It may surprise you that social work is among Canada’s top 20 sought-after jobs in 2020. There is a high demand for social workers in six Canadian provinces and territories, with salaries ranging from $75,065 to $95,843 per year for highly qualified workers. The possibilities for immigration and employment are numerous. By 2028, there will be 28,400 more social workers available to fill 73,600 jobs, according to Job Bank.
Job opportunities for social workers in Canada
Relocating to Canada can pose some problems related to employment. This article addresses some of the most common questions about social worker careers in Canada, along with their corresponding answers.
In Canada, are social workers in high demand?
Yes, of course! In six of Canada’s eleven provinces, there is a reasonable chance that social workers with experience can get a job if they immigrate to the country. Among the provinces in Canada with these employment opportunities are the Prairies and Atlantic:
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Alberta
- New Brunswick
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
As a result of expansion and replacement, 27,100 new jobs are projected to be created over the next few years. Furthermore, 28400 additional job openings will be needed in the near future to accommodate graduates and immigrants living and working in Canada.
Is there a standard wage for social workers in Canada?
Depending on your experience, Neuvoo estimates you may earn anywhere between $75,065 and $95,843 per year as a social worker in Canada. Naturally, where you decide to settle down in Canada will determine this:
| Canada’s average annual salary for social workers | |
| Province | Pay per year (CAD) |
| Manitoba | $54,832 |
| Alberta | $95,843 |
| Ontario | $79,911 |
| Yukon | $86,540 |
| Nova Scotia | $78,564 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $74,978 |
| Nunavut | $76,437 |
| Saskatchewan | $71,911 |
| Quebec | $67,543 |
| British Columbia | $75,065 |
| New Brunswick | $65,747 |
| Manitoba | $54,832 |
| Prince Edward Island | $61,519 |
Do you know where social workers are employed in Canada?
Foreign workers in Canada have the option of working in hospitals, government departments, social housing, family services, mental health clinics, family court employee assistance programs, community health centers, school boards, as well as private counseling and consulting services. Opportunities for employment abound.
What is the process for becoming a social worker in Canada?
Step 1: Choosing Your Work and Living Location in Canada
You may already have an idea about where you’d like to live and work in Canada. Choosing an immigration program from more than 80 different ones is one of the most important tasks to consider. As part of your search for work in Canada, you must first decide where you intend to live in order to find a job. If you have a job before immigrating, you’ll be less stressed and have more time to concentrate on other important things.
Step 2: Recognize Your Qualifications
You must guarantee that your international credentials are accepted in Canada in order to live and operate there as a social worker. An Educational Credential Assessment will attest to the validity of your degree, diploma, or certificate and attest that it is comparable to Canadian standards. This is crucial since it will let you earn those sought-after PR points. Your employer and Canadian immigration services may also ask for it. The following is a list of authorized businesses that can conduct your assessment:
University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies offers a Comparative Education Service.
- Credential Assessment Service, a Canadian company
- International Education Services.
- Service for International Assessment of Qualifications (IQAS).
- Global Credential Assessment Service
Canadian social workers must pass a written and oral test and register with the appropriate regulatory agency before they can work as licensed social workers.
Step 3: Find a Job in Canada
Although it is not required to have a job before moving to Canada if you are highly qualified, it may help you settle in more quickly after you get there because it may take some time to locate your ideal position. As an extra benefit, you might be able to gain between 50 and 200 points on your PR application if you have a legitimate employment offer.
Step 4: Start the process of immigration
You can pursue many paths to become a social worker in Canada, but we’ve outlined the four most likely to increase your chances:
- Provincial Nominee Program
- The Atlantic Immigration Pilot
- Express Entry system
- The Rural and Northern Immigration Program
Provincial Nominee Program
Through the Provincial Nominee Program, immigrants who are skilled or semi-skilled can live and work in Canada. Generally, you must have a valid Canadian employment offer that lasts at least a year to qualify for most immigration streams. Various labor requirements vary by province and territory. Almost all Canadian permanent residents are nominated provincially if they meet the requirements of their chosen province or territory, which entitles them to 600 additional PR points.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot, which allows foreign workers with high-skilled or semi-skilled jobs to relocate to three of the four Atlantic provinces, is in high demand for social workers. If you have a job offer for a year, the program might be something you’re interested in.
Express Entry
As a top recommendation for social worker immigration to Canada, Express Entry (EE) is the best option. Immigrating to Canada is not only the fastest, but it is also the easiest. As long as you don’t exceed the necessary requirements in terms of age, qualifications, and fluency in French and/or English, you may be able to relocate to Canada in as little as six months.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Program
RNIP (Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot) may be able to assist you in immigrating to Canada, given the significant demand for social workers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The pilot program currently has 11 participating communities, with the only Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents being Brandon, Altona/Rhineland, and Moose Jaw. A legitimate work offers in one of the participating cities is required in order for the RNIP to consider you for Canadian permanent residency.
