How to Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer

Are you an engineer looking to immigrate to Canada so that you can give yourself and your loved ones a better quality of life? Well, with the right work experience and relevant qualifications, you can move to the Great White North and enjoy an abundance of opportunities available. With free universal healthcare, quality education, and a decent cost of living, Canada offers you a head start that you won't get elsewhere.

The country relies heavily on skilled foreign workers to bridge the gaps in the labor market left open by its huge volume of retiring citizens. Attracting talent from abroad is a major priority for the Canadian government. Its latest Immigration Levels Plan revealed a target of 365,000 newcomers to be welcomed in 2023 alone.

So, if you have what it takes to immigrate to Canada as an engineer, let's take a look at the prospects available in this North American wonderland.

Why Work as an Engineer in Canada?

Engineers at work | How to Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer

Engineers are sought-after across the globe. So it's no surprise that Canada wants to draw the best engineering talent to its shores. Here's why you should say yes to the great white north.

  • The demand for your skills is high across sectors
  • The engineering field is broad, so there are opportunities for every type of engineer, from civil engineers to software, electrical, and mechanical engineering professionals.
  • Engineers are in demand in every Canadian province, so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to live.
  • You'll enjoy access to free basic education for your children
  • Once you gain permanent residency, you'll be able to access Universal healthcare
  • Because Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, you'll have the perfect setting to thrive in
  • Great demand means competitive salaries, so you will be able to access a comfortable remuneration package

11 of the Highest-Paying Canadian Engineering Jobs

Female Engineer in Canada | How to Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer

Engineers in Canada can earn an average salary of around 83,637 CAD per year or just over 42 CAD an hour. Entry-level positions start at just over 64,000 CAD annually, with most experienced engineers earning as much as 122,000 CAD per annum.

We've compiled a list of the 11 highest-paying Canadian Engineering jobs for you to go through, along with some of the requirements for engineers and projections for jobs over the next three years. The data below from Canada's Job Bank will give you great insights into Canadian immigration for engineering professionals.

Biomedical Engineer (NOC 2021 21399)

  • Salary Range: between 24.09 CAD/hour and 70.77 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A biomedical engineering bachelor's degree and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: The availability of jobs over the next three years looks very good in Alberta, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, and good in British Columbia and Ontario.

Project Engineer (NOC 2021 code NOC 21300 )

  • Salary Range: between 27.55 CAD/hour and 67.18 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in project engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: The projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years are very good in Quebec and good in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory.

Civil Engineer (NOC 2021 21300)

  • Salary Range: between 27.55/hour CAD and 67.18 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: The projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years are very good in Quebec and good in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory.

Mechanical Engineer (NOC 2021 21301)

  • Salary Range: between 26.45 CAD/hour and 62.50 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: The projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years are good in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Software Engineer (NOC 2021 21231)

  • Salary Range: between 29.54 CAD/hour and 72.12 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in software engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: The projections for software engineer jobs over the next three years are very good in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island. There is also a good chance of getting a job in this field in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Electrical Engineer (NOC 2021 21310)

  • Salary Range: between 28.85 CAD/hour and 69.23 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: The availability of jobs over the next three years ranges from very good in Quebec and Saskatchewan to good in Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Engineering Inspector (NOC 2021 22231)

  • Salary Range: between 27.88 CAD/hour and 57.60 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A university degree or diploma in the stipulated engineering field may be required, or trade qualifications and extensive related work experience may be required.
  • Job Prospects: According to Canada Job Bank projections, the availability of jobs over the next three years is good in Alberta and Quebec.

Traffic Engineer (NOC 2021 21300)

  • Salary Range: between 27.55 CAD/hour and 67.18 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: Projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years range from very good in Quebec and good in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory.

Architectural Engineer (NOC 2021 21300)

  • Salary Range: between 27.55 CAD/hour and 67.18 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree from an accredited architecture school; alternatively, you should have completed the studies syllabus from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). You'll need to apply for licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers for approval of engineering drawings and reports.
  • Job Prospects: Projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years for this occupation are good in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon Territory, and very good in Quebec.

Geotechnical Engineer - NOC 2021 21331

  • Salary Range: between 30.00 CAD/hour and 79.33 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in geotechnical engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: Projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years are good in Alberta and moderate in British Columbia and Ontario.

Structural Engineer - NOC 2021 21300

  • Salary Range: between 27.55 CAD/hour and 67.18 CAD/hour
  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
  • Job Prospects: Projections for the availability of jobs over the next three years are good in Alberta and moderate in British Columbia and Ontario.

As you can see, there's a wealth of engineering jobs in Canada for immigrants. This availability will allow you to work towards a long-term sustainable future for yourself and your family. It is, however, important to conduct the necessary research before deciding to live and work in a Canadian province or territory.

Immigration Programs That Are Ideal for Engineers

Check Your Pathways for Canadian Immigration | How to Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer

Express Entry System

Express Entry is an online points-driven system designed to manage immigration applications - the idea is to yield quick immigration results - this explains why it's the most popular immigration pathway. The Express Entry system comprises three immigration programs:

  1. Canadian Experience Class
  2. Federal Skilled Worker Program
  3. Federal Skilled Trades Program

What is the Canadian Comprehensive Ranking System?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that was created to support the Express Entry System. Express Entry uses the CRS score as a medium to score applicants through one of the federal government's skilled worker programs. To apply, you must create an online profile. This will allow the Express Entry system to score your application and determine whether you can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The CRS helps the Canadian government select the best candidates to live and work here.

You will get CRS Points for:

  • Age
  • CLB Language proficiency (English and French)
  • Level of Education (in and outside Canada)
  • Work Experience (in and outside Canada)
  • Arranged employment
  • Provincial nomination achieved
  • Siblings living in Canada as permanent residents/citizens
  • Your spouse’s profile (if married)

It's always a good idea to learn more about ways to increase your CRS score.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Canadian government has an agreement with 11 of Canada's provinces that allows each province to nominate immigrants who want to live, settle, and work there and immigrate to Canada. You will have to choose a province and subsequently apply for a nomination. The province will consider your application according to its immigration and labor needs and your genuine intention to settle in it.

The Provincial Nominee Program is for you if:

  • You have the skills, education, and work experience to add value to the economy of one of Canada's provinces or territories
  • You wish to live in your chosen province
  • You hope to gain Canadian Permanent Residency

Each Canadian province and territory has its pathways and requirements. Some streams may focus on a specific type of candidate, such as:

  • Students
  • Business people
  • Skilled workers
  • Semi-skilled workers

Note that how you will apply for a PNP depends on the stream you choose. You may have to apply either the non-Express Entry process or via Express Entry.

The application process will require passing a medical exam and getting a police clearance certificate.

Applying for PNP through the Express Entry

You can apply for PNP through the Express Entry System in following ways:

  • Create an Express Entry profile that shows the province or territory you want a nomination from. The province or territory will inform you to apply through their stream.
  • Alternatively, you can contact the province or territory directly and apply for a nomination under the Express Entry stream. After you've received a nomination, you can create an Express Entry profile that shows you have received a nomination.

We've only touched on two of the over 100 options that will allow you to immigrate to Canada as an engineer. It's a good idea to take the time to go through the others. You can also take one of our Online Immigration interviews to learn more about moving to Canada and what you must put in place to prepare for the process.

Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer Today

Work in Canada as an engineer | How to Immigrate to Canada as an Engineer

With thorough research and professional help, you can land your dream job as an engineer in Canada sooner than you think. As you can see, engineering is a broad industry with many branches, so we've taken the time to provide you with the necessary information on the demand for engineers in Canada. Bear in mind, though, that the demand may vary from province to province as the shortage will depend on what the region currently falls short of

FAQS

What is the Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada?

Express Entry applications are popular because applications are processed within six months or less of submitting a complete application.

How Can I Check my CRS Score?

You can check your CRS score to find out if you are eligible for Canadian Permanent Residency by using our CRS calculator.