Canada Immigration Process For Aerospace Engineers

Last Updated On : March 19 , 2024

In Canada, there has been a notable uptick in demand for aerospace engineers, solidifying their status as highly coveted professionals in the country. This surge is a direct response to the scarcity of skilled workers within the aerospace industry. Recognizing this demand, the Canadian government has included aerospace jobs in its list of sought-after occupations, thereby creating new avenues for foreign aerospace engineers to migrate and contribute to Canada's flourishing aerospace sector.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have acknowledged the necessity of attracting talented aerospace engineers from across the globe to address the increasing vacancies in this specialised field. Through various immigration visa pathways, the IRCC facilitates foreign aerospace engineers seeking employment in Canada to apply for permanent residency, thereby bolstering the workforce in aerospace manufacturing and engineering.

Step-by-step Guide for Aerospace Engineer

If you're an aerospace engineer considering immigrating to Canada, there are multiple avenues you can explore to make your move. Let's break down the steps:

1. Research Aerospace Industry in Canada

In the realm of Canadian manufacturing, the aerospace industry emerges as the foremost stakeholder in research and development (R&D), significantly outpacing other sectors. In 2021 alone, investments in R&D within the aerospace industry soared to $710 million, marking a staggering threefold increase compared to the national manufacturing average.

 This prominence underscores the vital role of the aerospace sector in driving innovation and technological advancement within Canada. For those considering immigration programs, understanding the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and relevant NOC codes within the aerospace industry is essential for navigating opportunities in this dynamic field.

2. Language Test Requirements:

To immigrate to Canada, you need to prove your language proficiency by taking an approved test:

1. English Language Tests:

   - CELPIP-General

   - IELTS General Training

   - PTE Core

2. French Language Tests:

   - TEF Canada

   - TCF Canada

Ensure your test results are valid (less than 2 years old) when:

- Completing your Express Entry profile.

- Applying for permanent residence.

Keep your language test results valid during the 12-month validity of your Express Entry profile. Canada uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French to assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Minimum levels and points awarded depend on the specific immigration program.

  3. ECA Evaluation Report

The engineering community relies on standardised methods for Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA), which are routinely employed by key industries like oil and gas, nuclear, aerospace, petrochemical, and power sectors to ensure structural safety. 

Our extensive expertise and cutting-edge facilities, including advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), fatigue, and fracture testing capabilities, enable us to gather comprehensive data for ECAs. Explore our educational qualifications and aerospace engineering programs to enhance your understanding of ECA through WES.

4. Enter To Express Entry Pool

To enter the Express Entry pool for Canada immigration, follow these steps:

I. Create Express Entry Profile: 

Begin by creating your Express Entry profile on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Provide accurate information regarding your education, work experience, language proficiency (IELTS or CLB score), and other relevant details.

II. Check Eligibility: 

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

III. Calculate CRS Score: 

Use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to calculate your CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency (English or French), and addition to other factors such as a provincial nomination or a valid job offer, strive for a high CRS score to maximize your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR.

IV. Enter the Immigration Pool: 

Once your Express Entry profile is complete and you meet the eligibility criteria, you will enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. Your profile will be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score.

V. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): 

Candidates with high CRS scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR during regular draws conducted by IRCC. Keep track of Express Entry draws and monitor CRS score requirements to gauge your chances of receiving an ITA.

VI. Submit Application for Canada PR: 

Upon receiving an ITA, you will have a limited time to submit a complete application for Canada PR. Ensure all required documents, including police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds, are prepared and submitted accurately.

VII. Await PR Confirmation: 

After submitting your application, await confirmation of your Canada PR status. Once approved, you can prepare for your move to Canada and begin your journey as a permanent resident.

5. Receive ITA with Express Entry Draw

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through an Express Entry draw typically favours candidates with top-ranking profiles, significantly enhancing their prospects for Canada Permanent Residency. Achieving a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is pivotal in securing an ITA, highlighting the importance of crafting a competitive profile to increase your chances of success in the immigration process.

6. Prepare Essential Documents

Aspiring aerospace engineers eyeing immigration to Canada should prepare the following:

1. Educational Documents: Collect aerospace engineering degrees, ensuring validity and recognition in Canada. Consider an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for equivalence confirmation.
2. Language Proficiency Test Results: Obtain valid IELTS or CELPIP (English) or TEF (French) scores showcasing language proficiency.
3. Work Experience Letters: Secure letters from prevoius employers outlining aerospace engineering roles, responsibilities, and tenure.
4. Aeronautical Engineer Licence Application: Apply for licensure in intended Canadian province or territory, becoming a certified Professional Engineer (P.Eng) upon approval.

7. Application Review and Visa Issuance

Upon submission, your application undergoes thorough review by immigration authorities, specifically IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Once approved, you'll receive your Permanent Resident Visa, granting you entry into Canada. For those aspiring to work with the Canadian Space Agency, this visa is a crucial step towards pursuing opportunities in the aerospace sector. Rest assured, IRCC ensures a meticulous process to facilitate smooth visa issuance.

Work as a Aerospace Engineer in Canada

Aspiring to work as an aerospace engineer in Canada offers thrilling opportunities within the aerospace industry. Positions in aircraft design, maintenance, and research are abundant nationwide. Indeed.com Canada and Job Bank feature numerous job listings, providing a diverse array of roles. Qualifications typically include a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields. 

Salaries vary by experience and specialisation, with senior roles in Mississauga (Lake Ontario) and Mirabel (suburb of Montreal) offering competitive remuneration. Job seekers can explore platforms like Indeed and Job Bank, tailoring their applications to highlight their skills and passion for aerospace engineering.

Aerospace Engineer Jobs

1. Job Availability: Currently, 12 aerospace engineer positions are open in Canada under NOC 21390.
2. Salary Insights: The average annual salary for Aerospace Engineers in Canada is approximately C$79,193 in 2024, with variations ranging from CA$61,000 to CA$111,000.
3. Regional Wage Variations: In regions like British Columbia and Ontario, wages range from CA$23.38 to CA$63.63 per hour. For other areas, national-level wage data is available due to data limitations.
4. Green Job: Aerospace engineering is classified as a green job, contributing to positive environmental outcomes.
5. Experience and Education: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field is typically required, along with relevant experience, internships, and specialised skills for career advancement.

Aircraft Design Engineer

The NOC code for Aircraft Design Engineer is 21461. The average annual salary in Canada is approximately C$70,000. Average salary varies by experience level: Entry-level earns around C$64,400, required experience (2-5 years) about C$84,200, and late career (10-19 years) about C$88,540. Responsibilities include aircraft maintenance, repairs, safety checks, and design tasks.

Aerospace Engineering Programs in Canadian Universities

Explore aerospace engineering programs in Canadian universities, offering opportunities for international students, enhancing aerospace skills, and qualifying for Canada study visas.

University of Toronto

Programs:  Bachelor of engineering – Aerospace Engineering (Optional Co-op)

Education Fee: $38,584 CAD/ Year

Course Duration: 48- 56 months:

École Polytechnique de Montréal

Programs: MEng in Aerospace Engineering

Education Fee: CA$18,720/ Year

Course Duration: 24 months

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canada offers promising prospects for aerospace engineers, with abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries. Provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia host top-notch aerospace engineering programs. Foreign nationals can work in Canada as aerospace engineers with the required qualifications and permits, earning between C$70,000 to C$100,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

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