Guide to Moving to Canada as a Social Worker
The Growing Demand for Social Workers in Canada by 2025
Canada is experiencing a significant need for social workers, presenting a promising opportunity for skilled international professionals looking to move to the country.
As of February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rolled out an updated category-based selection system for Express Entry. This revision incorporated social workers into the Healthcare and Social Service Professions category. The change is part of IRCC’s continuous initiatives to emphasize occupations with high demand, a trend observed since 2023 with the launch of occupation-specific Express Entry draws.
Several factors, such as Canada’s aging population, growing mental health challenges, and an increased emphasis on community-based care, have amplified the demand for social workers. This evolving trend underscores the critical role of social workers and guarantees steady employment prospects for immigrants in this sector.
Eligibility for Occupation-Specific Express Entry for Social Workers
According to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, under code 41300, social workers can participate in occupation-specific Express Entry draws. This eligibility means that applicants who have accumulated at least six months of continuous work experience within the past three years, whether in Canada or overseas, can apply even if they do not possess a job offer.
Qualified positions 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 intersect with various community and healthcare sectors, offering numerous career opportunities for new immigrants in Canada.
Promising Career Prospects and Earnings for Social Workers in Canada
Social workers in Canada enjoy a favorable job outlook, particularly in the provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, as noted by Job Bank Canada. As of early 2025, over 5,000 listings for social worker positions are available on Indeed.ca, demonstrating the high demand for professionals in this field.
The median hourly wage for social workers in Canada is approximately $40.66, with salaries ranging from $24.11 to $75.70 per hour. Assuming a usual 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can potentially reach up to $147,798. With social services being increasingly vital, social workers can anticipate stable job prospects and opportunities for career advancement in Canada.
Steps to Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker in 2025
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Those interested in immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system must meet certain criteria:
At least six months of continuous employment as a social worker within the last three years
Proficiency in English or French, meeting the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
Possession of necessary educational credentials, with foreign degrees possibly requiring an Educational Credential Assessment
Proof of settlement funds if applying via the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile
Applicants should create an Express Entry profile and select the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 41300 for their job title. If eligible, candidates may be invited through an occupation-specific draw.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Those selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Complete Application
Upon receiving an ITA, applicants have 60 days to provide all necessary documents, such as:
Evidence of work experience
Results from language proficiency tests
Verification of educational credentials
Medical and police clearance certificates
Understanding Express Entry Targeted Draws
Canada’s Express Entry system comprises three main immigration pathways:
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
Occupation-specific draws target high-demand professions like social workers, increasing the likelihood of receiving an ITA by focusing on job titles rather than solely the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Advantages of Job-Specific Immigration Streams
No Job Offer Necessary for Application
Increased Chance of Selection Over Standard Immigration Processes
Expanded Immigration Avenues via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Why Opt for a Social Work Career in Canada?
With a growing population and expanding social services, the need for social workers is on the rise.
Express Entry’s job-specific immigration streams offer a straightforward path to making Canada your home.
Competitive salaries, together with access to universal healthcare and extensive social benefits, make it a desirable destination.
Supportive professional organizations and networks help newcomer social workers advance their careers.
Begin Your Canadian Journey Today
If you are a qualified social worker, this is an opportune moment to apply through Express Entry to establish your future in Canada.
Immigrating as a Social Worker without a Job Offer
At PL Immigration, we’re committed to providing clarity on how you can immigrate to Canada as a social worker. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need a job offer to make your move. The Express Entry system offers occupation-specific draws, and as a social worker, you are eligible if you have accumulated a minimum of six months of continuous work experience in the last three years.
Earnings for Social Workers in Canada
The earning potential for social workers in Canada varies widely depending on factors like experience and location. On average, you can expect a median hourly wage of $40.66. However, pay rates can range from as low as $24.11 up to $75.70 per hour. Annually, salaries can climb as high as $147,798 for those with more experience and in areas with higher demand.
Language Proficiency Standards for Express Entry
When applying through Express Entry, demonstrating language proficiency is a crucial part of the process. To qualify, you must achieve at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in either English or French. This requirement is consistent across various immigration pathways.
Counting International Experience
Your work experience as a social worker outside Canada can also contribute to your eligibility. Provided your responsibilities align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 41300 standards, and you’ve completed at least six months of continuous employment in the past three years, your international experience is valid.
Applying through Provincial Nominee Programs
In addition to Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer another route to permanent residency in Canada. Many provinces have designed specific streams for social workers, allowing you an added advantage in securing your new life in Canada.
