If you are a civil engineer, Canada needs you. Canada’s ever-expanding cities and remote communities are constantly upgrading. With a growing economy, the need for civil engineers in Canada has never been greater.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world with a high demand for skilled engineers in the country. It offers skilled foreign nationals some of the world's most well-paying jobs.

This article is specially focused on the demand in Canada for Civil Engineers. Read on.

Scope for Civil Engineers in Canada

Thousands of foreign engineers immigrate to Canada each year. Licensed engineers from India constitute about 12 percent. They work across several fields, including civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and manufacturing sectors.

A labour market study by Engineers Canada highlighted significant requirements of more engineers, including the civil sector.

There is a shortage of civil engineers as Canada works to expand its infrastructure. More civil engineers need to join in many public and private sector projects. This is to build coastal installations, design structural steel fabrications, and rapid transit facilities. And in other construction projects as well.

The provinces of Alberta and British Columbia especially need experienced civil engineers. Estimates state that thousands of civil engineering jobs will need to be soon filled.

Which province in Canada is best for civil engineers?

Saskatchewan is an agri-hub and is well known for its civil works. Civil engineering job seekers can also immigrate to the provinces of British Columbia. And to Quebec, as they have plenty of construction plans for growth.

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Qualifications Required for Civil Engineers in Canada

Candidates have the following qualifications to immigrate to Canada as a civil engineer.

A bachelor's degree in civil engineering
A master’s degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline
Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers

Engineers in Canada are eligible for registration. It comes after graduation from an accredited educational institution. Three or four years of work experience is also required to become a licensed engineer.

Pathways for Civil Engineers to Come to Canada

There are two main avenues to migrate to Canada for civil engineers.

Express Entry System
Provincial Nominee Programs

Both these streams partly overlap each other. Express Entry candidates can also apply through Provincial Nominee Programs.

1. Express Entry System

The Express Entry is a fast-track process that can help you migrate to Canada within 8 to 12months. The following three categories are available in the system.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Most engineering graduates fall under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Candidates wishing to apply need to create an online profile. It should measure education, qualifications, experience, and other factors.

All applicants get a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score based on certain factors. Candidates weigh against each other. This process usually takes two weeks to complete.

Criteria for Awarding CRS Points

Age	CLB Language Skills (English & French)
Level of Education (In & Outside Canada)	Work Experience (In & Outside Canada)
Arranged Employment	Provincial Nomination Achieved
Siblings Living in Canada as Permanent Residents / Citizens	Spouse’s Profile (If Married)

2. Provincial Nominee Programs

There are several streams for civil engineers within the provinces and territories of Canada where they can apply. Interested candidates can check out the provinces/territories in-demand occupations list.

The National Occupation Code for civil engineers is 2132.

PNP Streams Open to Civil Engineering

Province	Programs for Civil Engineers	Average Salary PA
Alberta	Alberta Opportunity Stream NOC 0211 - Engineering Managers NOC 2131 - Civil Engineers NOC 2231 - Civil Engineering Technicians Alberta Express Entry Stream	$150,000
British Columbia	BC PNP Tech Pilot Program NOC 2131 - Civil Engineers Express Entry British Columbia	$70,000
Ontario	Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream In-Demand Skills Stream	$60,000
Manitoba	Skilled Workers in Manitoba NOC 0211 - Engineering Managers NOC 2131 - Civil Engineers	$65,000
New Brunswick	Express Entry Labour Market Stream Skilled Workers with Employer Support	$60,000
Newfoundland & Labrador	Newfoundland & Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker Skilled Worker Category	$60,000
Nova Scotia	Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry NOC 2131 - Civil Engineers Nova Scotia Express Entry Labour Market Priorities Skilled Worker Stream (Skilled Workers Pathway)	$60,000
Northwest Territories	Northwest Territories Express Entry Stream Skilled Worker Stream Critical Impact Worker Stream	$65,000
Saskatchewan	International Skilled Worker: Employment Offer International Skilled Worker: Occupations In-Demand International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry	$100,000
Prince Edward Island	PEI PNP Express Entry Skilled Worker Stream Critical Worker Stream	$45,000
Yukon	Yukon Express Entry (YEE) Skilled Worker Critical Impact Worker	$80,000

Job Titles for Civil Engineers in Canada

There are various titles under which civil engineers can find work in Canada. They fall under the various NOC categories.

Job Titles Under NOC Categories for Civil Engineers

Civil Engineer	Geomatics Engineer	Transportation Engineer
Hydraulics Engineer	Surveying Engineer	Geodetic Engineer
Construction Projects Engineer	Environmental Engineer	Highway Engineer
Public Works Engineer	Traffic Engineer	Water Management Engineer
Municipal Engineer	Construction Engineer	Bridge Engineer
Sanitation Engineer		Structural Engineer

Also read: UK vs Canada for Study – Which Country Is Better For Indians in 2024?

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Building a Civil Engineering Career in Canada

Civil engineering courses in Canada take you through a four years undergraduate program. You will learn about surveying, mapping and drawing skills. Environmental science and material properties.

You can then work as an Engineer in Training (EIT) for many years. After having finished your undergraduate degree. You will receive an engineering professional designation.

Some of the best universities offer civil engineering programs. See in the table below.

The Top 10 Universities in Canada for Civil Engineering

University Name	Features
University of Waterloo	A public research university located in the province of Ontario Most extensive civil engineering program in Canada Teaching design infrastructure elements like bridges, highways & dams Offers students $17,800 per co-op term to help pay tuition fees Access to the high-tech simulation lab
University of Toronto	A public research university located in downtown Toronto Offers a variety of undergraduate & research programs More opportunities for study & hands-on-research Learn structural engineering, transportation planning & geomechanics Students need a score of 70% in relative fields for admission
McGill University	A public university located in Montreal Great place to learn structural engineering, environmental engineering, fluid mechanics & soil mechanics Specializations - water resources engineering, transportation engineering & environmental engineering An interdisciplinary set of skills & knowledge Allows you to combine complementary courses with engineering
University of British Columbia	Public research university located in Vancouver Candidates have to complete one year of general engineering for admission Choose between various supplementary programs Co-op programs provide relevant paid work experience Can opt for a dual degree in Arts & Engineering Encourages Student Exchange programs
University of Alberta	Public research university located in Edmonton Home to several faculties, including civil engineering State of the art research equipment attracting 900 undergraduates. And 500 civil engineering graduate students Admissions open after 2nd year of engineering studies The choice between a traditional 4-year degree program & a 5-year co-operative education program Work in the industry for 18 months
Dalhousie University	Public research university located in Halifax in the Maritime province of Nova Scotia Home to 300 undergraduate & 70 civil engineering graduate students MEng, MASc, & Ph.D. degrees Common 1st year engineering required for admissions A choice between infrastructure, earth or environment options Choose from a 4-year traditional degree or 5-year co-op program
Concordia University of Montreal	University in Montreal, Quebec province Offering traditional 4-year civil engineering degree Specialize in 3 different options after the third year Civil Infrastructure, Environmental, & Construction engineering Admissions based on select high-school courses The grade-point needed is 2.7 The co-operative option is also available
Western University	Public research university in London, Ontario province Excellent international level academic & research programs Fourth-year design project compulsory for students Students receive mentorship of professional consulting engineers. And other faculty of advisors during major civil projects Structural, Environmental & dual engineering degrees options Can specialize in law & civil engineering as well
University of Calgary	Public research university located in Calgary, Alberta province The course is part of Schulich School of Engineering Offers Structural, Transportation, Entrepreneurship, & Management Engineering Students first apply to Schulich School of Engineering. And complete common first-year engineering course Admission based on first-year grades Very competitive admission process
Queen’s University	Public research university located in Kingston, Ontario province Civil Engineering course gives a strong foundational knowledge Emphasis on sustainability for natural & built environments Home to many high-tech research facilities like Kennedy Field Station & Coastal Engineering Laboratory Small class sizes compared to other engineering facilities Extra job openings available to students to find employment

Other Important FAQs

What are the top engineering jobs in Canada?

Here is a shortlist of in-demand engineering jobs in Canada.

Electrical engineers
Mechanical engineers
Software engineers
Civil engineers
Biomedical engineers
Petroleum engineers

How do civil engineers benefit construction projects?

There are many ways how civil engineers can benefit. Starting from engineering drawings to providing construction specifications. They can guide supervise technicians to structural inspection and others.

Conclusion

Foreign civil engineers can travel to Canada as a temporary engineer if they have an eligible job offer. They can later opt for permanent residency when after working in Canada for 5 years.

There is no shortage of opportunities for civil engineers wanting to come to Canada. Even fresh civil engineering graduates with limited work experience can find good jobs. Entry-level salaries in this sector are one of the highest in Canada.

So, if you are looking for a job in Canada as a Civil engineer or if you want to pursue your studies in Canada, our visa experts can help. Talk to us to understand the different ways to immigrate to Canada, choose the best visa type and learn more about your careers prospects in Canada.

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