Living and Working in Canada for QS, Construction, Engineering and Claims Professionals
Posted by Steve Thomas , Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada on Monday, January 19, 2026
Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for quantity surveying, construction, engineering and claims professionals looking to work overseas. With continued investment in infrastructure, commercial development and major projects, demand for skilled professionals remains strong, particularly in Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia.
For UK-based professionals considering relocation, Canada offers a combination of career progression, competitive salaries, and clear immigration pathways. At Maxim Recruitment, we regularly support candidates exploring construction contractor and engineering and cost consultancy roles across the Canadian market.
Strong Demand for Construction Cost and Engineering Professionals
Despite broader immigration adjustments, Canada continues to experience skills shortages across the construction and infrastructure sectors. Ongoing public and private sector investment is driving long-term demand for internationally experienced professionals.
High-demand roles include:
- Project Managers
- Estimators
- Quantity Surveyors, Cost Managers and Commercial Managers
- Contract Administrators and Procurement Professionals
- Claims Consultants, Delay Analysts, Forensic Planners and Dispute Resolution Specialists
Professionals with experience on large-scale infrastructure, rail, commercial developments and complex construction projects are particularly well positioned to secure roles in the Canadian market.
Immigration Pathways for Construction and Engineering Professionals
Canada’s immigration system remains one of the most accessible for skilled professionals, with clearer processes and faster processing times compared to many other countries.
Express Entry for Construction and Engineering Roles
The Express Entry immigration system continues to be a primary route to permanent residence for construction, engineering and claims professionals. Recent changes place greater emphasis on:
- Relevant construction or engineering experience
- Recognised qualifications and education
- English or French language proficiency
This skills-based approach benefits professionals with strong technical expertise rather than relying solely on employer sponsorship.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In addition, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Ontario and British Columbia regularly target construction and engineering occupations. These programs offer additional pathways to permanent residence for professionals whose experience aligns with regional labour shortages.
IEC Visas | An Easy Route to Work in Canada for UK Professionals
For many UK candidates, the International Experience Canada (IEC) visa is one of the easiest ways to live and work in Canada.
Under the IEC Working Holiday visa, most UK citizens aged 18 to 35 can obtain an open work permit for up to 24 months, allowing them to work for almost any employer in Canada without sponsorship.
This route is particularly popular among construction, engineering and claims professionals because it:
- Allows quick entry into the Canadian job market
- Removes the need for employer-sponsored visas initially
- Enables candidates to gain valuable Canadian project experience
Many professionals use IEC visas as a stepping stone to permanent residence, transitioning later through Express Entry or provincial nomination pathways.
Construction Jobs in Toronto and Vancouver
Why Toronto?
Toronto is Canada’s largest construction market, with ongoing demand driven by:
- Infrastructure and transport projects
- High-rise residential and commercial developments
- Strong consultancy and expert services presence
Take a look at our current construction job vacancies in Toronto.
Why Vancouver?
Vancouver continues to attract construction and engineering professionals due to:
- Major infrastructure and civil engineering projects
- Residential and mixed-use developments
- A strong focus on sustainable and green construction
Take a look at our current construction job vacancies in Vancouver.
Both cities offer competitive salaries, international working environments and long-term career opportunities for construction professionals.
How Maxim Recruitment Supports Your Move to Canada
Maxim Recruitment specialises in construction recruitment, engineering recruitment and claims recruitment across international markets. We support professionals relocating to Canada by providing:
- Insight into the Canadian construction job market
- Discussion about possible visa options and signposting to professional visa advice
- Relocation planning discussions and tips
- Access to leading employers, consultancies and expert firms working in the Canadian construction and consulting industries
- Long-term career guidance and market intelligence
Whether you are seeking construction jobs in Canada, engineering roles in Toronto, or claims consultancy opportunities in Vancouver, our consultants can guide you through the process.
Summary | Why Work in Canada?
- Strong demand for construction, engineering and claims professionals
- Clear immigration routes including Express Entry and PNPs
- IEC visas offer a fast, flexible route for UK professionals
- Toronto and Vancouver remain key construction hubs
- Canadian experience supports long-term career and residency goals
If you are considering working in Canada or would like to discuss current opportunities, contact Maxim Recruitment today to explore how we can support your international career move.
Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.