Education · 1 of 4

The path

There is no single licence. Agencies hire on language, lived experience and a relevant credential.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 English or French. Keep any other language you speak at home, it is a professional asset here.

2. 2

   College or university

   2 to 4 years

   A 2-year Social Service Worker diploma, a Community Worker diploma, or a degree in social work, sociology, international development or education.

3. 3

   Volunteer or placement in the sector

   During school

   Tutoring, conversation circles, refugee sponsorship groups, airport greeting teams. This is how almost everyone gets in.

4. 4

   First contract

   Weeks to months

   Often part time, at an agency funded by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) or a provincial program.

5. 5

   Specialize

   2 to 5 years in

   School-based settlement work, employment counselling, refugee resettlement or program management.