Work in Canada as a Social Worker


work in Canada as a social worker

Last Updated On : March 09 , 2024


As a social worker looking to settle in Canada permanently, you may be able to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the express entry system, provided you have the required skills. The express entry system is a point-based system that assesses candidates based on their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency from IRCC in the upcoming express entry draw.

To apply for Canadian permanent residency through the express entry system, you should follow a step-by-step guide that outlines the process and requirements. This guide will help you understand the eligibility criteria, create an express entry profile, and submit your application for permanent residency. 

Express Entry Profile Details For Social Worker

Having an Express Entry profile can help you obtain Canadian PR, and knowing the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is generally required for application.

NOC Code: The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is 4152 

NOC Occupational Category: BOC 4 - Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services

NOC Skill level: A – Occupations usually require university education

NOC Major Group : 41 – Professional occupations in law and social, community and government services

NOC Minor Group: 415 – Social and community service professionals

Work Experience Required

To work in Canada as a social worker, the work experience you need will vary depending on the employer's requirements. If you have work experience in any of the following occupations, then you will get priority from the employer to work in Canada

  • Coordinator Of Social Work
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Psychiatric Social Worker
  • Social Work Supervisor
  • Social Worker

Academic Requirements for Canada PR

Employment requirements are different as per the Province. Essential requirements determined by the Canadian Government are as follows:

  • A bachelor's degree in social work..
  • Supervised practical experience is usually required.
  • Successful completionofprovincial written and oral examinations may be required.
  • If you want to work as a social worker in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia, you must register with the provincial governing body.
  • The titles "Social Worker" and "Registered Social Worker" are regulated in all provinces.
  • Membership in a provincial association of social workers is usually required.

Most Selected Canadian Provinces By Social Workers:

Following are the provinces where Social Workers can apply for Canadian Immigration

Alberta
In Alberta, there are no current vacancies in the Government sector for social workers, but private organisations in Canada are still looking for Community And Social Services Worker.

New Brunswick
New Brunswick is the largest of Canada’s three Maritime provinces. Cities (Woodstock, Saint John and Miramichi) have announced jobs for Family Service workers. [Job Bank #2269259] If you have taken life skills workshops, resolved conflict situations and similar tasks, you can apply for jobs in New Brunswick.

Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, there are several job vacancies for Social Workers in Canada. Antigonish and Guysborough (the heart of Nova Scotia) are still looking for people to work as Social Worker. New Glasgow/ Pictou is also hiring Permanent, Term, Temporary and Casual Social Workers on an ongoing basis.

Ontario
25+ vacancies have been posted on the portal for Social Workers in Canada. Following well-established organisations have been working in the Community sector for a long time

  • Michipicoten First Nation (Job Bank #2271433)
  • Chabad Of Midtown (Job Bank #2270413)


Prince Edward Island
There is a Competition Number that works similarly to Job Bank Code. 4 Cities in Canada: Various O’Leary, Summerside, Charlottetown, and Montague are looking for Social Workers. You can get more details on Social Worker Jobs in PEI Canada.

Saskatchewan
Immigrants take more interest in Saskatchewan as Compared to most Canadian major cities, Saskatchewan has cheaper housing expenses. The following cities have requirements for social workers in Canada.

  • LocationEsterhazy, SK
  • La Ronge, SK
  • Saskatoon, SK

British Columbia
The BC PNP now publishes a list of nearly 40 priority health occupations, including social workers and counselling therapists.

F.A.Q


There is a huge demand for licensed clinical social workers globally and if you have relevant experience and scoring minimum required CRS score for express entry, you can apply for Canadian PR as a Social Worker.
Yes, In Alberta, a bachelor's degree or diploma in social work is required. Apply for express entry, maintain the required minimum score.
Social workers in Canada earn an average salary of $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and field of work.
Top 5 Canadian universities offering MSW programs are:
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University, Montreal
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Calgary
An MSW program can equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure a job in social work in Canada. An MSW degree can make you a strong candidate for PNP programs as well. After completing the MSW program from Canada, you are eligible to apply for internship programs to get Canadian Work Experience.