The Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (Accelerated) program is a one-year Ontario College Diploma designed for students with previous post-secondary education who want to specialize in settlement and newcomer services. Students gain practical knowledge in settlement counselling, case management, advocacy, community development, fundraising, program planning, and migration policy. The program focuses on supporting immigrants and refugees through the settlement and integration process using anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and equity-based approaches. Graduates are prepared for careers in settlement agencies, refugee support organizations, community health services, newcomer reception programs, and social service agencies.
- Academic Requirement: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent English: Grade 12 C or U or equivalent Additionally, one of the following: Ontario university degree or equivalent Ontario college diploma or equivalent At least 2 years of successful full-time post-secondary study may be considered
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 PTE Academic: 58 Duolingo: 105-110 TOEFL iBT: 20 in each skill CAEL: 60 Cambridge English: 169 with no skill below 162
- Special Requirement: Police Vulnerable Sector Check required before field placement Placement must be completed in person Prior post-secondary education required for accelerated pathway PGWP Eligible
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Students whose study permit applications are still pending may request a deferral to the next available intake, provided the request is submitted before Day 10 of classes and the program is available. Deferrals are granted only once.
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Students awaiting an IRCC decision must still meet the deferral deadline. Requests submitted after Day 10 of classes will not be approved solely because a study permit decision is pending.
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Students may alternatively withdraw and apply for a refund by submitting the required withdrawal form and supporting documentation. Applicable administrative fees may be deducted.
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If a study permit application is refused, students may defer their admission and request a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to support a future study permit application. PAL issuance is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
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Refund requests due to study permit refusal must include a copy of the official IRCC refusal letter and be submitted within 14 days of the refusal date.
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Only the refusal letter associated with the intake being withdrawn from will be considered for refund eligibility.
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Students whose second study permit application is refused before the start of classes may still qualify for a refund, subject to Seneca’s refund policy.
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Deferral requests are subject to program availability, and late requests may require a written appeal.
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Approved late deferrals may be subject to a CAD $200 late fee.
- Application Fee: $90
- LOA Deposit: $0
- Annual Tuition Fee: $16,178
- Total Tuition Fee: $24,469
- Course Duration: 1 Year
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: May 2027
Passport
Academic Transcripts
Degree/Diploma Certificates
Resume (if applicable)
English Language Test Score (IELTS/PTE/Duolingo/TOEFL)
Credential Evaluation (WES/ICAS if required)
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (before placement)
Statement of Purpose (Recommended)
Updated CV/Resume
Application Fee Payment