What You’ll Discover on This Page:
- Immigration pathways for social workers in Canada (2025)
- Canada’s social worker shortage and job market outlook
- Express Entry occupation-specific draws for social workers
- Salary expectations and employment demand by province
- Steps to obtain permanent residency
Thinking About Moving to Canada as a Social Worker?
With a rising demand for professionals in this field, Canada presents excellent immigration opportunities. Get started by submitting your credentials today!
Canada’s Growing Demand for Social Workers in 2025
Canada continues to experience a shortage of social workers, making this the perfect time for qualified professionals from abroad to apply for immigration.
As of February 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its category-based selection process for Express Entry. Social workers are now included in the Healthcare and Social Service Professions category. This aligns with IRCC’s commitment, initiated in 2023, to prioritize in-demand occupations through occupation-specific Express Entry draws.
The need for social workers has increased due to several factors, including an aging population, rising mental health concerns, and a greater emphasis on community-based support. These factors ensure stable job opportunities for newcomers in this essential profession.
Social Workers Now Eligible for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 41300, social workers qualify for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. Candidates with a minimum of six months of continuous work experience within the last three years—whether in Canada or abroad—can apply without needing 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 intersect with various healthcare and community service professions, offering diverse career pathways for immigrants.
High Demand and Competitive Salaries for Social Workers in Canada
According to Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for social workers is strong in provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia.
As of early 2025, Indeed.ca listed over 5,000 open positions for social workers across Canada, highlighting the strong demand in this sector.
Social workers earn a median hourly wage of $40.66, with salaries ranging 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 demand for social services, professionals in this field can anticipate stable employment and career growth.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker in 2025
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To apply through Express Entry, candidates must meet these key requirements:
- A minimum of six months of continuous work experience as a social worker within the past three years
- Language proficiency in English or French, meeting the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
- Educational qualifications (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
Applicants must submit an Express Entry profile and list NOC 41300 as their occupation. Eligible candidates may be selected through an occupation-specific draw.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected in an occupation-specific draw, candidates will receive an ITA for permanent residence.
Step 4: Submit a Complete Application
Once an ITA is issued, applicants must provide 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 primary 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 prioritize candidates based on their job title rather than their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, improving the chances of receiving an ITA.
Advantages of Occupation-Specific Draws:
- No job offer required for eligibility
- Higher chances of selection compared to general draws
- Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Why Canada is a Great Destination for Social Workers
- Strong demand due to population growth and expanded social services
- Express Entry occupation-specific draws offer a clear immigration route
- Competitive salaries and access to universal healthcare and social benefits
- Professional licensing bodies and networks help newcomers integrate into the workforce
Take the First Step Toward Your Future in Canada!
If you’re a skilled social worker, now is the perfect time to apply for Express Entry and start your journey toward a new career in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a job offer to immigrate as a social worker?
No, occupation-specific Express Entry draws do not require a job offer. You qualify with at least six months of continuous work experience within the past three years.
How much do social workers earn in Canada?
The median hourly wage is $40.66, with earnings ranging from $24.11 to $75.70 per hour. Annual salaries can reach up to $147,798, depending on experience and location.
What are the language requirements for Express Entry?
You need to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French, depending on the immigration program.
Can I apply if I have work experience outside of Canada?
Yes, international social work experience qualifies if it aligns with NOC 41300 and includes at least six months of continuous work within the past three years.
Can I apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Yes, several provinces have PNP streams tailored for social workers, offering an additional pathway to permanent residency.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Canada offers a promising future for social workers looking to immigrate. With high demand, competitive salaries, and multiple immigration options, now is the ideal time to apply!