Sorry, I can not key in Chinese.
I am working as an HVAC technician and got almost same experience like you all. Even though I was an HVAC engineer in China, I can not handle some basic or manor technician jobs in Canada. So, I was frastrated at the beginning.
Yes, it is yes. I can not say that I was an engineer in China in my resume. the interviewer will tell you that you are over qualified. the hidden mean is that you are not good for work.
So, I have to choose as a helper at the beginning application. as matter as fact, I can not get job quickly, so I went to apply my licence at the same time. when you learned for licence, you can get some knowledge about canadian technician. It is very important for your future job.
Now, I passed the hard time and can do jobs by my self only. I can make use of lots of my chinese engineer experience and did some excellent caculation for my installation work.
So, I think that the licence is very important after I get some experience.
Trying to apply the low position to get chance is only way. So, you don't worry your future. Going to home depot is a good idea.
Good luck and chinese engineers can handle Canadian technician jobs for sure.
Give me feedback if you have some question
my wife is calling me to do some home work.
See you, guys!