Other · ANZSCO 272511
Social Worker immigration to Australia & Canada
Social workers support individuals and communities facing challenges. Recognised for skilled migration; AASW assessment applies.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
The Australian Association of Social Workers assesses Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511), reviewing both the qualification and supervised field-education placements. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: Healthcare and social services occupations
Social work is inside the renewed healthcare and social services category for 2026, which has been among the most frequently drawn categories. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Social Worker applications most often stall
AASW requires specific field-education hours within the qualification. Sociology, psychology and development-studies degrees are regularly assessed as not equivalent regardless of how long the applicant has worked in the sector.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Social Worker migration — common questions
Is Social Worker eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Social Worker is assessed by AASW for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). The Australian Association of Social Workers assesses Social Worker (ANZSCO 272511), reviewing both the qualification and supervised field-education placements. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Social Worker fall under in 2026?
Social Worker generally falls under Healthcare and social services occupations. Social work is inside the renewed healthcare and social services category for 2026, which has been among the most frequently drawn categories. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Why do Social Worker skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
AASW requires specific field-education hours within the qualification. Sociology, psychology and development-studies degrees are regularly assessed as not equivalent regardless of how long the applicant has worked in the sector.
What documents does a Social Worker need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.