If you look forward to arriving in Canada as an architect, this blog is for you. Here’s a complete guide providing insights on salaries, employment prospects, and job opportunities. The Canadian landscape keeps the architects in high regard. Typically, architects feel attracted to a country like Canada due to the thriving architectural scene. They are able to access abundant opportunities to flourish in a diverse and dynamic environment. Canada emphasizes innovation and sustainability to a great extent, creating impactful designs that shape the future.

Canada’s multicultural cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal bring forth multiculturism, rich heritage, and modern influences. This is besides Canada’s strong economy and political stability which lead to a plethora of projects and career advancement.

Moreover, the rich lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and academic excellence contribute to Canada being an ideal destination for aspiring architects and newcomers.

Steps to follow before arriving in Canada as an architect

One must follow the following steps before immigrating to Canada to enhance their chances of practicing architect in Canada:

  • Conduct thorough research on how international eligibility might be viewed in Canada and get an overall perspective of the Canadian labor market.
  • Connect with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board or the provincial or territorial regulatory body in your desired province.
  • Figure out the cost of immigration, steps to follow, and time taken to obtain the work permit. 
  • One must know the licensing process and the steps involved in it. Note: CACB will evaluate your educational qualifications according to Canadian standards. The schools you have been part of must send your documents directly to CACB. 
  • Understand the list of documents you will need to fulfill your employment objectives and to go ahead with your education.
  • Analyze the type of documents that will need a translation. You might access Canada’s professional translation services.

Next, you must assess your language proficiency through an online self-evaluation test on the website of Canadian Language Website. Take admission to any language proficiency classes in your home country. Lastly, gather all details about Canada’s architect profession and stay tuned with the procedures, laws, and legislation that is administered in the province you seek to settle in.

The overall employment scene in Canada for architects

According to the Canadian government’s Job Bank, over 18,000 individuals work as architects in this country. Consequently, there is an increasing number of vacant job positions and ample growth in this sector. It’s merely due to the shortage of architect professionals in Canada.  

Between 2022 and 2031, there is an expected shortage of 5,400 vacant positions for architects. Furthermore, recruiters will rely on new immigrants and recent graduates for these architect positions. Therefore, the newcomers showcasing considerable work experience as architects on an international level will have a plethora of opportunities ahead of them.  

Between 2022 and 2031, there is an expected shortage of 5,400 vacant positions for architects. Furthermore, recruiters will rely on new immigrants and recent graduates for these architect positions. Therefore, the newcomers showcasing considerable work experience as architects on an international level will have a plethora of opportunities ahead of them.

What are the eligibility criteria for becoming an architect in Canada?

An architect’s career will differ significantly from your home country. Hence, you will need to search for job vacancies, write cover letters, update your CV, write a cover letter, prepare for interviews, and comprehend the qualities Canadian employers usually seek in candidates.

Canada’s architects must fulfill the following employment requirements:

  • Registration examination.
  • An internship of three years under a registered architect’s supervision.
  • Get a bachelor’s degree from an accredited architecture school. OR complete the studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
  • A few employers in Canada might require LEED Certification or a Master’s degree.
  • Work registration with the provincial or territorial association of architects.

Salary range for architects in Canada

The salary range of architects will lie between $20 and $60 per hour. For full-time work experience, the annual salary for architects will be between $41,600 and $124,800. The average rate per hour is $36, while on an annual basis, the rate is $74,880. However, your salary range will depend on a variety of factors, like experience level, work type, and location.

The highest salary range for architects is usually found in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and British Columbia, whereas Quebec has the lowest average salary.

Top employers for architects in Canada

Canada’s topmost architect firms are as follows:

  • ACDF Architecture
  • Diamond Schmitt
  • MGA – Michael Green Architecture
  • Atelier RZLBD
  • Hariri Pontarini Architects

Finding your first job after arriving in Canada as an architect

The job prospects for architects continue to grow in Canada with an ever-evolving and competitive Canadian job market. Hence, you must prepare and comprehend the steps to get employment. Additionally, it will be essential to research the architectural profession before arriving in Canada. Follow the given steps for architect jobs in Canada:

  • Make sure to follow an extensive search and include different architectural job options, such as design or career. 
  • Be a part of industry job fairs and stay updated with the latest online job boards. 
  • Figure out university, college, and association job boards. 
  • Participate in business-related job searches or networking clubs through agencies serving immigrants. 
  • Connect with a mentor in the architectural industry. For instance, connecting with a retired architect would provide you with meaningful insights and help you expand your professional network. 

You might find architectural jobs in most Canadian cities. However, provinces with rapid growth include Alberta and Saskatchewan. When you search for job prospects, you must expand your search to smaller cities and towns that are closer to your desired city.

For instance, most people seek opportunities in Toronto. Hence, they must give job prospects a try in Hamilton.  

Exploring the best architecture schools in Canada

More than 30 schools provide architecture programs at colleges and universities across Canada. 12 universities offer degree programs such as the following:

  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Waterloo
  • Carleton University
  • University of Manitoba
  • University of Calgary
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • McGill University
  • Dalhousie University
  • Laurentian University

Various colleges also offer the following programs in architecture:

  • Architectural History
  • Industrial Design
  • Architectural Technology
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Urban Planning

In conclusion, immigrating to Canada offers architects a special path to a fulfilling and prosperous career journey. With its vibrant architectural scene, emphasis on sustainability, and dynamic urban environments, Canada provides a fertile ground for creativity and innovation to flourish. The multicultural cities, stable economy, and high quality of life further enhance the appeal for architects looking to make their mark on the world stage. By choosing Canada as their destination, architects open doors to endless opportunities where their designs can shape the future while enjoying a rewarding personal and professional life. Embrace the journey, and let Canada be the canvas for your architectural dreams to come to life.

Do you have any queries on Canadian immigration? Get in touch with our immigration representatives at NavaImmigration by writing to us at [email protected].