Canada or Australia: Which Country is Ideal for Immigration?
If you're considering moving to another country, you've probably thought about a few potential places to settle. Before deciding where to establish a new life, why wouldn't you weigh your options?
The immigration system itself plays a significant role in choosing where to immigrate. Thank goodness, we took care of the task for you. Although Australia is also a well-liked travel destination, Canada is a fantastic country, particularly for immigrants.
Look through our comparison of Australia's and Canada's immigration programs before making any decisions to see which one offers you more possibilities!
Overview of Skilled Worker Programs
Are you attempting to choose if you should reside in the Great North White or Down Under? Let's start by contrasting two well-known immigration programs: Australia's Skilled Independent program (subclass 189) and Canada's Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.
These two initiatives are aimed at recent immigrants with professional job experience. Furthermore, there is no requirement for applicants to possess work experience, educational background, or a job offer related to the nation in any of the programs. This indicates that highly qualified skilled people from any country, regardless of their relationship to the country of their desire to immigrate, would find these two immigration programs to be excellent options.
Permanent residence status is the ultimate outcome of both of these programs. It offers a direct route to citizenship in the nation and permits holders to enter and exit the nation as frequently as they'd like.
Similar to one another, these programs choose applicants and establish eligibility using point-based methods. Below, we have carefully compared these point systems.
Essential Requirements for Immigration
Individuals acquainted with Canada's Federal Skilled Worker initiative will be aware that applicants must possess a minimum of one year of full-time, skilled job experience to be eligible for the program. Any position at National Occupational Classification TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3 is considered skilled work experience in Canada.
Similar requirements apply to Australia's Skilled Independent program, which mandates that applicants demonstrate their suitability for employment in one of the program's approved fields. The skilled independent occupations list, which lists all of the jobs that qualify for the program, is kept up to date by Australian immigration. A applicant must obtain verification that they are qualified to practice that profession in Australia by consulting with the appropriate Assessing Authority (included on the list) in order to be eligible. An occupation cannot be included in this program if it is not on the list, or if the applicant has not conferred with the Assessing Authority.
Eligible Jobs - Comparison of the Australian Skilled Independent Visa Points System
Comparison of Points Systems
Point-assessment grids are used in both schemes to evaluate applicants' eligibility for immigration. Points are allocated by the grids based on age, education, employment experience, language ability, and other distinct variables. While Australia's program demands a minimum of 60 points out of 135 to be qualified, Canada requires a minimum score of 67 out of 100.
| Factor | Australia | Canada |
| Maximum Points per Factor | ||
| Age | 30 | 12 |
| Language Proficiency | 20 | 28 |
| Foreign Work Experience | 15 | 15 |
| In-Country Work Experience | 20 | 10 |
| Education | 25 | 25 |
| Other Factors | 20 | 10 |
| Passing Score | 60 | 67 |
You can express interest in the program if you have the necessary number of points. Please keep in mind, though, that for both nations, simply having the required number of points does not ensure that you will be granted immigration. Completing the required minimum points is just the start of the application process.
Application Processes
Canada
Immigration applications are electronically managed using the Express Entry system, which includes Canada's Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. Candidates who meet the 67 points requirements for Express Entry must first build an Express Entry profile via the online immigration site. An Expression of Interest (EOI) indicating a candidate's interest in immigration to Canada is what the Express Entry profile does.
A candidate receives a score known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score after creating their Express Entry profile. Note: The eligibility points grid we previously covered is not the same as the CRS score, which is a scoring system out of 1200 points. A candidate must reapply their Express Entry profile if it is not chosen within the allotted 12-month period.
The Express Entry draw is a biweekly event when the Canadian government selects applicants for permanent residence based on their greatest cumulative score on the points system. If an application is accepted, the applicant and all accompanying family members who were included on the application will be granted permanent resident status.
Australia
The Canadian Express Entry system and the Australian Skilled Independent Visa program have a similar application process. Candidates who get at least 60 points must first use Australia's online SkillSelect system to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Australia, in contrast to Canada, does not have a secondary points system; instead, candidates are ranked against one another using the eligibility grid.
Invitations are sent out by Australian immigration about twice a month. Applications will be accepted from candidates whose EOIs rank highest. The candidate whose profile was submitted earlier will be given priority if many candidates have the same ranking score. EOIs for SkillSelect are good for two years. An EOI expires after two years if it is not invited.
It should be mentioned that annual occupation ceilings are set by the Australian Independent Skills program. A maximum quota is assigned to each qualifying occupation; once that quota is reached, no more professionals in that occupation will be welcomed until the following year.
An applicant has sixty days from the date of invitation to file an official application for permanent residence in Australia. The applicant and any accompanying family members (partner and kids) will be granted permanent residency status if they are approved.
Australia versus Canada Costs and Processing Times for Immigration
When it comes to immigration costs and processing times, Canada has an advantage.
The Federal Skilled Worker program in Canada levies a total application fee of $1365 CAD for adults and an extra $230 for children. However, candidates for Express Entry programs need to be aware of the additional expenses they may incur while processing their visa.
The primary applicant for Australia's Independent Skills program must pay $3800 CAD, plus an extra $2330 CAD for a spouse or partner and $960 CAD for each kid. Australian candidates may anticipate additional charges for documents, mailing, etc., similar to those associated with immigration to Canada.
With an expedited processing schedule of six months, Canada's Express Entry system promises to handle eighty percent of applications in less time than that. According to Australia's Independent Skills program, 75% of applications are completed in less than eight months after they are received.
Alternative Immigration Routes
Both of these systems are excellent for highly trained people who have no connection to Australia or Canada, as was mentioned at the opening of the essay. A worker may have more options if they have ties to the nation—perhaps they studied in Canada or received a job offer there—such as in Australia.
For instance, Canada oversees the Canadian Experience Class, an additional Express Entry program that gives preference to foreign citizens having a minimum of 12 months of work experience in Canada. Furthermore, candidates with some kind of regional affiliation are frequently chosen through Canada's several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Additionally, Australia runs a number of immigration initiatives for highly qualified individuals with ties to the nation. Visas are granted to those with specific skills, those from specific locations, and those nominated by their employers.
Just fill out our free online assessment to find out more about your eligibility for immigration to Canada. After assessing your eligibility, one of our specialists will get in touch with you to go over your possibilities!
Conclusion:
When contemplating immigration to Canada or Australia, understanding the nuances of each country's immigration programs is crucial. While both nations offer enticing opportunities, factors such as eligibility criteria, point-based systems, application processes, costs, and processing times vary significantly. Ultimately, selecting the ideal destination depends on individual circumstances, goals, and preferences. Whether it's the Federal Skilled Worker program in Canada or Australia's Skilled Independent Visa program, exploring all options and seeking professional guidance can streamline the immigration journey and lead to a successful outcome.
Expert Guidance for Your Immigration Journey
Embarking on an immigration journey to Canada or Australia requires thorough consideration of various factors, from eligibility requirements to application processes and beyond. At Pelican Migration Consultants, we offer comprehensive support tailored to your specific needs and aspirations, ensuring a smooth transition to your chosen destination. Here's how we can assist you:
- Customized Solutions: Our team provides personalized guidance, taking into account your unique circumstances and goals.
- Expertise in Immigration Programs: With in-depth knowledge of Canada's Federal Skilled Worker program and Australia's Skilled Independent program, we navigate the intricacies of each system to maximize your chances of success.
- Transparent Communication: We prioritize transparency in communication and fees, ensuring you're fully informed at every step of the process.
- Timely Updates: You'll receive regular updates on your application status, keeping you informed and empowered throughout your immigration journey.
- Post-Landing Support: Our assistance doesn't end with visa approval. We provide ongoing support to help you settle into your new life in Canada or Australia seamlessly.
Let us guide you toward achieving your immigration goals with confidence and peace of mind. Contact us today to begin your journey!
