Canada, the world’s second-largest country, boasts ever-expanding urban centers and numerous urban and rural communities in need of updates. As a result, Canada warmly welcomes the specific skills of Structural Architects.
If you’re a Structural Architect seeking fresh opportunities, look no further than Canada, which aimed to invite 341,000 newcomers in 2020. Are you ready to work in Canada? Discover how to make it happen below!
If you aspire to work in Canada as a Structural Designer, you are fortunate to have options. You can choose to work temporarily in Canada with a work permit or immigrate as a highly skilled worker if you possess at least two years of work experience. The demand for structural engineering skills in Canada is high due to a wave of skilled professionals retiring and an increasing trend of young professionals moving to cities within Canada, leaving many regions and cities in need of the expertise to thrive.
As a sought-after professional in Canada, you can expect a competitive salary. According to Neuvoo, Structural Engineers can earn a generous income of $60,000, with some experienced workers making up to $102,000. Additionally, if you plan to move to Canada with your family, you can enjoy free healthcare, and your children can attend a public Canadian school at no cost.
So, how can you go about moving to Canada as a Structural Architect? There are several options to consider: If you desire the flexibility to live in any province and city, you may consider applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) managed by the popular Express Entry system. Alternatively, if you already have a specific location in mind, you might be able to move to Canada through a Provincial Nomination Program. However, if you’re more inclined to a small-town lifestyle with open spaces, Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot may pique your interest.
Learn more about Canada’s popular immigration and visa programs below, or check which Canadian immigration program/visa you qualify for with a quick online assessment. Simply fill out the contact form below, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Requirements to Work in Canada as a Civil Engineer:
Civil Engineers design, plan, develop, and manage projects for the construction or repair of structures such as roads, buildings, airports, railways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, canals, dams, ports, and coastal installations, among others.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline is typically required when applying for a civil engineering position in Canada. Additionally, you may need to obtain a professional engineering license from a provincial or territorial regulatory body before you can work in Canada as a licensed engineer.
A Canadian Job Offer:
While certain immigration programs do not require you to have a valid job offer to move to Canada as a structural engineer, such as the Express Entry system, having a job offer can enhance your chances of obtaining permanent residency (PR) status, as it adds 50 PR points to your immigration profile, or 200 PR points if you secure a job as a senior manager.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Structural Engineer:
1) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
The FSWP is managed by the Express Entry system, which expedites the processing times for permanent residency applicants. Just how fast is it? Well, your permanent residency application can be processed in as little as six months! Your close family, including your spouse/common-law partner and children, can also be included in your application to join you in Canada.
Step 1: Create Your Online Profile
To enter the Express Entry pool of candidates, you must create an online profile. Based on the information you provide, you’ll be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, also known as Permanent Residency (PR) Points. Your overall score is subject to the criteria of the CRS, which awards points for:
- CLB Language proficiency (English and French)
- Level of Education (In and outside Canada)
- Work Experience (in and outside Canada)
- Arranged employment
- Provincial Nomination received
- Siblings living in Canada as permanent residents/citizens
- Your spouse’s profile (if married)
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Every few weeks, there is an Express Entry draw that sends Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada to the highest-scoring candidates.
Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residency
If you receive an ITA, you can proceed with the official application, which includes all the necessary documents, such as your medical examination results, IELTS language test results, a copy of your identification document, and more.
2. Provincial Nomination Program (PNP):
Canada’s provinces and territories have their own immigration programs designed to attract skilled international workers to their respective regions. A noteworthy PNP to consider is the Skilled Worker Stream linked to Express Entry. For example, if a province faces a shortage of Structural Engineers, the provincial government will search the Express Entry pool of candidates and nominate those who meet their requirements. Obtaining a nomination will grant you an additional 600 CRS points, nearly guaranteeing you an ITA.
How to Secure a Provincial Nomination as a Structural Engineer:
Identify the Canadian provinces where your skills are in high demand so that you can express your interest in those regions in your Express Entry profile to catch their attention and, hopefully, obtain a nomination. In 2020, the provinces specifically seeking Structural Engineers are:
- Saskatchewan
- British Columbia
- Quebec
- Atlantic Canada
3. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP):
Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a community-driven program that aims to attract skilled workers to smaller and lesser-known communities in Canada, such as Thunder Bay in Ontario and Brandon in Manitoba, for example.
Unlike the PNP, the RNIP is not aligned with the Express Entry System. To obtain a Community Recommendation, you must meet specific criteria set by the community. These requirements often include securing a valid job offer from an employer within the community and demonstrating your ability to adapt to life in a community with fewer than 10,000 residents.
This updated version provides a more structured and reader-friendly overview of the opportunities for Structural Engineers in Canada and the pathways available for immigration.