After obtaining my P.Eng, I decided to move to British Columbia. The good news is that in Canada, you don’t have to start over from scratch — you can transfer your P.Eng license from one province to another.
The process turned out to be faster and simpler than I expected. However, there was one trap that catches a lot of people off guard. Here’s an honest breakdown of the entire process.
What Is a P.Eng Transfer?
In Canada, P.Eng licenses are managed by provincial associations. My Manitoba P.Eng was registered under EGMB (Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba). After moving to BC, I needed to transfer it to EGBC (Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia).
The key thing to know: you do not need to redo your CBA or NPPE. A transfer means your existing license is recognized and moved — not reissued from scratch.
Transfer Process at a Glance
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Complete the Transfer application on the EGBC website |
| Step 2 | Prepare identity verification documents ⚠️ Most important |
| Step 3 | Pay application fee + registration fee + membership fee |
| Step 4 | Approval (3–5 business days) |
Step 1: Submit Your Application to EGBC
The application is done entirely online through the EGBC official website. The form itself is straightforward — basic personal information and your existing license details.
You do not need to request any documents from EGMB separately. EGBC handles the verification directly on their end.
Step 2: Identity Verification ⚠️ The Most Critical Step
This is where most people run into problems. Identity verification is not simply uploading a photo of your ID.
Key Requirements
- A third party must physically verify your photo and sign off on it
- The document must include specific wording as required by EGBC
- You must follow EGBC’s identity verification guidelines exactly
⚠️ Warning: If you skim through the guidelines and miss any detail, your documents will be rejected and you’ll have to resubmit — wasting days. The required wording and format must be followed precisely, word for word.
I’ve seen multiple people get tripped up at this exact step. Read the guidelines at least twice before preparing your documents.
Step 3: Fees
The total cost is higher than most people expect. It’s broken down into separate items:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Processing fee for the transfer request |
| Registration Fee | EGBC license registration fee |
| Membership Fee | Annual membership with EGBC |
| Total | Over $1,000 CAD |
💡 Tip: If you transfer mid-year, the membership fee may be prorated by month. The exact amount can vary depending on your timing, so it’s worth confirming with EGBC beforehand.
Step 4: Approval
Once your documents and payment are confirmed, approval comes through in 3–5 business days — surprisingly fast.
After approval, you’re officially registered as an EGBC member and can practice as a P.Eng in British Columbia.
Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registering Body | EGBC |
| Required Documents | Application form + Identity verification |
| Processing Time | 3–5 business days |
| Total Cost | Over $1,000 CAD |
| #1 Thing to Watch | Read the identity verification guidelines carefully |
Final Thoughts
A P.Eng transfer is far less complicated than the original CBA or NPPE process. But if you rush through the identity verification requirements, you’ll lose unnecessary time on resubmissions.
Take it step by step, read the EGBC guidelines thoroughly, and you can have your BC P.Eng license sorted within a week.