job offer, which you can accept or negotiate based on the terms.

Is moving to Canada a good option for internationally qualified engineers?

Engineers with international qualifications are in high demand across all provinces in Canada, as the local workforce is unable to fully meet the growing labor market needs. Canada’s immigration programs present an exciting and financially rewarding opportunity for internationally trained engineers to move and settle in the country. However, the licensing process can be lengthy, and you may need to gain some experience working under supervision before you can secure a job as a fully licensed engineer.

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