Graduates of Social Work Programs outside Canada and the United States

If your social work academic credentials have been evaluated by The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) as equivalent to a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work obtained from a social work program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work (now known as the Canadian Association for Social Work Education), you will likely meet the academic requirements for the issuance of a general certificate of registration for social work.

Note: If you have not already had your academic credentials in social work from a university outside Canada and the United States evaluated by CASW, you must do so. The CASW website provides the information you need to start the credential evaluation process of your international social work degree. You may start the application process with the College at the same time as you are waiting for the completed evaluation of your academic qualifications by CASW. Ensure that the CASW forwards a signed and dated letter confirming the outcome of the social work credential evaluation directly to the College.

If the CASW evaluation concludes that your academic credentials are not equivalent to at least a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work Degree, please contact the College to discuss your individual circumstances, or go to Graduates of Non-Accredited Social Work Programs.

NOTE: If you practised social work in a country other than Canada or the United States and have not graduated from a social work program, go to Graduates of Degree Programs that are not in Social Work.

For a list of helpful links for internationally educated applicants, please visit our Relevant Links page.

The College only accepts original documents. Fax, email attachments, or your own copy of the credential evaluation is not accepted and will delay the application process.

Once the College has received all your documents, it typically takes four to six weeks to process your application. The process may take longer if the College requires more information.

How to Apply

Before downloading the appropriate registration guide, application form, and Supplemental Form, if applicable, please ensure you read Information for All Applicants.

Fees: The non-refundable application fee and the registration fee must be enclosed with each application.

Mail your completed application form, any other documents you submit yourself, and the full fees to the College. A photocopy of the application or sending the application by fax or email will not be accepted. Ensure that the CASW sends a letter directly to the College, confirming the results of the social work credential evaluation. Ensure all other required documents are forwarded to the College.

The review process will only begin after the College has received all your documents and fees. The College will contact you if more information is required.

If you have questions about the application process, you may contact the College at 416-972-9882 or toll free 1-877-828-9380 or email Registration.

NOTE: There are citizenship, language proficiency and translation requirements for all applicants. Please visit the Information for All Applicants page for details.

The Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals Bridging Program at Ryerson University

The Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals Bridging Program offers a Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice to prepare internationally educated social work professionals with training and previous experience to work in the social services sector in Ontario. The program is offered once each year as a part time program from September to June. The program includes degree credit courses, a practicum placement, profession specific communication and job search supports.

A person who meets the registration requirements for registration with the College, has completed the Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice and applies for registration in the College no later than December 31st of the year in which they obtain or will obtain their Certification in Canadian Social Work Practice is eligible for a $100 exemption of the registration fee. The member is also exempt from $100 of the membership fee for the two years of membership immediately following the year of registration provided the member pays the membership fee no later than the date the membership fee is due.

Attending the IESW program IS NOT a requirement for registration with the College.

Find out more about the IESW program.

Download a Registration Guide* Application Form and, if applicable, a Supplemental Form for a general certificate of registration in social work.

*Before completing the application form, please read the registration guide for further requirements.