Do you want to immigrate to Canada as an architect? This article is for you! Canada is highly in need of individuals with remarkable architectural skills. Governments and developers are increasingly turning to building design and functionality to make communities more livable.
Furthermore, this will create more Canadian jobs for foreigners to obtain permanent residence under occupation-targeted Express Entry draws. Moreover, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that Canada’s Express Entry system will begin targeting 82 jobs in healthcare, technology, trades, and transport. As well as in agriculture and architecture.
Foreign-trained architectural students can now immigrate to Canada as architects under these occupation-targeted draws. Although the previous selections were only conducted based on immigration programs, not by targeting specific occupations. This article will provide detailed and helpful insights to architecture professionals who wish to immigrate to Canada as an architect through Targeted Express Entry.
Read on as we take you through the best Canadian provinces to immigrate to as an architect and the steps involved. As well as the employment requirements to immigrate to Canada as an architect. Let’s dive in!
Job Description
The job responsibilities of an Architect lie in the construction industry. They design and build new spaces according to clients’ needs, desires, and financial resources. Also, they can help to restore and conserve ancient structures, as well as develop new ways of using existing buildings.
Furthermore, you must involve an architect in construction planning from the onset right through to completion. As an architect in Canada, you can earn an average salary of $125,000 per year.
The Best Canadian Provinces to Immigrate to as an Architect
Architects are highly in demand all across the provinces in Canada. Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba have the highest number of employment opportunities. However, there’s a higher demand for architects especially in big cities like Toronto and other locations.
In Ontario, the cities/regions with the highest demand for architects are Toronto, London, and Hamilton. Also, in Quebec, the cities/regions with the highest demand for architects include Montreal, Laval, and the Capitale-Nationale region. Furthermore, each of these provinces is rated with a good job outlook for the next decade, and also the highest architecture employment rates in Canada.
However, these Canadian provinces have their various distinctive features based on location, timing, and salaries. With the high demand for architects across Canada, we have compiled the cities/provinces that have a higher demand for this occupation. Scroll down!
1. Saskatchewan
A construction-driven economic boom in Saskatchewan has contributed to the serious labor shortage, especially in the non-residential sector. Therefore, it has created a high demand for architects in this province.
2. Manitoba
The employment prospects for architects in Manitoba are looking good and are expected to continue this way. Recently, the number of architects working in this province is estimated at 365. Meanwhile, there is an increased level of activity in home renovations and new condominium developments in urban areas.
As well as the recreation of old and existing industrial buildings to multi-purpose residences and commercial entities. Also, the building of assisted living facilities for the aged is contributing to the high demand for architects in this province.
3. Winnipeg
There are great employment prospects in Winnipeg based on the number of industrial, commercial, office, retail, and residential constructions planned. Meanwhile, prospective employers include but are not limited to: GBR Architects, LM Architecture Group, MCM Architects Inc., Neil Cooper Architect Inc., and Northern Sky Architecture Inc.
Green design is also a new growing field employing a high number of architects. Furthermore, the larger share of jobs for architects are located in Winnipeg. Across industries, most work in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sectors (80 percent), followed by Public Administration (15 percent) and Manufacturing (5 percent).
4. Ontario
Another province you can immigrate to in Canada as an architect is Ontario. Job potentials are looking good across the province. However, as the population continues to age and the baby boomers are retiring, architects will continue to be highly in demand.
They will need to help with the construction of facilities like health care retirement and nursing homes. Also, based on the increasing energy costs, more demands are being placed on sustainable designs with a concentration on energy efficiency. Individuals who will have the best employment prospects include those with experience and insights on how to build green buildings that utilize renewable resources, promote waste reduction, and are eco-friendly.
5. Quebec
Job opportunities for architects in Quebec are expected to be perfect in the next few years, especially in regions like Montérégie, Montreal, Capitale-Nationale, and Outaouais.
How to Immigrate to Canada as an Architect
Below are the major steps you must take before immigrating to Canada as an architect.
- Before you start with your application processing, try to do ample research and get general insights on how your education and qualifications might be viewed in Canada. In addition, have a sound knowledge of the Canadian labor market and workplace culture.
- Essentially, you should reach out to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) and the provincial/territory regulatory body in the province/city where you want to live and work. Also, you must figure out the right process, the likely costs, and the time required to secure a travel and work permit. You’ll get additional information about the steps involved in licensing before and after immigrating.
- One of the essential requirements to migrate to Canada is that you should possess advanced English or French language skills to practice the profession. Even if you speak both English and French fluently, you should increase your language skills by taking a language class while you are in your home country.
Employment Requirements to Immigrate to Canada as an Architect
Below are the requirements you will need to immigrate to Canada as an architect successfully. Scroll down!
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture.
- You’ll also need a master’s degree in architecture.
- You must have completed a three-year internship under the supervision of a registered architect.
- You must also have completed the architect registration examination.
- Furthermore, you must register with a province with a regulatory body (it is a requirement in all provinces and the Northwest Territories.
- You might have to get a certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in case your employer demands it. It is usually issued by the Canada Green Building Council.
How to Immigrate to Canada as an Architect Through the Express Entry
One of the best ways to immigrate to Canada as an architect is through the express entry system. Express entry is a point-based system that is used to rank applicants who applied for a Canadian visa based on different aspects. Furthermore, applicants that have the highest scores from the express entry pool will be chosen based on the CRS score.
Meanwhile, as a selected applicant, you’ll receive permanent residence through employment. Listed below are the criteria that will be used to calculate your CRS score.
- Age.
- Academic qualifications.
- English or French language skills.
- Your spouse’s qualifications.
- Work experience.
How to Apply for Targeted Express Entry as an Architect
To apply for Targeted Express Entry as an architect, below are the steps to follow.
1. Determine your eligibility
Ensure you check and meet the eligibility criteria for the targeted occupation category. This includes having at least 6 months of continuous work experience in a single occupation listed in the Targeted Occupations List for architecture professionals. Also, you must meet other requirements set by the federal immigration programs.
2. Language proficiency
Demonstrate your proficiency in the English or French language by enrolling for the appropriate language tests for Express Entry. The English tests include CELPIP or IELTS General, while for French, you can take the TEF or TCF.
3. Express Entry profile
Visit the official Canadian government website and create an online profile for Express Entry. You will also provide accurate and recent information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.
4. Boost your CRS score
Maximize your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by concentrating on areas like language proficiency, education, and work experience. As well as other factors like Canadian education or work experience, provincial nomination, or a valid job offer. Seeking professional guidance can help optimize your profile and enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Targeted Express Entry Draw for architecture professionals.
5. Targeted Express Entry Draw
Receive an invitation to apply in a Targeted Express Entry Draw for Architectural Occupations. You will need the ITA to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry program.
6. Submitting an application
After you have received an ITA, you’ll be given a specific time-frame to submit a complete application for permanent residency. You must compile all the required documents accurately and submit them within the expected time.
7. Medical examinations and security checks
Once your application is complete and submitted, you may be required to undergo a medical examination to meet the health requirements for immigration. In addition, security checks will be conducted as part of the application process.
8. Application processing
Your application will be processed by the relevant immigration authorities. However, the processing time may vary, but you can track the status of your application online.