Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals (IESW) Bridging Program

Other IESW Services Available

Immigration Prep Help
Legislation and social service structure and practice differ from country to country, so social-work qualifications, work practices, and employer expectations may be different here in Canada. We’re happy to help you understand the current expectations of employers and the qualifications, skills, knowledge, education, values, and ethics required to work in the field here in Ontario.

To request access to a free information package for IESWs planning to immigrate to Ontario, Canada, email IESW at iesw@torontomu.ca.

Introduction to Social Services in Ontario Course
The IESW Bridging Program also offers CVSW 901 - Introduction to Social Services in Ontario.

This 8-week course introduces students to the skills, knowledge, and conceptual frameworks utilized in social services, with an emphasis on understanding sector-specific vocabulary, terminology, and employment opportunities.

IESWN
Join our free email network to receive regular information about employment, volunteer, and professional development opportunities.
To join the network, send an email to iesw@torontomu.ca and use the subject line “Internationally Educated Social Workers Network.”

Admission Criteria

Eligible applicants must have the following:

• A social work degree awarded outside of Canada assessed as equivalent to a BSW or an MSW by the CASW, and
• A minimum of one year of paid accumulated employment in the social service field (abroad and/or in Canada)

• A baccalaureate degree awarded outside of Canada (minimum of three years of university study) in psychology, gender studies, or counselling, and equivalent to a Canadian degree, and
• A minimum of two years’ paid accumulated employment in the social service field (abroad and/or in Canada)

In addition, all applicants must have the following:

• Proof of English proficiency at the required level
• Proof of Ontario residency
• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada

Certificate Requirements

• 6 courses (including a work placement)
• Cumulative grade point average of 1.67 or higher

Curriculum and Schedule

All courses are required and you must successfully pass each one. Classes are held from 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays starting June 28, 2024 (12-month program) or September 10, 2024 (9-month program) until April 18, 2025. From April until June, classes are held only on Fridays from 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. In addition to class time, you will participate in an unpaid work experience placement for three to four days per week

In a typical week, you will attend classes, read articles, write essays and/or tests, and be graded for your work. You’ll also attend sessions on language use and job search preparation, visit social service agencies, and typically spend a minimum of 25 to 30 hours per week on your class and related activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the language requirements for the IESW program so rigorous?
Social work professionals require well-developed verbal and written English language skills to be able to counsel clients, discuss sensitive personal matters, keep detailed case records, prepare written reports, and make professional presentations. This is why IESWs are screened and supported for English language proficiency.

What kind of documentation do I need in order to prove my Ontario residency?
A copy of your Ontario health insurance card or Ontario driver’s licence are acceptable as proof of Ontario residency.

What kind of documentation do I need to prove my eligibility to work in Canada?
A copy of Canadian citizenship, confirmation of permanent residence, refugee claim or convention refugee status are acceptable as proof of Canadian work eligibility.

How can I have my international degree and credentials assessed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) or World Education Service (WES) ?
If you have a social work degree, you can find information about how to have your international degree/credentials assessed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers by visiting the CASW website.

However, if your degree is not in social work but in humanities or social sciences and you meet all the eligibility criteria, your degree should be assessed by the World Education Service (WES) on a course-by-course basis. Visit the WES website for details.

What are Canadian Language Benchmarking (CLB)-based assessments? Can I submit language scores from another language assessment such as TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS instead of CLB- based assessments?
Your test scores from Canadian Language Benchmarking (CLB)-based assessment, Instructor Assigned CLBs, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), CLBA (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are acceptable as proof of language proficiency.

If I am eligible for the Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice but unable to participate, must I reapply for the following year?
Yes; however, you will not be asked to resubmit all of your documents. Please contact us at iesw@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 554095, for further clarification.

To find more about the centres that conduct the language assessments, visit the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks website.

Meet the Team

Tej Wadhwa, Program Manager
Tej is an internationally educated professional (IEP) with a Masters degree in Social Work and Human Resource Management. She has consistently strived for equity and fairness throughout her career in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

Tej has extensive experience working with agencies serving immigrant professionals. Prior to joining Toronto Metropolitan, Tej managed a program for internationally educated IT professionals.

Ellen Bercovitz, Coordinator of Field Programming
Ellen has a Masters degree in Education from the University of Toronto and has worked for over 20 years in community agencies in developing programs; creating policies addressing equity and access issues; and working with children and their families, as a mental health counsellor in a variety of settings, and with students as a college instructor, counsellor, and field instructor.

Ellen's work experience includes working with newcomers in many capacities, including finding creative pathways towards employment and identifying barriers that prevent internationally educated professionals from finding meaningful work.

June Ying Yee, Academic Coordinator/Faculty Liaison
June is an associate professor in Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Social Work. In 2002, June received the Professor of the Year Award for her excellence in research, teaching, and scholarship at TMU. In 2008, she was also co-awarded the Social Work Leaders in the Community Award by the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

An anti-racism scholar and worker, June brings curriculum leadership and expertise, involvement in community-based research, and many years of experience in the field of social work practice. Prior to joining Toronto Metropolitan, June worked in the areas of health, education, and social services in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and the United Kingdom.

IESW Team Service Promise

We are committed to serving internationally educated social work professionals residing or planning to reside in Ontario, employers, alumni, stakeholders, funders and our communities with care and competence.

You can expect us to:

• Value human rights and equity among all people
• Recognize the uniqueness, strength, and expertise of each person we serve
• Provide you with accurate, up to date information so that you can make an informed decision about your academic and career pathway
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all our communications
• Work closely with the broader community to meet your specific needs and goals
• Nurture excellence and collaboration among our community stakeholders and partners
• Respond within 2 business days to your telephone or email inquiry
• Provide you with an appropriate referral or recommendation if we are unable to assist you or provide you with the reasons why we are unable to complete your request
• Make every effort to accommodate requests outside of our work hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, when possible (while we remain committed to accommodating your needs, our actions may be limited by resource constraints or other challenges)

Share with us what we did well and what we can do better!

Email iesw@torontomu.ca or tej.wadhwa@torontomu.ca to share your positive comments or constructive feedback. We are eager to learn about the ways we can improve our program. Your privacy will be protected. You will receive a response within 2 business days.

Financial Support

Learners in the Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice are eligible to apply for financial aid such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or awards and bursaries available to Toronto Metropolitan University students.

If you’re receiving Ontario Works, Employment Insurance (EI), or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits, you may qualify for financial support. Contact your caseworker to learn more.

Your letter of acceptance into the Certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice will include information about financial assistance.

Courses

Summer Term Course

• COEN 462 Academic and English Language skills for Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals. This course is a pre-admission course for IESWs pursuing the 12-month Certificate Program.

Fall Term Courses

• CVSW 900 Foundations of Social Work
• CSWP 917 Special Topics I (Developing Your Professional Identity in Canadian Social Work Practice)

Winter Term Courses

• CSWP 301 Decolonizing and Anti-Oppression Practice
• CSWP 918 Special Topics II (Social Work Practices, Language and Communication)

Spring Term Course and Work Placement

• CSWP 402 Social Policy and Social Inclusion
• CSWP 36A / CSWP 36B Field Practicum