Key Highlights
Choosing the best immigration pathway can be a life-altering decision. For many, Canada and Australia stand out as prime destinations due to their high quality of life, robust economies, and welcoming immigration policies. Let's delve into the key differences between immigrating to Canada and Australia in 2024 to help you make an informed decision.
Both nations have recently taken positive steps to streamline their immigration processes, welcoming a higher number of newcomers. Canada aims to admit 500,000 new immigrants in 2024, while Australia targets 200,000 newcomers for the 2023-2024 period, with similar goals expected for 2024-25.
In this article, we will compare the available immigration pathways in both countries, including Permanent Residency (PR) options, PR Processes, Job Opportunities, Cost of Living, and Quality of Life.
Canada's Immigration Pathways
1. Express Entry System (PR pathway): Canada's Express Entry is a popular point-based immigration system that evaluates candidates based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. A Canadian job offer is not mandatory to apply to the EE system, and applicants with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residency.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PR pathway): A Canadian job offer is typically optional for most PNP streams. Candidates who apply to PNPs and receive nominations become eligible to receive 600 additional points in the Express Entry system, significantly enhancing their chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canada PR visa.
3. Study Visa: Canada boasts world-renowned universities and colleges, making it an attractive destination for international students. Studying in Canada can serve as a pathway to permanent residency through programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
4. Tourist Visa: Canada offers a Canadian Visitor visa for individuals looking to explore the country or visit family and friends.
5. Family-Sponsored Visas: Family reunification is a fundamental aspect of Canada's immigration policy, allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members.
6. Start-up Visa: Canada's Start-up Visa Program encourages bright entrepreneurs to create innovative businesses that can boost the country's economy. With no minimum income, investment, or education requirements, obtaining Canada PR is a favorable pathway.
|
Canada's Immigration Pathways |
Description |
|
Express Entry System (PR pathway) |
A point-based system assesses candidates based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. |
|
Provincial Nominee Programs (PR pathway) |
Provinces have their own programs addressing specific labor market needs, providing additional points in the Express Entry system for nominated candidates. |
|
Study Visa |
Renowned universities and colleges make Canada attractive for international students, with pathways to PR via programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). |
|
Tourist Visa |
Allows individuals to explore the country or visit family and friends. |
|
Family-Sponsored Visas |
Facilitates family reunification by allowing citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members. |
|
Start-up Visa |
Encourages entrepreneurs to establish innovative businesses without specific income, investment, or education requirements, offering a pathway to Canada PR. |
Australia's Immigration Pathways
1. SkillSelect (General Skilled Migration): Australia's SkillSelect system assesses candidates based on points for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Popular visa categories under the General Skilled Migration Program (GSM) include Subclass 189/190/491 visas.
2. State/Territory Nomination (subclass 190): Points-based system evaluating candidates based on age, English proficiency, qualifications, work experience, and other factors. Some visas require nomination by an Australian state or territory government. It is a key program for applying for Australia PR.
3. Study Visa: Australia is a sought-after destination for international students, and studying can be a pathway to acquiring a post-study work visa and eventual permanent residency.
4. Visitor Visa: Applicants must meet points requirements based on factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education and offer visitor visas for tourism, family visits, and business purposes.
5. Family-Sponsored Visas: Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor family members for immigration. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members.
|
Australia's Immigration Pathways |
Description |
|
SkillSelect (General Skilled Migration) |
A point-based system assessing candidates based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, with popular visa categories such as Subclass 189/190/491. |
|
State/Territory Nomination (subclass 190) |
States and territories nominate skilled workers to fill specific labor market gaps, facilitating Australian PR. |
|
Study Visa |
A popular destination for international students, offering pathways to post-study work visas and eventually PR. |
|
Visitor Visa |
Various options for tourism, family visits, and business purposes. |
|
Family-Sponsored Visas |
Allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor family members for immigration to Australia. |
Comparison of Canada vs. Australia Immigration Plans
|
Aspects |
Canada |
Australia |
|
Permanent Residency Benefits |
- Comprehensive healthcare system - Access to social welfare programs - Opportunity to apply for citizenship |
- Comprehensive healthcare system - Opportunity to apply for citizenship - Access to social welfare programs |
|
PR Processes |
- Express Entry system with CRS scoring - Provincial Nominee Programs providing additional points |
- SkillSelect system with periodic invitation rounds - State/Territory Nomination for additional points |
|
Job Opportunities |
- Diverse job market with opportunities in various sectors - Strong emphasis on skilled workers |
- Diverse job market with emphasis on skilled workers - Opportunities in sectors like mining, agriculture, and technology |
|
Cost of Living |
- Generally higher cost of living, especially in major cities - Varied depending on location |
- Generally lower cost of living compared to Canada - Varied depending on location |
|
Quality of Life |
- High quality of life with a clean environment and diverse cultural scene - Excellent public services and infrastructure |
- High quality of life with scenic landscapes and outdoor recreational activities - Strong sense of community and safety |
Choosing between Canada and Australia depends on individual preferences, career objectives, and personal circumstances. Both nations offer excellent opportunities for immigrants, and the decision should be based on factors such as the specific immigration pathway, job prospects, and lifestyle preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you're drawn to Canada's robust economy and diverse cultural scene or Australia's scenic landscapes and a strong sense of community, both countries offer promising immigration pathways. The decision between immigrating to Canada or Australia in 2024 hinges on individual priorities, career aspirations, and lifestyle preferences.
How TerraTern Can Help
When contemplating immigration, it's essential to seek guidance from a reputable and registered visa consultancy service. TerraTern, as a trustworthy consultancy, can assist aspiring immigrants in navigating complex immigration processes, ensuring a positive and hassle-free application experience. The expertise of the TerraTern team can be invaluable in maximizing the chances of approval and facilitating a smooth transition to a new country.
To confirm eligibility, prepare applications, and apply for immigration to Canada or Australia in 2024, individuals may get in touch with TerraTern Migration experts.
