Comprehensive Guide To Migrate As A Design Engineer in Canada

Thousands of engineers with international qualifications immigrate to Canada annually. In fact, Canada’s plan for economic recovery post-COVID-19 relies significantly on the immigration of skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international students. 

Design engineers are one of the categories of skilled talent immigrants that remains in demand among Canadian employers. They are group professionals focused on the engineering design process in any of the various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, textiles, aerospace, nuclear, manufacturing, systems, and structural /building/architectural. 

As per reports from CIC news, Film, TV, and video game production are thriving since reopening after COVID-related shutdowns in Canada. 

Incidently, Graphics Design Engineering talents are employed in film production, video-game development industry. As a matter of fact, the Canadian province of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec hosts film production, video-game development companies that employ such foreign talents. 

According to Statistics Canada, more than 75,000 engineers are registered with Professional Engineers of Ontario alone. The majority work as civil or mechanical engineers, with a large percentage also in the electrical and computer engineering field. 

Overall, the demand for engineers is predicted to increase, with architectural, engineering, and related services the highest in demand. 

It is encouraging to note that the median level entry-wage for immigrants in Canada hit a record high. 

Where & How To Begin? 

Licensing is required to work fully as an engineer in Canada, so, on arrival in Canada, internationally trained engineers are encouraged to contact the engineering licensing body in the province or territory they live in. 

Bourgeois believes there are no unique barriers faced by internationally trained engineers in the licensing process itself. “They must go through the same process as Canadian students,” he says, “to prove education and have Canadian work experience.“

But before anything else, read about the top 10 high-demand jobs in Canada. 

Best Options For Engineers To Immigrate To Canada

As already mentioned, the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec have positive momentum in employment markets currently. However, working in Quebec can be a challenge if you do not speak fluent French. 

Toronto (including the Greater Toronto Area) and Vancouver (including the Lower Mainland) represent the safest bets in terms of the larger Canadian cities right now. Alternatively, options to move to a smaller city are equally open for foreigners such as the likes of Kelowna and Victoria in British Columbia, and Guelph and Oakville in Ontario.

Work Permits For Skilled Migrants in Canada

A work permit allows for quick entry but temporary stay in Canada. 

If you have a regular job offer, your employer will obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This would show that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fulfill the duties of the job. 

Further, you can apply for a work permit from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the basis of a positive LMIA letter as well as a job offer letter. 

Another option to consider is the Global Talent Stream (GTS). It is a fast-track stream that allows highly skilled workers to obtain a work permit within two-four weeks of applying.

Get in touch with our consultants to explore your chances. 

Click here to read the monthly review of nomination draws for Canada PR: January 2021, February 2021. 

Permanent Residency For Immigrant Engineers 

A residence permit option allows you to settle permanently with your family in Canada. 

Canada Express Entry System: The most common method, as well as the fastest way, is the Express Entry Program. 

Express Entry system manages application for three immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skills Trades Program (FSTP), and Canada Experience Class (CEC). 

Any candidate interested to register their profile in the Express Entry system will be assessed and ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The score varies according to candidates’ age, education qualification, work experience, language proficiency in English or French among other factors. Only high-scoring candidates are invited to apply for a permanent residence through fortnightly nomination draws conducted by IRCC. 

After the ITA, candidates have to apply within 60 days for permanent residence. If selected, you have to submit additional documents. After verification, you can get PR in Canada. 

You may be interested in>> Tips on altering your Express Entry profile after receiving ITA. 

Provincial Nominee Program: You may also choose to opt for the Provincial Nomination Program to strengthen your application. The candidate checks for a suitable PNP and applies for the nomination. 

We have tabulated below the active PNP streams for engineers to apply for Canada PR. 

Thereon, on the successful provincial nomination, one can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Such candidates are eligible to receive an additional 600 CRS points over and above their human capital score. This will effectively guarantee an ITA in upcoming Express Entry nomination draws. 

Read this blog to know how you can still qualify for Canada PR with low CRS points. 

Canada PNP Streams Open To Engineers

How Will CanApprove Help? 

You may take a free assessment online to determine your chances of immigration based on your unique work profile. 

Further, we recommend you get in touch with a recognized immigration consultant to make a confirmed decision on your choice. Our experts are well-reputed immigration lawyers and they will not only help you understand your demand but also complete your immigration process in time.