Can a foreign lawyer get a job in Canada?

Asked by: Mr. Easton Greenfelder  |  Last update: January 2, 2026
Score: 5/5 (10 votes)

If you have a foreign degree as a lawyer, you can practice law in Canada.

Can foreigners work as lawyers in Canada?

Become an accredited lawyer in Canada

The Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) is a 12-month Post-bachelor's Certificate offered by the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary for internationally trained lawyers who wish to become accredited to practice common law in Canada.

Can I practice law in Canada with a US law degree?

Being a Lawyer in Canada

To practice Canadian law in Canada, US-trained lawyers must apply for a Certificate of Qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). The Certificate of Qualification confirms that you have education and training equivalent to graduates from an approved Canadian law school.

Can you immigrate to Canada as a lawyer?

Yes, an aspiring lawyer in Canada can immigrate even without having a job offer. However, you must have a good CRS score in the Express Entry pool and fulfill the minimum 67 immigration points requirement for the Canada Work Visa under the Federal Skilled Worker stream.

Is a lawyer in demand in Canada?

Law firms in major Canadian markets are seeing a high demand for their services. Still, half of legal employers say finding candidates with the required skill sets is their greatest hiring challenge in 2024.

Downside of being a foreign lawyer in Canada | 2024 Edition

22 related questions found

Are lawyers well paid in Canada?

Although Canadian lawyer salaries vary dramatically from mid $30,000 to over $400,000, the average lawyer salary in Canada is $126,595.

What type of lawyer is highest in demand?

Some of the most universally in-demand legal specialties include intellectual property law, family law, immigration law, real estate law, and corporate law. Other quickly growing areas of law also include intellectual property law, data privacy and cybersecurity law, litigation, and labor and employment law.

Can a law degree be used internationally?

While it is not always easy, many American attorneys have successfully established a legal career outside the United States. There are many ways to find legal work abroad. Some American attorneys join the overseas branch of a large international law firm.

What is the average salary of an immigration lawyer in Canada?

Immigration Lawyer salaries in Canada

The estimated salary for a Immigration Lawyer is $90,838 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Can I get a job as a lawyer in Canada?

There are five basic steps to become a lawyer in Canada

Write the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Apply to law school in Canada and complete a law degree. Article with a law firm or complete the Law Practice Program. Pass the bar admission exams for the area where you plan to practice.

Can I work in Canada with a law degree?

Canada: Canada is an attractive destination for UK law graduates due to its robust legal system and diverse opportunities. Canada provides a law system similar to that of the UK, making transitioning into the Canadian legal environment an ideal career choice.

Can US lawyers practice law in other countries?

Practicing law in a host country depends on local regulations; many countries will not recognize U.S. bar admission. U.S. attorneys may only be able to practice U.S. law or work as an associate with a local attorney. In some countries, there may be no restrictions while in others you may not be able to practice at all.

Is Canada a good place to live?

Due to its high quality of life, including top-notch and affordable education, refreshing vacation spots, free healthcare, and a thriving economy, many people are eager to immigrate to the top-ranked country post-pandemic. Residents enjoy a prosperous life, which confirms Canada as a great place to live.

Can you be a lawyer in Canada with a US law degree?

In order to practise law in Canada you must have a qualifying law degree from Canada, or you must take a law degree outside Canada and then go through the process required by the National Committee on Accreditation.

Is Canada a good country for lawyers?

Canada's shortage of legal professionals in many provinces and a diverse range of practice areas offers international legal professionals the opportunity to meet the demand for skilled lawyers. Despite requiring additional qualifications, a Canadian law licence offers competitive salaries and a high quality of life.

What is the bar exam in Canada?

The Barrister Examination assesses knowledge of the law in the following practice areas: public law, criminal procedure, family law and civil litigation. The Solicitor Examination assesses knowledge of the law in real estate, business law, wills, trusts and estate administration and planning.

Where do immigration lawyers make the most money?

The average salary for immigration lawyers is the highest in Massachusetts, with an average salary of $111,345.

How much do immigration judges get paid in Canada?

Immigration Judge salaries in Canada

The estimated total pay for a Immigration Judge is $67,728 per year, with an average salary of $60,571 per year.

Can an immigration lawyer help immigrate to Canada?

You don't need a lawyer to complete the process to immigrate to Canada, but it is highly recommended and can be greatly beneficial. While completing the immigration process by yourself is possible, it isn't always the best choice.

Which country is best for a law career?

7 Best Countries to Study Law Abroad
  • United States. The United States is recognized for its law degree, and most of the best universities for law come in the US, according to the QS World University ranking. ...
  • United Kingdom. Why is the UK the best country to study law? ...
  • Australia. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Netherlands.

Which states accept foreign law degrees?

Most states do require a J.D. degree for a US law school in order to sit for the bar exam. There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia.

What type of law makes the most money?

As of 2024, the top five highest paid types of lawyers are:
  • Patent Attorneys.
  • Intellectual property (IP) Attorneys.
  • Trial Lawyers.
  • Tax Attorneys.
  • Corporate Lawyers.

Which country pays lawyers the most?

Switzerland is at the top of our list of countries that reward their lawyers the best. With an average annual salary of $260,739. The lowest salary for a Swiss lawyer is $120,279, and the highest salary is $414,058 per year.

Are lawyers in demand in Canada?

For Judges, lawyers and Quebec notaries, over the period 2022-2031, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 39,200 , while 49,500 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.

Where is it hardest to become a lawyer?

1. California

Law students across the US may be familiar with the famed “impossible” California bar exam. But why is the California bar exam so hard? For starters, the cut score (the score needed to pass the test) of the California bar is 1390 out of 2000, which is 40 points above the national average.