How to Move to Canada from Australia?

Many people move to Canada from Australia looking for stable employment opportunities, while others seek a change of environment. You can enjoy some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes and high living standards.

 

It might not be very clear at first how to begin this process. And you must be searching for the answers to questions like:

 

• What will be the requirements?
• What Visa options are available, and how to apply?
• What is the processing time and cost?

 

Find all the answers to your questions in this article. Moving to Canada from Australia and starting a new life will be easier.

 

How can you move to Canada from Australia?

It is generally easier for Australians to relocate to Canada than many other nations. The immigration procedure is made easier by the special connection these two nations have as members of the Commonwealth and their common linguistic and cultural ties.

 

So, you can immigrate to Canada from Australia through the following visa options:

 

1. Express Entry Programs (For Skilled Workers)
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
3. Work Visas (Temporary)
4. Other Visa Options

 

Here is a closer look at each visa option.

 

Remember that rules can change, so always double-check the official government websites.

 

1. Express Entry Programs (For Skilled Workers)

If you’re a skilled worker, Express Entry Programs offer the fastest paths to permanent residency. 

Express Entry isn’t a visa itself, but a system Canada uses to manage applications for three programmes: 

 

• The Canadian Experience Class, 
• The Federal Skilled Worker Program,
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program. 

 

If you’re eligible, you create a profile, get ranked, and may be invited to apply for permanent residence.

 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

It is for people who have already worked in Canada for at least one year full-time in the last three years. You must meet the following requirements to apply for it: 

 

• You must have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (in the last 3 years).
• You must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 5 or 7, depending on the job).

 

You can apply online through the Express Entry system. The processing time is about 6 months.

 

Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP)

This program is designed for skilled workers outside of Canada with foreign work experience. You must meet the following requirements to apply for it: 

 

• You must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years

• You must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 7 in English or French)
• You must have a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• You must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP selection grid.

 

You can apply online through the Express Entry system. The processing time is about 6 months.

Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP)

This program is designed for skilled tradespeople. To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following requirements: 

 

• You must have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a skilled trade within the past five years.
• You must meet minimum language requirements (CLB 4 in English or French for reading and writing, CLB 5 for speaking and listening).
• You must have a valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial body.

 

You can apply online through the Express Entry system. The processing time is about 6 months.

 

How Does Express Entry Work?

 

1. Check if you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the above programmes.
2. Create an Express Entry profile on the Canadian government website.
3. Your profile is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
4. The Canadian government holds regular “draws” and invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.
5. If you receive an invitation, you have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

 

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

If you want to live in a specific province or city, you can apply through the PNP.

 

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec, which has its own system) has its own PNP. These programmes allow provinces to nominate individuals who meet their specific labour market needs.

 

Key requirements vary widely depending on the province and the specific stream within the PNP. Some PNPs target skilled workers, while others target entrepreneurs or graduates.

 

How Does the Provincial Nominee Programs Work?

 

• Research the PNP streams of the province you’re interested in.
• Check the eligibility requirements for each stream.
• Apply to the PNP stream that you qualify for.
• If the province nominates you, you can then apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

 

3. Work Visas (Temporary)

These visas allow you to work in Canada for a specific employer or for a limited time. International Experience Canada (IEC) and Employer-Specific Work Permit fall under this category.

 

International Experience Canada (IEC)

 

The IEC program allows an unlimited number of working vacation visas for Australia. This program is available to any Australian between 18 and 35 and is a working holiday program. Workers are only allowed to participate once throughout their 2-year visa’s validity.

 

Once you pass 35, getting a temporary working visa for Canada is much harder. Still, your experience would be considered favorably when applying for a work residency

 

Employer Specific Work Permit

This is for Individuals who have a job offer from a specific Canadian employer. To be eligible for this program, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

 

Moreover, the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It shows that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market (in most cases).

 

4. Other Visa Options 

It includes the following visas: 

 

• Student Visa for individuals who want to study at a designated learning institution in Canada.
• Visitor Visa for tourists, business visitors, and people visiting family in Canada. It is not for working or studying.
• Family Sponsorship for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada.

 

 

Application Process for Canadian Immigration

If these options persuade you to move to Canada from Australia, you might consider taking the five simple steps below.

 

Step 1: Select right Canadian immigration program

For a PR visa, Canadian Express Entry is the quickest option. After a lengthy process, successful individuals receive an invitation to apply (ITA). Who earns and does not receive ITAs is determined by your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). Higher scores increase your chances of getting an ITA.

 

Step 2: Eligibility Check

Your visa application won’t be successful unless you know whether you are eligible for Canadian PR. You must fulfill certain standards to determine your eligibility to move to Canada from Australia.

 

Selecting the Canadian immigration scheme for which you are most qualified must come first.

 

• Qualification Requirements

Your educational background is a crucial determining factor. ECA is a tool that helps you determine how your credentials will translate from Australia to Canada.

 

• Language Requirements

As outlined in the Canadian Language Benchmark, English and French proficiency are critical to move to Canada from Australia.

 

Step 3: Prepare required documents

For your visa application to be approved, you must submit up-to-date, reliable evidence of your eligibility. You must provide an original ID card, passport, qualification certificates, work experience paperwork, and character and health certificates. Other documents are required depending on the visa program.

 

Step 4: Create your profile

Now that you are ready create your Express Entry profile on the government website of Canada.

You must finish the online application and send the Canadian immigration site any necessary supporting documentation.

 

Step 5: Submit your application

Once you’ve filled out your application and uploaded all your documents, it’s time to submit it. Then, you just have to wait. Canadian Government will let you know if your application is approved.

 

Why should you move to Canada from Australia?

Here are some of the reasons that you might be considering before immigarting to Canada from Australia.

 

1. Economy

Canada is a highly industrialized country with one of the world’s most powerful economies and a significant influence on international trade. According to the most recent data from the World Bank, the nation’s yearly gross domestic product (GDP) was $1.64 trillion in current USD in 2020.

 

Canada’s economy rose to ninth place in the world, stronger than Australia.

 

2. Job Opportunities

Increased investment in infrastructure projects in the coming years will lead to significant employment possibilities across the country. Australians and hard workers from varied backgrounds who relocated to Australia and are now considering returning to Canada are highly valued in that country.

 

3. Multicultural Environment

Regarding the multicultural atmosphere in Canada, many Australians work in various industries on various work visa Australia, so you’re likely to make lots of Aussie friends there.

 

Whistler’s cold ski slopes make you feel at home; an Australian accent can be heard more often than expected, and vegemite starts the day for you.  Along with Whistler, major cities attract immigrants by offering opportunities for secure, long-term jobs.

4. Immigration for family

Moving to Canada from Australia is a viable option for people who want to bring their families. As Canada offers a stronger family sponsorship scheme than Australia.

 

5. High-Quality Education

Undoubtedly, the Canadian education system is one of the best, not to disparage Australia’s. Two of the world’s best universities, McGill University and the University of Toronto, are in Canada and highly ranked.

 

For certain reasons, including the chance to study at prestigious universities or seek PhDs, Australians who study in Australia relocate to Canada.

 

6. Weather Conditions

Climate is one of the most important factors for Australians when applying for PR in Canada. Although Vancouver, for example, has a pleasant climate. In addition, Canada has brutal winters with temperatures well below zero.

 

Final Thoughts

Canada is one of the most developed countries in North America, above the U.S. Over the last couple of years, the number of individuals moving to Canada has steadily grown. Still, many are wondering how to get there.

 

Different pathways are available for Australians to move to Canada from Australia. They can migrate on Work Visa, Business Visa, Family Visa, or student Visa according to their requirements and eligibility. Moving to Canada from Australia seems lengthy and difficult; certainly, it is.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Is it easy to move to Canada as an Australian?

Yes, it is quite easy to move to Canada as an Australian citizen as compared to other countries. It’s easier because Australia and Canada have similar cultures, both speak English, and they’re both part of the Commonwealth

 

Can I work in Canada as an Australian citizen?

Yes, Australian citizens can work in Canada through various avenues. These include:

 

• IEC Working Permits: This visa allows Australians aged 18-30 to work in almost any job for up to two years.
• Work Permits: A work visa is required if you are aiming to move to Canada from Australia.
• Express Entry: Skilled Australians have a strong chance of being invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry

 

How much would it cost to move from Australia to Canada?

The cost of moving from Australia to Canada depends on factors like your destination, housing, and personal expenses. 

• Utility costs in Canada are about 35% higher than in Australia, but salaries are also about 36% higher in Australia. 
• Applying for citizenship costs approximately $600CAD. 
• Application fees for permanent residency routes can cost $1,365 CAD. 
• There may be additional costs, such as $85 CAD for biometrics information and fees for translating official documents. 
• You should also have $2,500 Canadian dollars to cover living expenses.

 

How do I get PR in Canada from Australia?

To get Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada from Australia, you need to follow a two-step process. 

First, apply to the province or territory where you wish to live and seek their nomination. Once you receive a nomination from that province or territory, you can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency. 

After you submit your application, an IRCC officer will review it according to Canadian immigration rules.