Architects plan and produce designs for commercial, residential, and institutional structures that are being built or renovated. They can work for architecture firms, private and public companies, or as self-employed individuals.
If you are an architect with experience and are looking forward to migrate to Canada, then your chances are good, because the country is looking for architects.
How to immigrate to Canada as an architect?
There are two ways by which an architect can move to Canada:
The first step in the process to migrate to Canada is to calculate your eligibility for applying to these programs.
You will have better chances of qualifying under the Express Entry program to move to Canada as an architect.
How much does an architect earn in Canada?
The median wage for this profession is approximately 31.75 dollars per hour and the maximum wages for this profession is in the Canadian province of Alberta where it is 42 dollars per hour.
| Community/Area | Wages ($/hour) | ||
| Low | Median | High | |
| Canada | 23.08 | 35.58 | 60.10 |
| Alberta | 26.44 | 42.84 | 71.11 |
| British Columbia | 24.04 | 33.65 | 53.42 |
| Manitoba | 22.50 | 37.50 | 61.54 |
| New Brunswick | 17.00 | 35.00 | 75.38 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 17.00 | 35.00 | 75.38 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 20.14 | 35.90 | 63.46 |
| Prince Edward Island | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Quebec | 24.04 | 35.00 | 57.6 |
Skills required
- Management and supervision skills
- Analytical skills include the ability to:
- Analyze information
- Planning
- Projection of outcomes
- Research and investigation
- Communication skills include:
- Advice and consultation
- Liaison and networking
- Negotiation and adjudication
- Professional communication
- Promotion and sales
- Engineering and technology skills include knowledge of:
- Building and construction
- Design
- Engineering and applied technologies
Job prospects
The job prospects in the next three years for architects is good especially in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec.
When seeking work, expand your search area to include smaller towns and cities around your target cities or provinces in Canada. Before you decide where you want to live in Canada, do some research to see where there is a larger demand for your profession.
The balance between labor supply and demand exhibited in recent years is predicted to remain over the projection period, as job vacancies and job searchers are expected to be at nearly same levels.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in architecture from an approved institution or completion of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada's (RAIC) syllabus of study.
- In some cases, a master's degree in architecture is required.
- A three-year internship under the supervision of a certified architect is required.
- It is necessary to pass the architect registration exam.
- Registration with the Provincial Architects' Association in the province of work is necessary.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification which is offered by the Canada Green Building Council could be required in certain cases.
Professional license requirements
Before you can start working, you may need to get a professional license from a regulatory authority. Professional license requirement can vary with each province.
| Location | Job title | Regulation | Regulatory body |
| Alberta | Architect | Regulated | Alberta Association of Architects |
| British Columbia | Architect | Regulated | Architectural Institute of British Columbia |
| Manitoba | Architect | Regulated | Manitoba Association of Architects |
| New Brunswick | Architect | Regulated | Architects' Association of New Brunswick |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Architect | Regulated | Architects Licensing Board of Newfoundland & Labrador |
| Northwest Territories | Architect | Regulated | Northwest Territories Association of Architects |
| Nova Scotia | Architect | Regulated | Nova Scotia Association of Architects |
| Ontario | Architect | Regulated | Ontario Association of Architects |
| Prince Edward Island | Architect | Regulated | Architects Association of Prince Edward Island |
| Québec | Architect | Regulated | Ordre des architectes du Québec |
| Saskatchewan | Architect | Regulated | Saskatchewan Association of Architects |
Job responsibilities
Consult with customers to determine the shape, style, and purpose of proposed renovations or new building development.
Create plans that outline design needs, construction materials, budgets, and construction timelines by conceptualizing and designing buildings.
Prepare drawings and models for clients.
Prepare or oversee the preparation of blueprints, specifications, and other construction documents.
Prepare tender documents, participate in contract discussions, and award construction contracts.
Monitor construction site operations to ensure that they are in conformity with the rules.
Conduct feasibility studies and financial analyses of development projects.