Which country is easier to migrate to, Canada or Australia?

Deciding which country is easiest to migrate to, Canada or Australia, depends on factors such as immigration pathways, visa processing time, costs, eligibility requirements, and individual circumstances. Canada and Australia are two popular immigration destinations for people who wish to study, work, and settle due to their strong economies, high quality of life, and immigration-friendly policies.
 

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Comparing Canada and Australia Immigration

Canada and Australia use points-based systems to attract skilled professionals, but their immigration processes vary.  The table given below is a detailed analysis comparing the ease of migration to Canada or Australia based on immigration systems, processing costs, job opportunities, and other factors:

Aspect	Canada	Australia
PR Processing Time	6 to 8 months	8 to 12 months.
Living Cost	12% less expensive than Australia.	Relatively higher cost, especially in major cities.
Accommodation cost	Cheaper accommodation facilities, easier for immigrants to own homes.	Higher housing costs, less accessibility for immigrants.
Healthcare	Free healthcare access for permanent residents, lower healthcare costs.	Strong healthcare system, but private insurance often required.
Study Cost	Less tuition fees, ranging from CAD 7000 to CAD 35,000.	Slightly higher tuition fees, around AUD 20,000 to AUD 50,000 per year
Job Opportunities	Easier job search due to popular occupations for skilled professionals	Slightly higher salaries, but job availability depends on the sector chosen.
Minimum Wages	Minimum wage $17.75 per hour in most of the provinces.	National minimum wage increased to $24.10 per hour in 2024.
Ease of Immigration	Easier to obtain permanent residence.	Easier and faster for certain shortage occupations.

 

Canada Immigration: Different Pathways

Canada's immigration system is known for its accessibility, with over 100 immigration programs. Given below are popular immigration programs in Canada:

• Express Entry Program
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Family Sponsorship Program
• Startup Visa and Business Immigration
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Quebec Skilled Workers Program
• Caregivers Visa Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program
   

Note: The applicant must score 67 points in the points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to be eligible under the Express Entry and PNP programs. The points are determined based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) increase when your CRS score is higher.
 

Australia Immigration: Different Pathways

Australia's immigration pathways are robust but relatively more complex, with multiple visa subclasses. The key pathways include:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skill Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
• Australia Dependent Visa
• Business and Investment Visa
   

Note: For Skilled Worker Programs, the applicant must score at least 65 points out of 100 to be eligible for a visa. The points are determined based on age, education, past work experience, etc. Applicants must file an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Invitations are issued monthly based on the points system, prioritizing higher-scoring candidates.
 

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