Social workers emerged as one of the top 20 most sought-after positions in Canada in 2021. Social workers are in top demand in 6 of Canada's provinces, with the potential for professionals to earn between $75,065 and $95,843 annually. There are diverse immigration choices to consider, along with plentiful job opportunities.
Job Bank reported that in 2021, 93,600 social workers were employed, with an estimated increase of 28,400 new positions to be filled by 2028!
As an experienced social worker, you can migrate to Canada with a great chance of securing employment in 6 of 11 Canadian provinces. The job opportunities primarily concentrate in Canada's Prairie and Atlantic regions, including:
Over the next few years, an estimated 28,300 new job openings are projected to arise due to development and the need for replacements. Additionally, there will be 28,400 new positions available for graduates and immigrants who aspire to live and work in Canada in the near future.
According to Neuvoo, experienced social workers can expect to earn between CAD76,065 - CAD 94,843 in Canada annually. However, the actual earnings may vary depending on the location you choose to settle in the country.
| Province | Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
| Alberta | $95,843 |
| Northwest Territories | $86,639 |
| Yukon | $86,540 |
| Ontario | $79,911 |
| Nova Scotia | $78,564 |
| Nunavut | $76,437 |
| British Columbia | $75,065 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $74,978 |
| Saskatchewan | $71,911 |
| Quebec | $67,543 |
| New Brunswick | $65,747 |
| Prince Edward Island | $61,519 |
| Manitoba | $54,832 |
Social workers in Canada can find diverse employment opportunities in a range of settings, including
Below is a list of job opportunities in social work and services, along with the different National Occupation Classification (NOC) Codes used by the Canadian government to categorize these occupations.
| NOC Code | Occupation |
| 40030 | Managers in social, community, and correctional services |
| 41320 | Educational counselors |
| 41300 | Social workers |
| 4153 | Family, marriage, and other related counselors |
| 42201 | Social and community service workers |
There are several steps involved in initiating the immigration process as a social worker. Let's focus individually on each step to gain a clearer understanding of the immigration process for social workers in Canada.
Choosing where to live and work in Canada is a vital step in the immigration process. It helps narrow down the numerous visa options available. Identifying your preferred location also allows you to start job hunting. Securing employment beforehand eases the stress of job searching upon arrival, enabling you to focus on other essential aspects of your move.
To work in Canada as a social worker, validating your foreign qualifications through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is crucial. This assessment confirms the validity and equivalence of your degree or certification to Canadian standards, allowing you to claim CSR points for PR and meet employer and immigration requirements.
Here is a list of designated organizations authorized to conduct your assessment:
When relocating to Canada as a licensed social worker, you may be required to pass a provincial written and oral examination. Additionally, registration with the pertinent regulatory body in your province or territory will be necessary. Below is a list of regulatory bodies in each province and territory.
Regulatory Authorities for Social Workers in Canada
| Province/Territory | Regulatory Authority |
| Alberta | Alberta College of Social Workers |
| British Columbia | British Columbia College of Social Workers |
| Manitoba | Manitoba College of Social Workers |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Association of Social Workers |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Social Workers |
| Northwest Territories | Registrar, Professional Licensing Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services |
| Northwest Territories | Registrar, Professional Licensing Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia College of Social Workers |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Department of Health and Social Services Medical Registration Committee |
| Ontario | Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services |
| Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island Social Work Registration Board |
| Québec | Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers |
| Yukon | Yukon Medical Council |
Acquiring professional skills is not a mandatory requirement for moving to Canada, but they can profoundly ease your settlement process and job search upon arrival. Additionally, having a job offer can significantly expedite your immigration process. It has the potential to earn you between 50 - 200 CRS points, further facilitating your entry into the country.
Several programs are available for social workers to immigrate to Canada; the top four methods include:
Express Entry (EE)
Express Entry is our top choice for social workers moving to Canada, as it's one of the quickest and simplest methods. Meeting the essential criteria, including age, French or English language proficiency, qualifications, and other requisites, may ease your migration process to Canada within six months.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNP enables skilled and semi-skilled immigrants to work in Canada, often requiring a one-year job offer. Each province has its own PNP with specific labour needs. Having sought-after skills in a chosen province could earn a provincial nomination. This nomination adds 600 PR points and enhances the chances of obtaining Canadian PR.
Rural and Northern Immigration Program (RNIP)
RNIP offers opportunities for social workers in high-demand areas like Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Among the 11 participating communities, Brandon, Altona/Rhineland, and Moose Jaw in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are included. To be eligible for Canadian permanent residency through RNIP, a valid job offers in one of these communities is required.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
AIP allows moderately to highly skilled foreign workers to migrate to Canada's Atlantic regions. Social workers are in high demand in three of the four Atlantic regions, making you eligible to apply if you possess a valid job offer lasting at least one year.
Embrace the vibrant possibilities that Canada holds for social workers and begin your journey toward a brighter, professionally rewarding future today.
ImmiLaw Global is a Canadian licensed immigration law firm, home to a dedicated team of immigration lawyers and proficient academic consultants. Let's embark on this journey together. Contact us today to explore pathways toward Canada's promising future.
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