How To Immigrate To Canada As A Therapist In Counselling

On This Page You Will Find:

• How therapists in counselling can immigrate to Canada in 2025
• Canada’s shortage of therapists and job outlook
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws for therapists
• Salary expectations and job demand across provinces
• Steps to qualify for permanent residence

Are you a candidate with skills and qualifications in one of Canada’s 79 jobs for occupation-specific Express Entry draws? We want to help you move to Canada. Please submit your credentials.

Canada continues to experience a shortage of therapists in counselling, creating significant immigration opportunities for qualified foreign professionals.

In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced occupation-specific Express Entry draws, allowing Canada to prioritize in-demand professions. These targeted draws remain in place for 2025, with therapists in counselling included among the 79 occupations eligible for Express Entry selection.

The demand for mental health and counselling services has increased due to Canada’s aging population, greater awareness of mental health issues, and a growing need for specialized therapy services.

Therapists in Counselling Qualify for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws

Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 41301, therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies are eligible for Express Entry occupation-specific draws. This means candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—can apply without requiring a job offer.

Eligible roles include:

• Addictions counsellor
• Art therapist
• Bereavement counsellor
• Child and youth counsellor
• Family and marriage counsellor
• Psychotherapist
• Music and movement therapist
• Sexologist

These roles are closely linked to related fields such as social work, community service, and therapy-based careers, providing additional career opportunities for immigrants.

Strong Job Demand and Salary Outlook for Therapists in Canada

Canada’s Job Bank ranks the job outlook for therapists in counselling as very good in Ontario and Yukon and good across the rest of the country.

According to Indeed.ca, in early 2025, there were more than 7,000 job postings for therapists across Canada, reflecting the continued demand for qualified professionals.

The median hourly wage for therapists in counselling is $29, with a low of $19 and a high of $45. Based on a 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach up to $87,750.

With the increasing need for mental health professionals, therapists in counselling can expect job stability and long-term career growth in Canada.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Therapist in 2025

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Candidates must meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry, including:

• At least six months of continuous work experience in counselling therapy in the past three years
• Language proficiency in English or French at the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
• Educational credentials (international degrees may need an Educational Credential Assessment)
• Proof of settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile and indicate their occupation under NOC 41301. If eligible, they may be selected in an occupation-specific draw.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates selected under an occupation-targeted draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Step 4: Submit a Complete Application

After receiving an ITA, candidates must submit all required documents within 60 days, including:

• Proof of work experience
• Language test results
• Educational credentials
• Medical and police clearance certificates

Express Entry Targeted Draws for Therapists: What You Need to Know

Canada’s Express Entry system includes three main immigration pathways:

Occupation-specific draws allow Canada to target workers in high-demand professions. Candidates in these draws are selected based on their occupation rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This increases the chances of receiving an ITA, even for those with lower CRS scores.

Some benefits of occupation-specific draws include:

• No job offer required for eligibility
• Higher selection chances compared to general draws
• Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Why Choose Canada for Your Therapy Career?

• The demand for therapists continues to rise due to population growth and increased mental health awareness.
• Express Entry occupation-specific draws provide a clear pathway to permanent residence.
• Salaries are competitive, and therapists can access universal healthcare and other benefits.
• Professional networks and licensing bodies support newcomer therapists.

Start Your Journey to Canada Today

If you are a qualified therapist in counselling, now is the time to apply for Express Entry and secure your future in Canada.