For a civil engineer which will be best city to work in Canada.
The engineer is
1: Single (no family would be moving to Canada)
2: Looking to make quick money in 2-3 years and then back to India (working already in govt sector)
3: 10 years of working experience.
Since you asked -
For Civil Engineers, probably the best area is GTA (Greater Toronto Area), as real estate is growing fast, with Asians & East Europeans are bringing hard cash & they invest in Real Estate, while Govt. is expanding public works sector. In fact, GTA is the commercial HQ, therefore it's true for most careers, unless you are Chemical or Mining Engineer.
If you think for quick buck in 2/3 years, Canada is worst place on earth - in fact South Asia is one of the fastest growing economy in world now, & best for job hunting for top pros. In Bangladesh, those who actually know their task in IT, business studies, engineering or Finance/Accounting, does 2 jobs now - 2nd one either part-time in week-end or own business/consultancy, or takes class in Private Universities. When I was there, I literally had to decline lecture offers every week-end because of the preparation required for a 2 hours class, but the money was quite good.
Coming to earning quick buck in Canada -
First, it's the harsh recession time - I doubt if you'll get a work permit. Without WP, it's not wise to come, because you might not be eligible for most corporate, ZERO chance in Govt. (Federal, State or City Corp)jobs & you won't get Health Card (treatment is hell expensive without health insurance)
Second, as a Civil engineer, you'll need professional license - otherwise you won't get, even a construction workers job. For pro license, I am sure you'll need at least 100 hours of studies for the exam, but don't know details. Many of my Engineer friends here actually completed their PEng & they are doing well (rest drives Taxi & often earns more than the Engineer).
Third, even if you have the WP & the certification - it might need 12 to 15 months to find a proper job, that pays at least $35/hour ($70K/year). It's not that job isn't available or Canadian job requirement are too tough - rather it's opposite. It's a country of 35mn people - that's <0.5% of world's population, but they own 20%+ of world's resources - bottom line, is life for 40+ generation in Canada is too comfortable. People in their 40s has become Directors after 15 years job tenure doing same sh!t everyday & they have a $150K+ job for their Diploma from Seneca or George Brown College after High School. This generation are literally scared of skilled immigrants - once we are in, they will feel the pressure. Unlike Asia, here top talents go for the Federal jobs - what is left, 80% of them are actually holding a position they are under per, therefore they are extremely possessive of their team & want instant starters,who doesn't need any guidance (Who says a Managers job is to create another Manager!!!!!). There is big pool of young immigrant pros - people in their 30s with highest level of education & experience, but are forced to work well below their level & you'll add numbers in that bucket.
Coming to your target of quick buck in 3 years - FORGET That in Canada. If everything gets right, that's you come here, do your License or Studies & get a job in say 12 months (that's 3-4 months within completion of certification - odds are almost like winning a Loto), in 2 years (3 years in total), you won't earn more than 125K, after Tax - that's almost top percentile I am talking - most cases, you won't get permanent job - that's around $100K in total. In this 3 years, apart from air fair, you'll spending
1. $500/month as rent (that's if you can find a basement, or if you are willing to share room with someone in a 2 room Condo - $1500+ hydro & Parking, shared by 4). Otherwise, single room Condo will cost around $1200
2. Food - $300/month (if you don't drink)
3. Connectivity - Mobile, Internet = $150 (Add another $25 at least if you want a TV)
4. Transport - $150/month for TTC monthly pass, or $1000/month for a Leased car (for 3 years, never buy a car - it loses 25% of purchase value, once you have taken that out of dealer's garage).
5. Cloths & others (you'll need some buddy - Kashmir's winter is like autumn here) even if you bring best efficiency from Khijiji, it's $500/year
On top of that, $3000 as a start up for furniture - that's bare minimum & in 3 years time resale value might be that someone will take your staff on his own cost.
If you travel once to India in 3 years, that's around $5000 travelling (2 times double way - even by Chinese auto plane). Now calculate what you'll take with you - that's provided that you have got the lien from GoI.
Is this so desperate here? No, absolutely not. This is one of the best place on earth for foreigners, & this is the best place for Muslims in a non Muslim country. BUT, ONLY, if you come under Federal Skilled Immigration Program, with a long term vision - and ready to stay here at least for 20 years.
How - first, if you are coming with PR (Permanent Residence), what you start is, bring cash - at least to survive 3 years, that's around $50K, for a family of 4. Then, do some studies - from Rotman to Seneca, depending on your background - money is not an issue, because you get low interest loans for studies & survival, which you'll repay only after getting a job (condition applied). Or you come with a global recognized degree - CFA, MBA ...etc. Use that study period for networking, job tracking, Industry selecting - few career has no future here, no matter what unless you are ready to restudy here for almost entire graduation - like doctors, lawyers - BUT, Engineers, Business graduates, IT pros has jobs.
By 3rd year, with a Canadian degree, with sound working experience, with excellent communication skills & with network, you should find a job (by that time, you might have to sell some property at home!!!!). Once you are in job, you'll have to be careful to keep that & better if you can find another job for your wife - this time it should be easier for Begum, since you are in the system. Once, you both are in some job, life is full of fun - a 4 member Family needs around $35K/year for a decent life, that's around 2K/month (because for 2 kids, you'll get $1200+/month as Child care & other benefit) - if 2 are working, both as low as an entry level analyst at a Bank or similar job - it's $100K+/Year combined after tax, & your kids will study in some of the best public schools in world FOR FREE till 12th class - after that, they are eligible for educational loan, which means they can study at UoT Engineering or Medicine for ZERO investment from parents through out - a graduation, that will cost over $50K just tuition fee for non Canadian Passport or PR Card holders. Then, as mentioned free health care, pension & senior citizen support program - over a 20 years plan, it's unparalleled. BUT, for 3/4 years plan (even for those who has come planning a quick shot at the Canadian passport) - IT's a HELL.
Think of long term commitment like me & my wife, or never come to Canada - stay in India, or try to move to middle-east or Malaysia for jobs.
