Question About NOC 41101: Is a Law Degree Required for Foreign Lawyers?

[bigben168]

Hi everyone,

I’m applying for Canada EE FSW and plan to list my occupation as a lawyer (NOC 41101) as my primary occupation. I have a question regarding my educational background and work experience:

1. I don’t have a law degree. In the country where I practice, you can become a licensed lawyer with a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and by passing the bar exam. I’ve been practicing law for several years and meet the NOC duties for a lawyer.
2. I’m not using my law-related education for CRS points because I have a master’s degree in another field, which I’m using for education points.

However, I noticed that the IRCC website’s employment requirements for lawyers (NOC 41101) state the following:

"Two to three years of undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program, a bachelor's degree from a recognized law school, successful completion of the bar examination and completion of a period of articling are required."

This has raised a concern for me: since I don’t have a law degree (only a bachelor’s degree in another field and a license to practice law in my country), will IRCC still recognize my work experience as a lawyer under NOC 41101?

Has anyone been in a similar situation or know if IRCC will accept my work experience without a law degree, given that I meet the NOC duties and have a valid license to practice law in my country?

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!