Guide

Immigrating as an international lawyer to Canada: Step-by-step process and opportunities

Anushka

January 15, 2025

International lawyers immigration process for Canada

Key takeaways

Obtain NCA Certificate: International lawyers must first obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) to ensure their qualifications meet Canadian standards, which is necessary for bar admission, except in Quebec.

Apply to Provincial Law Society: After receiving the NCA certificate, lawyers must apply to the law society in the province or territory where they intend to practice, ensuring they meet local membership requirements.

Remote Licensing Process: Many provinces offer the option to start the licensing process remotely from outside Canada, but securing remote articling opportunities can be challenging.

Lawyers are highly respected worldwide for their expertise in various fields, such as business, public service, and dispute resolution. In Canada, lawyers are essential in areas like negotiation, advocacy, and problem-solving, and they can explore numerous career opportunities across the country.

If you are an internationally-trained lawyer or a recent law graduate, immigrating to Canada could provide valuable new career prospects. This article outlines the immigration programs that may help you move to Canada as a lawyer, the process to obtain the necessary licensing, and tips on building a legal career in Canada.

Why consider moving to Canada as a lawyer?

Canada offers numerous advantages for internationally-educated lawyers, including:

  • High Salaries: While salaries vary depending on province, experience, and practice area, lawyers in Canada generally earn well. The median income for lawyers and Quebec notaries is approximately $116,940 annually.
  • Strong Job Prospects: Job opportunities for lawyers are generally good across the country, except in Ontario and Northwest Territories, where the outlook is fair. Canada’s legal job market is expected to remain balanced, with demand matching the supply of qualified lawyers, including newcomers.

Immigration programs for international lawyers

Canada invites skilled professionals, including lawyers, to apply for permanent residency (PR) through several immigration streams:

  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program: A key Express Entry program where candidates are selected based on factors like age, education, experience, language skills, and Canadian job offers or provincial nominations.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Most provinces (except Quebec and Nunavut) have PNPs that allow them to nominate individuals with specific skills, including lawyers, to address labor shortages. Applicants can apply directly to the province or through Express Entry.
  • Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP): For those who want to work in Quebec, this program requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including proficiency in French.
  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Aimed at skilled foreign workers and international students, this program allows applicants to settle in Canada’s Atlantic provinces, provided they have work experience and a job offer.

Becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada as a newcomer

To practice law in Canada, internationally-trained lawyers must become a member of a law society in the province or territory where they wish to work. The first step is to obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA), which assesses whether your qualifications meet Canadian standards. This certificate qualifies you for the bar admissions program, except in Quebec.

Once you have your NCA certificate, the final step is applying to the relevant law society. Each province or territory has specific membership requirements, so it’s important to review these before applying. After registering with the law society, the licensing process begins. Many provinces allow you to start this process remotely from outside Canada, though finding remote articling opportunities may be challenging.

For more information, consult the list of Law Societies in Canada:

International lawyers working in Canads

All internationally trained law graduates, including those considering immigration to Canada or newcomers with a law degree from their home country, are eligible to apply. The application process is open globally, and your citizenship, nationality, or residence location does not impact the assessment. As this process may take some time, it’s recommended to apply before arriving in Canada. For guidance on what to expect, you can use the NCA’s self-assessment tool before submitting your application.

If you wish to practice civil law in Quebec, you must be evaluated by the Barreau du Québec (for lawyers) or the Chambre des notaires du Québec (for notaries). The NCA does not assess the legal education or experience for those seeking to practice civil law in Quebec or join these organizations.

How to earn a certificate of qualification from the NCA

The NCA evaluates your law degree and experience to ensure they align with Canadian common law standards. To start the process:

  • Apply online: Complete the NCA assessment application, providing necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of good standing, and your CV.
  • Evaluation process: The NCA assesses your qualifications and, based on your experience and education, will inform you of the subjects you need to complete.
  • Complete assignments: These may include passing exams, taking courses at a Canadian law school, or a combination of both. You’ll need to demonstrate competence in core Canadian law areas such as administrative law, criminal law, contracts, and more.
  • Legal research requirement: If your assessment is after January 2022, you’ll also need to complete a course in legal research and writing.
  • Exams: After completing the necessary assignments, you can take NCA exams. You can attempt each exam up to three times within five years.
Timeline for the NCA process

It usually takes about two years to earn a Certificate of Qualification from the NCA. The process includes document gathering, evaluation, completing assignments, and exams. You have up to five years to finish the required assignments.

Joining a law society

To practice law, you must become a member of a provincial or territorial law society. Each law society has its own licensing process, and most allow you to start the process from outside Canada. Some provinces have articling requirements, while others may offer alternative paths for qualified applicants.

Articling requirement

Articling requirements differ between law societies, and some exceptions may apply in certain cases. For instance, the Ontario Law Society allows candidates to attend the Law Practice Program (LPP) instead of articling, and those with prior legal experience in another jurisdiction may be exempt from both articling and the LPP. If you are required to complete articling, you must apply to your law society to become an articled clerk and secure an articling placement. Your work will be supervised by a principal—a lawyer or law firm responsible for overseeing your training and work as an articled clerk.

Writing exams

Examination requirements vary by law society. For instance, the Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) is mandatory for students applying to the bar in Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. In British Columbia, the Professional Legal Training Course (PLTC) is part of the bar admission process, while in Ontario, students must pass the barrister and solicitor exams. Generally, exams can be taken during articling.

Becoming licensed to practice law

Once you have fulfilled all the requirements set by your law society, including completing articling, passing exams, paying necessary fees, and demonstrating good character, you will be eligible to receive your license to practice law and attend the call to the bar ceremony.ranting full licensure.

International Lawyer immigrating to Canada

Becoming a lawyer in Quebec

Quebec operates under a civil code based on the French Napoleonic Code, unlike the rest of Canada, which follows common law. To practice law in Quebec, foreign-trained lawyers or jurists must obtain a full permit from the Barreau du Québec.

To apply for this permit, you’ll need to submit required documentation and pay a fee for the Barreau du Québec’s Equivalences Committee to assess your qualifications. The committee will outline the conditions you must fulfill to gain membership, which may include:

  • Completing education and training at one of five law faculties in Quebec (or one in Ontario) within five years of the decision.
  • Undertaking the professional training program at Québec’s Bar School and completing a six-month articling period.
  • Passing a French language exam if you do not meet the Barreau’s language requirements.

Once all requirements are met, you can apply for entry on the Roll of the Order. After approval, you’ll be sworn in by taking the oath of allegiance and the oath of office, officially becoming a member of the Barreau du Québec.

If you are a foreign lawyer, you may practice in Canada as a Foreign Legal Consultant (FLC), offering legal advice regarding the laws of your home country. FLCs are not permitted to give legal advice on Canadian law.

Job prospects for lawyers are generally positive across most of Canada, with the highest demand in provinces like Manitoba and Quebec. Lawyers in Canada can earn a good salary, with the average income around $116,940 annually.

Finding a job as a lawyer in Canada

As an internationally trained lawyer, you can begin your job search in Canada once you’ve earned your Certificate of Qualification from the NCA and started the bar licensing process. While you can only provide legal services after registering with a provincial or territorial bar society, opportunities such as Foreign Legal Consultant roles or articling positions may be available during your licensing process. Here are some tips to kickstart your legal career in Canada:

Understand local job market requirements

Canadian employers may seek different skills and qualifications than those valued in your home country. To familiarize yourself with these, review job postings for roles at your level and identify the desired skills and qualifications. If articling is part of your licensing process, research articling opportunities in your preferred regions to understand what’s expected.

Build additional skills and qualifications

Prepare to meet the NCA’s requirements by exploring law programs and prep courses, such as Osgoode Hall Law School’s NCA prep course for internationally trained lawyers. Technical proficiency in tools like MS Office and PC Law is often essential in Canadian law practices. Identify commonly mentioned technical skills in job postings and consider professional development opportunities, such as webinars offered by organizations like the Canadian Bar Association.

Create a Canadian-style resume

Canadian resumes typically follow one of three formats: reverse chronological, functional, or combination. Choose a format based on your legal experience and employment history. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so tailor each resume with keywords from the job description to improve your chances of being shortlisted. Download free Canadian-style resume templates to get started.

Explore job portals and employer websites

Check platforms like Job Bank, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, GrabJobs, and Indeed for job postings. Additionally, compile a list of target employers and monitor their career pages and LinkedIn profiles. Law societies and professional associations may also post opportunities relevant to practicing law.

Expand your professional network

Networking is crucial in Canada, where many job opportunities are found through connections. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, attend networking events, and participate in law society activities to build relationships. Nurture these connections through follow-ups and personal meetings to gain insights, referrals, and access to hidden job opportunities.

By understanding market requirements, enhancing your skills, and leveraging networking, you can position yourself effectively for legal roles in Canada.

Recruitment Process for Lawyers

In Canada, many employers advertise job openings on their websites or through job portals. However, a significant majority—approximately 65% to 80%—of positions are filled through employer networks without being publicly posted.

After submitting your resume, employers typically review it alongside your cover letter to assess how well your qualifications align with the job requirements. If shortlisted, you’ll likely proceed to a screening interview, where you’ll discuss your experience, qualifications, and interest in the role.

Following the screening, you may face several interview stages, including technical skill assessments and culture fit evaluations, to showcase both your expertise and interpersonal abilities. If selected, you’ll receive a job offer, usually after background and reference checks. This offer may include an opportunity to negotiate the terms before finalizing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a practicing lawyer in Canada as an internationally-trained professional involves a series of steps to ensure your qualifications align with Canadian standards. Start by obtaining a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA), then apply to the law society in your desired province or territory to begin the licensing process. While many provinces allow you to initiate this process remotely, securing articling opportunities from outside Canada can be a challenge. It’s essential to research the specific requirements of the province or territory where you wish to work and connect with the appropriate law society for guidance. With the right preparation and persistence, you can navigate the path to becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada.


Anushka

Senior Marketing Manager, Beacon