Almost all provinces in Canada have good demand for competent Mechanical Engineers and several thousands of candidates immigrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers every year. Overseas applicants seeking to migrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers have multiple immigration pathways including the Express Entry Program. They have abundant lucrative prospects for moving to Canada as Permanent Residents.
Engineering is a well-paid occupation in Canada. Average salaries are variable based on seniority, area of expertise, and province. Mechanical Engineers are paid an average hourly $42.
Canada has regulated the occupation of Engineering. You must have a license from the regulator in your Territory or Province for working as a P.Eng - Professional Engineer. But you can begin to work under the direction of a Licensed Engineer after commencing the licensing process even if you are not instantly qualified for the license. Software Engineers are the only exception not requiring a license for practicing.
The Engineering License Process in Canada
The majority of the Canadian Provinces will permit you to begin the process of licensure prior to arrival in Canada. The process for engineering licensure varies based on the Territory or Province. So you must get acquainted with the license types in the Provinces including restrictions and requirements before commencing the application process.
Usually, a complete license offers you a Professional Engineer credential permitting you to practice your profession without supervision. The majority of the provinces specify that applicants have a minimum of 4 to 5 years of experience as an Engineer. This also includes experience in Canada normally for 1 year prior to qualifying for a complete license.
New immigrants will usually not be eligible for an upfront full license except if they have earlier worked in Canada as Engineers. Some provincial regulators can offer Provisional License to applicants who fulfill all conditions for the license only excluding work experience in Canada.
As a newly arrived immigrant Engineer, you can qualify for a Provisional License if you possess a minimum of 3 years of engineering experience overseas. But you will have to be employed under the supervision of a P.Eng with a License who will be responsible for your work till you receive a P.Eng License.
Immigrants who are fresh Engineering graduates or who do not possess the required overseas /Canadian experience to become eligible for a Provisional or complete license can apply for:
- Engineer-in-Training
- Member-in-Training
- Engineering Intern Program
The name differs based on the Province and the application has to be submitted to the territorial or provincial regulator. You can begin to work as an EIT being supervised by a P.Eng with a license and accumulate the required work experience for your license.
Fast-track process for eligible Mechanical Engineers
Overseas citizens having appropriate training and experience as Mechanical Engineer and who seek to reside and work in Canada quickly can access fast-track programs. They can begin to work immediately on a full-time basis in Canada in this occupation.
The fast-track programs offer eligible applicants and their family members instant Provisional Work Visa for arriving in Canada. They must have a full-time job offer approved by the Government corresponding to their qualifications. Later they can apply for a Canada PR Visa inclusive of their family members.
Prospective candidates have to fulfill the following basic criteria to qualify:
- Possess a Mechanical Engineering or linked Engineering stream Bachelor’s degree
- Possess at least 2 plus years of appropriate experience
- Have good proficiency in the language in English or French
- Must be attested of being free of drug
- Must possess a clean record with Police in the last 5 years that excludes speeding offenses
If you fulfill the above specified basic criteria, you must possess the experience of having carried out most of the below duties:
- Hold research into the performance, operation, design, and feasibility of systems, components, and mechanisms
- Manage and plan projects and arrange timing, cost, and material estimates, design and reports specifications for systems and machinery
- Design equipment, fixtures, tools, components, machines, and power plants
- Analyze vibrations and dynamics of mechanical structures and systems
- Inspect and supervise the commissioning, modification, and installation of mechanical systems in industrial facilities or at construction sites
- Develop maintenance programs, schedules, and standards and offer supervision to industrial maintenance crews
- Investigate mechanical breakdown or unpredicted maintenance problems
- Arrange documents for contract and assess tenders for industrial maintenance or construction
- Supervise technologists, technicians, and other Engineers and evaluate and provide approvals for cost estimates, calculations, and designs
Candidates who fulfill the 5 essential criteria and perform most of the descriptions specified above can qualify for Fast Track Work Programs for Mechanical Engineers.
Qualified candidates seeking to immigrate to Canada as Mechanical Engineers can contact ICCRC-accredited Immigration Experts at Nationwide Visas for professional support and guidance.
