Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees
Seneca College, Canada
Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees
Seneca Polytechnic
Social Services & Community Development
Program Overview: Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees
The two-year SSWI program at Seneca Polytechnic is the first of its kind in Ontario, offering an in-depth understanding of the evolving landscape of newcomer reception and support in Canada. Grounded in equity, social justice, and anti-oppression principles, this diploma prepares you to support immigrants and refugees from diverse backgrounds throughout their migration and integration journey.
You will gain specialized knowledge and skills in settlement counselling and case management aligned with the experiences of those newly arrived in Canada or undergoing the settlement process. The curriculum provides insights into pre-migration conditions and teaches you how to offer meaningful support to individuals and families at every stage of the migration and integration process.
Delivered in a hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person classes, the program includes two unpaid field placements specifically within immigration, migration, and settlement services. These hands-on experiences allow you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings and build professional networks in the settlement sector.
Key Program Highlights
- First specialized Social Service Worker program for immigrants and refugees in Ontario, offering a unique credential in a high-demand field.
- Two dedicated unpaid field placements within immigration, migration, and settlement service organizations for practical experience.
- Curriculum grounded in equity, social justice, and anti-oppression principles with a critical and anti-oppressive learning lens.
- Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), supporting your pathway to work in Canada after graduation.
Curriculum and Course Modules
The SSWI program is structured across four semesters over two years, combining core social service worker courses with specialized modules on immigration, refugee support, and settlement services. The hybrid delivery format ensures a blend of theoretical learning and practical skill development.
Introduction to Social Service Work
Core CourseFoundational course covering the principles, ethics, and practices of social service work in Canada. Students explore professional roles, boundaries, and the social service delivery system.
Immigration and Settlement in Canada
Core CourseExamines Canadian immigration policy, settlement services, and the migration process. Students learn about pre-migration conditions and how to support newcomers through integration.
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Core CourseExplores frameworks of equity, social justice, and anti-oppression as they apply to working with diverse immigrant and refugee populations. Develops critical self-reflection skills.
Counselling Skills for Settlement Workers
Core CourseBuilds practical counselling and case management skills tailored to the needs of immigrants and refugees. Covers crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practice.
Group Facilitation and Community Development
Core CourseDevelops skills in group facilitation, community engagement, and program development to support newcomer integration and community building initiatives.
Field Placement in Settlement Services
PlacementTwo unpaid field placements within immigration, migration, and settlement service agencies. Students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while building professional competencies.
Elective and Complementary Courses
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees program, applicants must meet academic and English language proficiency requirements. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your dedicated point of contact throughout the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent international qualification, or mature applicant status
- English PrerequisiteGrade 12 English (C or U level) or equivalent course
- International CredentialsInternational transcripts must be evaluated; documents in languages other than English require certified English translations
- Academic AverageSix senior-level courses equivalent to Ontario university preparatory credits with an overall average of 65%
- Additional AssessmentsAdditional documents or assessments may be required upon request based on your country of origin
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall band score of 6.0, with no band below 5.5
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80 overall
- Alternative PathwaysSeneca English Language Institute (ELI) completion or other approved English proficiency tests accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
Seneca Polytechnic offers several financial support options for international students, including automatic entrance scholarships and tuition credits. Contact Uni4Edu to learn about all available funding opportunities for this program.
Seneca Entrance Scholarship for International Students
Up to CAD 5,000Automatically awarded to eligible international students who confirm their full-time postsecondary program. The scholarship amount is based on the number of years of study, with an initial tuition credit applied upon enrollment.
English Language Institute (ELI) Tuition Credit
Up to CAD 2,000International students who complete Seneca's English Language Institute may receive a tuition credit of CAD 500 per ELI level, up to a maximum of CAD 2,000 across four levels.
In-Course Awards and Bursaries
VariesSeneca offers various in-course scholarships, awards, and bursaries recognizing academic achievement and community engagement. Contact Uni4Edu for current opportunities and eligibility criteria.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects and Employment Outcomes
Graduates of the SSWI program are prepared for rewarding careers supporting immigrant and refugee communities across Canada. With growing demand for settlement services and culturally competent social service professionals, this diploma opens doors to diverse roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community service providers.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Seneca Polytechnic is one of Canada's largest and most recognized polytechnic institutions, consistently ranked among the top colleges nationally. As a polytechnic rather than a traditional university, Seneca does not typically appear in global university rankings such as QS or THE, but holds significant standing in national assessments and program-based evaluations.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences and Community Services | CourseCompare | Top 5 Nationally |
| Business and Media Programs | University Magazine | Top Recognized |
| Applied Research Colleges | Research Infosource | Top Research College in Canada |
| Technology in Education Innovation | National Recognition | Leading Institution |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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