The labor market shortage is just one of the challenges Canada is currently facing in the labor market. This means that they require skilled workers, and occupations that have more positions available than others are classified as in-demand jobs. If you are a skilled social worker looking to bring your expertise to Canada, you are in luck! Social worker jobs in Canada are listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) as NOC 4152, indicating that this role is in demand. Let’s take a look at the best provinces to apply for social worker jobs in Canada to better optimize your chances of immigrating.
Areas in Canada Where Social Workers Are In-Demand
Although there is a shortage of social workers across Canada, certain fields are particularly in demand for this occupation. They are as follows:
- Alberta
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
The demand for social workers has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because people have been confined to their homes for longer periods than usual, contributing to increased domestic unrest and a heightened demand for social services. In British Columbia alone, employment has increased by 1,000 jobs since the start of the pandemic.
Social workers serving clients in an office or on home visits were encouraged to switch to virtual or telephone meetings where possible. The demand for social workers is strong overall. The number of roles for this occupational group has increased due to factors beyond the pandemic, including the rise in services for veterans, the growing needs of an aging population, and a greater emphasis on mental health and psychological issues among youth.
How Much Do Social Workers Earn in Canada?
The average salary for a social worker in Canada is around CAD 62,893. However, this can vary significantly depending on where you live and work in Canada.
Average Salaries for Social Worker Jobs in Canada:
The average salary for a social worker is around $ 62,893. It all depends on where you live and work in Canada.
| Average Salaries for Social Jobs in Canada | |
|---|---|
| Province | Average Salary in CAD |
| Alberta | $72,072 |
| New Brunswick | $65,747 |
| Nova Scotia | $72,262 |
| Ontario | $70,644 |
| Prince Edward Island | $58,825 |
| Saskatchewan | $71,732 |
What Are the Registration Requirements for Internationally Educated Social Workers in Canada?
All internationally trained social workers must be registered in Canada to work in this field. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Submit your academic credentials for assessment to the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).
- Submit the completed credential assessment to the ACSW. If approved, you may begin the registration process.
- Apply for Provisional Registration with the ACSW.
- Complete 1,500 hours of social work practice under the supervision of a Registered Social Worker. This can be paid or unpaid experience.
- Submit a current Criminal Record Check, references, and a personal declaration to ACSW to prove your good character and reputation.
- Provide evidence of having professional liability insurance (insurance provided through your employer is acceptable). If you are not currently working, you must forward evidence of your insurance to ACSW when you begin working.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker
There are several ways to immigrate to Canada as a social worker, but we’ve listed the two most popular and quickest methods to do so.
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system is an excellent pathway to move to Canada as a social worker, as it administers three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
By applying through the Express Entry system, you can become a permanent resident of Canada if you are successful. Your application will be placed in a lottery pool with other eligible applicants, where you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that determines your ranking. To qualify, you must meet or exceed the specific CRS cut-off score. If successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Benefits of the Express Entry System:
- You can immigrate to Canada with or without a job offer.
- Having a qualification in social work will earn you CRS points.
- If you aren’t successful the first time, you will remain in the Express Entry pool, allowing you to improve your CRS score.
- The processing time for your application can take as little as six months, making it one of the fastest immigration systems in Canada.
This program is particularly advantageous, as the Express Entry system is issuing 105,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) this year alone.
2. Provincial Nominee Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows local provinces to nominate eligible economic immigrants who wish to work and stay in a specific province.
To increase your chances of receiving a nomination from a province, the best practice is to apply where your skills are in demand. The more in-demand your skills are, the better your chances. In this situation, you should focus on the best provinces to apply for social worker jobs in Canada to enhance your chances of receiving a nomination.
How Do I Apply for a Provincial Nomination Program?
The first step is to get approval from the province to which you have applied. This can be quite quick, taking four to nine weeks. The second step may take longer, as it involves medical, police, and security checks, which can take around six to eight months or longer, depending on your application.
There are two ways to request a nomination:
Direct Application Process
If you are applying through this method, you must send the application directly to the province. You will need to send the paper application by mail or courier, it may take 15 to 19 months to receive your results.
Express Entry Application Process
Applying through the Express Entry system provides two options:
- Expression of Interest: You can express interest in the province through your Express Entry profile. The province will nominate you if you have the right skills and experience. It’s essential to choose a province where social worker jobs are available.
- Apply through a Provincial Nominee Express Entry Stream: This option allows for a more streamlined process.
Applying via the Express Entry system does have its perks, as the process will take a little over six to eight months.
In conclusion, if you are a skilled social worker looking to immigrate to Canada, understanding the landscape of social worker jobs in Canada and the immigration pathways available to you is crucial for a successful transition.