How to Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker

On This Page You Will Find:

• How social workers can immigrate to Canada in 2025  
• Canada’s shortage of social workers and job outlook  
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws for social workers  
• Salary expectations and job demand across provinces  
• Steps to qualify for permanent residence  

Are you a skilled social worker looking to immigrate to Canada? With increasing demand for professionals in this field, Canada offers excellent immigration opportunities. Submit your credentials today.

Canada’s Demand for Social Workers in 2025  

Canada continues to face a shortage of social workers, making it an ideal time for qualified foreign professionals to apply for immigration.

In February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its category-based selection system for Express Entry, incorporating social workers into the Healthcare and Social Service Professions category. This update is part of IRCC’s ongoing efforts to prioritize in-demand professions, which have been a focus since 2023 through occupation-specific Express Entry draws. 

The demand for social workers has risen due to factors such as Canada’s aging population, increased mental health concerns, and a growing focus on community-based support services. This trend not only highlights the importance of social workers but also ensures stable job opportunities for newcomers in this field.

Social Workers Qualify for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws  

Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 41300, social workers are eligible for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. This means candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—can apply without requiring a job offer.

Eligible roles include:  

• Child welfare social worker  
• Community development worker  
• Family services social worker  
• Healthcare social worker  
• Mental health social worker  
• School social worker  
• Substance abuse social worker  

These roles align with other community and healthcare professions, offering a variety of career pathways for immigrants.

Strong Job Demand and Salary Outlook for Social Workers in Canada  

According to Job Bank Canada the job outlook for social workers is good in provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. 

As of early 2025, Indeed.ca listed over 5,000 job postings for social workers across Canada, highlighting the strong demand for professionals in this sector.

The median hourly wage for social workers is $40.66, with a range from $24.11 to $75.70 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach up to $147,798.

Given the rising need for social services, social workers can expect stable employment and career growth opportunities in Canada.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker in 2025  

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility  

To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following criteria:

At least six months of continuous work experience as a social worker in the past three years  

Language proficiency in English or French at the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level  

Educational credentials (foreign degrees may require an Educational Credential Assessment)  

Proof of settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile  

Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile and select NOC 41300 as their occupation. If eligible, they may be invited in an occupation-specific draw.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)  

Candidates selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Step 4: Submit a Complete Application  

Once an ITA is received, candidates must submit all required documents within 60 days, including:

• Proof of work experience  
• Language test results  
• Educational credential verification  
• Medical and police clearance certificates  

Express Entry Targeted Draws for Social Workers: What You Need to Know  

Canada’s Express Entry system consists of three main immigration pathways:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program

Occupation-specific draws focus on high-demand professions. These draws select candidates based on their job title rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the chances of receiving an ITA.

Benefits of occupation-specific draws:  

• No job offer required for eligibility  
• Higher selection chances compared to general draws  
• Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)  

Why Choose Canada for Your Social Work Career?  

• The demand for social workers continues to rise due to population growth and social service expansion.  
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws provide a clear immigration pathway.  
• Salaries are competitive, and professionals can access universal healthcare and social benefits.  
• Professional licensing bodies and networks support newcomer social workers in career development.  

Start Your Journey to Canada Today  

If you are a qualified social worker, now is the time to apply for Express Entry and build your future in Canada.

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