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Engineers:

Immigration Procedures for Engineers

Canada's national engineering body - the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE) - works with Citizenship and Immigration Canada in assessing the engineering qualifications of people applying for permanent residence in Canada as skilled workers who intend to work as engineers in Canada. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the likelihood of acceptance into the examination program by a provincial or territorial engineering association.

The assessment result is used for immigration selection purposes only. Canadian provincial and territorial engineering associations are not bound in any way by this initial immigration assessment. They will conduct their own assessment of each license applicant.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires all successful immigrants assessed in occupations requiring licensing in Canada to sign waivers stating that they understand that they cannot practice their professions until licensed. This applies to engineers. The granting of a visa does not suggest acceptance for licensure.

Initial Assessment:

The Initial Assessment of Engineering Qualifications program was developed by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE) in conjunction with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It is designed to assess engineering qualifications of individuals seeking permanent resident status in Canada. The assessment helps CIC to determine whether applicants for permanent resident status qualify to immigrate to Canada as skilled workers. It also helps prospective immigrants to assess whether they have the engineering qualifications required to be registered as professional engineers in Canada and licensed to practice engineering.

CCPE operates the initial assessment program on behalf of 11 of the 12 provincial and territorial associations that regulate the profession of engineering in Canada and license the country’s 157,000 professional engineers. The association in Quebec, l'Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, conducts its own initial assessments for individuals who plan to immigrate to the Province of Quebec. CCPE is the national organization of the associations/ordre, which are its constituent and sole members. The Initial Assessment program, through the CCPE List of Foreign Engineering Educational Institutions and Professional Qualifications, helps the associations/ordre to evaluate the academic and professional qualifications of immigrants seeking to be registered as professional engineers in Canada and licensed to practice engineering.

Assessment Form

Fill out all sections in full. Use extra sheets of paper, if necessary. Assessment processing time is normally 4-10 weeks.

B - Personal Information: Include your complete mailing address. State your date of birth in the format Day/Month/Year.

Representatives name: If you have a representative, please indicate full name and address.

C - Province of intended destination: State the province where you intend to live if you immigrate to Canada. If you are applying to immigrate to Quebec, do not use this form; contact a Canadian Embassy for more information.

Where do you intend to apply for a Canadian Visa?: Location of intended embassy.

D - Engineering Education: Include all university-level education, noting each institution's city, and country. If the institution has changed names since you graduated, include both the old and new names. Attach an original certified copy of your degree certificate(s) and transcripts (course marks) with certified translation in English or French if applicable.

E - Registration, certification, or licence to practise as a professional engineer: Include full name of the registering body, (i.e. Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London), and full name of membership (i.e. associate member, corporate member, engineering member, licence to practise, etc.). Attach a certified copy of your membership certificate.

F - Significant Engineering Work Experience: Attach a résumé or curriculum vitae listing dates, positions held and a short description of job duties and responsibilities.

G - Applicant's Declaration: Read the consent statement. Sign and date the form.

H - Payment of fee: Check the appropriate boxes.

Before you mail the package, check that all attachments are included:

Original certified copy of degree certificate(s) and course transcripts.

Employment history or résumé.

Fee of $175.00 Cdn, payable to the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers by international money order, bank draft or encoded certified cheque drawn on a Canadian bank. CCPE will not release its bank account number for transfers. Do not send cash in the mail. CCPE is not responsible for loss when the fee is paid in cash.

Self-addressed envelope or address labels.

If you are being represented by Polar Consultants, Submit the forms to your local Polar office or Mail the package to:

Canadian Council of Professional Engineers

180 Elgin St., Suite 1100

Ottawa, ON K2P 2K3

Canada

Telephone: (613) 232-2474 ext. 223/232/234/262/271/278

Fax: (613) 236-5489

E-mail: ia@ccpe.ca

To Download the form in adobe acrobat, CLICK HERE!

To Download the form in Microsoft Word, CLICK HERE!

Receiving an acceptable initial assessment of engineering qualifications result is not a guarantee that immigrants to Canada will be accepted for registration as professional engineers and licensed to practice engineering by an association/ordre. Before being accepted for registration and licensure, immigrants generally are required to write and pass a series of examinations set by the association/ordre in the province or territory where they intend to reside. They must also demonstrate adequate communication skills in at least one of Canada’s two official languages. In addition, they must have two to four years of acceptable engineering work experience, including one year of experience in a Canadian environment.

It is against the law for anyone to call themselves an engineer or practice engineering in Canada, unless they are registered members of an association/ordre. You can however, work in the engineering field under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer.

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To be eligible for registration and licensure as a professional engineer in Canada, applicants must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada; Immigrants can only apply for registration as a professional engineer in Canada after they have moved to Canada and have obtained a permanent resident status.

Complete two to four years of engineering work experience, depending upon the association. A minimum of 12 months experience must be in a Canadian environment to ensure that you are familiar with Canadian codes and standards.

Be proficient in English (French in Quebec, English or French in New Brunswick).

Be of good character and reputation.

Possess the required academic qualifications and pass the compulsory examinations.

Depending on the jurisdiction in which registration and licensure are being sought, applicants will be deemed to have met the academic qualifications required to be accepted for registration as full members of an association/ordre if they:

Hold an undergraduate degree in engineering from an educational institution recognized by the Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board of CCPE (i.e., an institution whose name is listed in the CCPE List of Foreign Engineering Educational Institutions and Professional Qualifications), and pass the Professional Practice Examination set by the association/ordre in the province or territory where they are applying for registration;

Hold an undergraduate degree from an engineering program accredited by an engineering body that has signed a mutual recognition agreement with CCPE, and pass the Professional Practice Examination set by the association/ordre in the province or territory where they are applying for registration;

Hold an undergraduate degree from an engineering program accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of CCPE, and pass the Professional Practice Examination set by the association/ordre in the province or territory where they are applying for registration;

Some Frequently asked Questions:

Should I get an initial assessment?

If you wish to immigrate, in order to become an engineer in Canada, you should have an initial assessment. You should not get the initial assessment if:

You do not have a bachelor's degree in engineering from a university,

You are a computer programmer, architect, scientist, or an agronomist (specialist in plant or animal breeding),

You have a degree from the Philippines, or

You intend to immigrate to Quebec.

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How do I pay for the assessment?

You can pay for the assessment with a bank draft, money order, a cheque drawn on a Canadian bank, or by traveler's cheque. If you are using Western Union, please contact the CCPE, because you will need to make the cheque payable to a person's name. CCPE does not accept cash or credit cards; CCPE does not give out its bank account number.

What documents do I have to send for the initial assessment?

Please send a copy of your university degree and a copy of your course transcripts. These must contain the original certification by your university or a public notary. If they are not in either English or French, please also send certified translations. CCPE also needs a summary of your work experience. Please do not fax or e-mail your copies.

The name on my degree and transcripts is different from the name I am using now. What should I write on the application form?

The name on the application form should be the name that you are using at the present time. A copy of certified proof of name change (legal name change, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, etc.) should be included with your application.

I have obtained a Master Degree in Engineering. Do I need to send you the information about my Bachelor Program?

In order to assess your qualifications, we must have all information on your undergraduate study (Bachelor education) and graduate study (Master and Doctorate education).

Will you mail me a copy of my CCPE assessment?

Yes. When we have finished your assessment, we will send one copy to you (or your representative). When you send that copy to the Canadian Embassy, make a copy for your own records. We do not give out more than one copy. If you ever need a new copy of your assessment, CCPE will send out a confirmation letter you can use when you apply for your visa.

Is the P.Eng. (Canadian Professional Engineer) recognized in the United Kingdom?

No. There is no agreement between the Engineering Council in the United Kingdom and the CCPE. However, the two organizations agree on what university training and courses qualify you to become an engineer. Engineering councils in the United States, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and France also hold this agreement.

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What official names do engineers have in Britain and Canada?

Engineering titles are different in Britain and Canada:

Canadian title
Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)
Technologist
Mechanic

British title
Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.)
Incorporated Engineer
Engineering Technician

I understand that a degree from China should be notarized. Do I just send the notarized letter?

You need to send an original certified copy (not photocopy) of the degree documents (i.e. Bachelor, Master or Doctorate diploma) with certified translations in English or French.

I received my degree from a university in India, but I studied from an affiliated college. What document should I send?

CCPE is aware that most universities in India offer engineering through affiliated and constituent colleges. Please provide a certified copy of your Leaving Certificate or a certified letter from the Registrar as proof of attendance at the college you attended and your University Bachelor Degree.

After I send my assessment package to CCPE, will I be given notice that it has been received?

No, you will be contacted only if there is a problem with the information you sent. Otherwise, you will not receive anything until the assessment result is sent.

I applied for an assessment through a representative. Where will my result be sent?

If you are using a representative, all CCPE correspondence and the result will be sent to the representative.

Can you send me information about finding a job in Canada?

The CCPE oversees engineering in Canada, but it is not a job agency. The best place to look would be in Canadian daily newspapers, or you can consult the other sources listed at the end of this document.

Can you send me a list of companies I could work for?

The CCPE does not maintain lists of companies. We suggest you contact your Canadian Consulate or Embassy, and ask for that information.

I have just arrived in Canada. How do I find out if I am qualified to be an engineer?

Once you are in Canada, you must contact the engineering association in your province and apply to be licensed there. If you have already had an assessment done before you came to Canada, it will not affect the result of your application.

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Do I need to speak English?

If you live in any province except Québec or New Brunswick, you must be able to speak English to be licensed. In Québec, you must be able to speak French. You can speak either English or French to be licensed in New Brunswick.

How do I become a member of the CCPE?

Since the CCPE is an organization that coordinates the provincial/territorial engineering associations, you cannot become a member of the CCPE. You should apply for membership with the engineering association in your home province or territory. You must be a permanent resident of Canada to become a member of any engineering association in Canada.

Do I need an engineering license?

Yes. By law, no one can practice as a professional engineer in Canada without a license. Each province (or territory) has an engineering association that governs licensing of engineers. These associations also set the standards for the profession to serve and protect the public on the provincial government's behalf. After you are licensed by an engineering association, you are known as a "professional engineer," and may use "P.Eng." after your name ("ing. in Québec). In Canada, it is against the law to practice engineering or to use the "P.Eng./ing." title after your name unless you are fully licensed by an engineering association.

Can I work in Canada before I become a licensed professional engineer?

Yes, but only if a licensed professional engineer takes responsibility for your work. Until you become licensed, it is against the law in Canada for you to approve engineering drawings or reports, to use the title "professional engineer" (or any title like it), or to offer any engineering services to the public. You may do most other technical work legally, subject to other professional law (such as the Architecture or Land Surveyors Act).

How do I become a licensed professional engineer?

To become a licensed professional engineer, you must:

Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. You cannot become licensed before immigrating to Canada;

Have an undergraduate or Bachelor's degree in engineering from a recognized Canadian university program; or have an otherwise recognized engineering degree and complete an assigned examination program. If a Canadian university or other organization recognizes your other degree, that does not affect decisions made by the CCPE or any engineering association;

Complete three or four years of engineering work (the amount of time depends on the association). At least 12 months of your experience must be in a Canadian environment so that you are familiar with Canadian codes and standards;

Pass a professional practice examination, so that you understand Canadian standards of professional practice, ethics, engineering law, and liability.

Be of good character and reputation;

Be able to speak English (French in Québec, English or French in New Brunswick).

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How many examinations will I have to write to become a professional engineer in Canada?

Your provincial engineering association will tell you what examinations you have to write to become a member. You will first have to demonstrate your experience and education in an evaluation. Then they will give you exams. The exams in most provinces are offered in English only (French only in Québec; French or English in New Brunswick).

If I get a license in one province, can I work in another province?

No. You may only practice engineering where you are licensed. However, there is an agreement between all the provinces (and territories) that allows you to move between provinces without having to repeat the entire licensing process.

How can I get a job in Canada?

It is not easy to find long-term, full-time work as an engineer in Canada. You should be ready to search for a year or more. You can find jobs by looking in newspapers, magazines and trade journals. You might also apply to agencies that employers hire to find professionals, but those agencies are not normally looking for engineers, and especially not junior engineers.

You can, of course, improve your chances by working on your computer skills, improving your English or French, or taking technical courses, especially courses on building and electrical specifications, and the nature of Canadian engineering practice. Local universities and colleges often offer evening technical courses.

Are you practicing Professional Engineering?

The practice of professional engineering is defined in Section 1 of the Professional Engineers Act and comprises three tests. Professional engineering is:

1	Any act of designing, composing, evaluating, advising, reporting, directing or supervising;

2	Wherein the safeguarding of life, health, property or the public welfare is concerned, and

3	That requires the application of engineering principles, but does not include practicing as a natural scientist.

If what you do meets all three tests, you are practicing professional engineering and must be licensed by the association.

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Are you providing professional engineering services to the public?

An examination of your practice will help you to ascertain whether you are offering or providing engineering services to the public. The public is usually legally defined as any person or entity with which you have an arm's length relationship. For example:

If you "hang out your shingle," advertise and promote yourself - either personally or through a legal entity such as a company or partnership - as offering professional engineering services, a C of A is required.

If you provide professional engineering services to the public through the sale of a product that is custom-designed or an original (as opposed to an off-the-shelf product), a C of A is required.

If you work for others, but offer professional engineering services directly to the public on a part-time, moonlighting, or volunteer basis, you must hold a C of A. Under these circumstances, you should also, as a matter of professional courtesy, inform your employer that you are undertaking such work, so as to avoid potential conflicts of interest. In addition, you should provide your client with a written statement of the nature of your status as an employee and the attendant limitations on your services to the client.

In short, if you are practicing professional engineering and engaging in the business of offering or providing those services to anyone but yourself or your employer, you require a C of A.

In recent years, firms have increasingly secured engineering staff through a contract of service. But you may still be an employee for the purposes of licensure and thus not require a Certificate of Authorization if:

You work exclusively for a particular firm;

Your employment contract addresses non-disclosure, ability to control work hours and time off, expectations related to performance, notice, termination and remuneration;

Your expenses are reimbursed

You are paid a salary or wage;

You are provided an office and equipment on business premises;

Have set work hours;

You are provided benefits, e.g. vacation pay;

Your work is covered under the firm's professional liability insurance policy.

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However, if the firm requiring your engineering expertise offers a contract for service, a Certificate of Authorization will likely be required. You are likely working under a contract for service and would thus require a C of A if:

Your contract indicates an independent contract or relationship, or the firm purchases your time from an agency;

You are free to provide your business services to more than one firm;

You invoice the business for your time;

You are not paid if services are not performed;

You are not covered by the firm's professional liability insurance;

You are not restricted as to hours of work;

You receive no vacation pay or bonuses.

What are the requirements for a Certificate of Authorization?

Section 47(1) of the Regulation 941 made under the Professional Engineers Act requires that an applicant for a C of A designate a professional engineer who is an employee or partner in the firm to assume professional responsibility for the services provided. In addition, the designated engineer must have at least five years of professional engineering experience following the conferral of a degree from an accredited university or the completion of an equivalent education, e.g. PEO exams.

Generally, C of A holders are required to carry professional liability insurance as laid out in the regulations under the Professional Engineers Act. In the absence of insurance, they are required to disclose to each and every client that they do not hold liability insurance, and obtain the client's written acknowledgement of this disclosure.

What are the consequences of offering engineering services without a C of A?

If you operate without a C of A, you are contravening the Professional Engineers Act. Such contravention may result in PEO enforcing the provisions of Section 40 of the Act against you, which can lead to fines of up to $25,000 for a first offence and up to $50,000 for any subsequent offence. In addition, a complaint may be pursued through the association's discipline process against licensed members who operate without a C of A (see Section 72(g) of Regulation 941).

How do I obtain a Certificate of Authorization? (Usually Done only after landing in Canada)

The initial application fee for a Certificate of Authorization is $535.00. Upon approval the Certificate of Authorization is renewable annually for $267.50.

Professional Engineers Ontario

25 Sheppard Ave. West, Suite 1000

Toronto, ON, M2N 6S9

Phone: (416) 224-1100

Toll Free: 1-800-339-3716 (only in Ontario)

Toll Free Fax: 1-800-268-0496 (only in Ontario)

Fax: (416) 224-8168

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Engineering in Canada

In Canada, engineering is a regulated profession. This means that by law, no one can practise the profession of engineering without a license. Licensing is carried out by 12 provincial and territorial associations who set standards and regulate the professional. An engineering licence is valid only within that jurisdiction, however, there is a mobility agreement among the provinces and territories regarding transfer of licences. These associations serve and protect the public on behalf of their provincial or territorial government.

Once registered, or licensed, as a member of a provincial or territorial association, engineers are known as professional engineers and are eligible to use the designation "P.Eng." ("ing." in Québec) after their name. In Canada, it is illegal to practise the professional of engineering or to use the P.Eng./ing. designation without being licensed as a member in an association.

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

Normally, to be licensed as a professional engineer by a provincial or territorial engineering association, candidates must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (Citizenship or permanent resident status is required to apply for licensure. It is not possible to be licensed before immigrating to Canada.)

Possess an undergraduate (Bachelor's level) degree in engineering from an accredited Canadian university program, or possess an otherwise recognized engineering degree and complete an assigned exam program. Recognition of degree equivalency by a Canadian university or other organization is unrelated to recognition of your degree by the CCPE and its constituent associations.

Complete two to four years of engineering work experience, depending on the association. Experience obtained outside Canada may be acceptable if sufficient documentation is provided. A minimum of 12 months experience must be in a Canadian environment to ensure that you are familiar with Canadian codes and standards.

Write and pass a professional practice examination on professional practice, ethics, engineering law and liability.

Be of good character and reputation.

Be proficient in English (French in Quebec, English or French in New Brunswick).

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WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN CANADA - STEPS TO LICENSING

STEP 1. Obtain and fill out an application form.

After being granted a permanent residence visa, you should contact the association of professional engineers in the province or territory where you plan to settle. Applications for membership will not be accepted until residence in Canada is established, but preliminary information will be available.

You will be asked to submit at least the following documentation:

Original diploma(s), degree(s), and full transcripts recording course completion and marks.

Full address of educational and professional institutions related to engineering qualifications.

Employment and character references.

All documents must have certified English translations (French in Quebec; a choice of English or French in New Brunswick).

STEP 2. The association reviews your academic background and may assign an exam program to ensure that academic requirements are met.

The association assesses your academic qualifications, primarily the Bachelor level or first degree. Qualifications other than the Bachelor level may or may not be taken into account in your favour.

Usually, associations will assign an exam program if you do not have a Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited Canadian university engineering program. Examinations are assigned based on your claimed discipline or speciality of intended work. The maximum number of examinations is 20. You will also be required to take an examination on non-technical subjects (engineering economics or management).

Examination sittings are held once or twice per year, depending on the jurisdiction.

STEP 3. The association evaluates your previous engineering experience.

The evaluation is based on application of engineering theory, exposure to project management and demonstrated use of communications skills.

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Two to four years of acceptable engineering experience is required, depending on the association. Experience obtained outside Canada, may be acceptable if sufficient documentation is provided. A minimum of 12 months of acceptable experience must be in a Canadian environment to ensure that you are familiar with Canadian codes and standards.

If assigned an examination program, you are normally required to complete all examinations before the association will begin crediting engineering experience.

STEP 4. Write and pass the professional practice exam.

You must write and pass the professional practice examination on professional practice, ethics, engineering law and liability. Normally, you can write it any time after you have completed the assigned examination program.

Once all the requirements for licensure are successfully met, the association will issue a license to practice engineering in that jurisdiction. Please be advised that it may take several years to obtain licensure in a province or territory of Canada.

WORKING IN CANADA BEFORE BEING LICENSED

Applicants can work as engineers only if a licensed professional engineer takes responsibility for the work. In Canada, it is illegal for non-licensed engineers to approve engineering drawings or reports, use the title "professional engineer" or any variation of it, or in any way offer engineering services to the public.

While a licence application is in progress, applicants may wish to register as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with their local association to receive advice and guidance on the nature of required engineering experience.

Most other technical work (i.e. work not considered professional engineering) may be performed by non-licensed engineers without restriction, but it may be restricted by other legislation, including Architecture and Land Surveyors Acts.

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