How to Immigrate From Australia to Canada

Are you an Australian looking to immigrate to Canada in 2023? If you are, the following guide we'll provide you with all the details you need to know about visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and how to immigrate from Australia to Canada.

To immigrate from Australia to Canada can be daunting, but with the Canadian immigration pathways available for your use, be assured that as a prospective Australian immigrant to Canada, you have all the tools for a successful permanent residency immigration process.

We'll also discuss how easy it is to immigrate to Canada from Australia and list some of the benefits of immigrating from Australia and Canada and how best to prepare for your move. So if you're ready to take on this challenge, the following guide presents all the information you need about the application process for how to immigrate to Canada from Australia!

Permanent Residency Programs

permanent residency programs

There are a significant number of permanent residency immigration programs that you can use to immigrate from Australia to Canada. The Express Entry system and Provincial Nominee Programs are the most commonly used.

Express Entry System

How easy is it to immigrate to Canada from Australia? Considering the Express Entry system, the most commonly used immigration pathway immigrating from Australia to Canada can be fairly easy.

The Express Entry system provides a quick and relatively hassle-free process of immigrating. Application processing for Express Entry can take as little as six months. It involves three work-related immigration programs:

Find out more about the eligibility requirements and application process for the above-mentioned Express Entry programs.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs aligned to the labor resource needs of individual Canadian provinces. They provide a source of immigration for prospective Australian immigrants to Canada because most are high-skilled and educated.

In-Demand Occupations

Modify your job search and process of finding the most suitable PNP stream to use as an immigration pathway to Canada by looking at these in-demand job lists in each province along with a complimentary map.

Here's a full breakdown of the PNPs and their different streams.

Immigration Pilot Programs

immigration pilots

Immigration pilots address specific labor needs in Canada in particular regions or industries listed as eligible participants. Immigration Pilots aim to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals who can grow Canada’s economy through their economic activities and efforts. Pilot programs present opportunities for international immigrants and their families to settle in Canada permanently by eventually receiving PR status.

Australians can use the following immigration pilot programs if they are eligible to apply:

Learn more about Canada’s Immigration Pilot Programs.

Family Sponsorship

Australians can be sponsored for permanent residency by relatives who are Canadian permanent residents or citizens through Family Sponsorship Immigration Streams.

Ensure that your permanent resident relative lives in Canada and is 18 or older. You can be sponsored via the following categories:

  • Spouse/Partner Sponsorship
  • Dependent Child Sponsorship
  • Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship
  • Adopted Child Sponsorship
  • Close Relative Sponsorship

Learn how to apply for Family Sponsorship programs.

Temporary Residency

Temporary residence

If you were not fortunate enough to be successful in your application for permanent residency in Canada, then you can use work permits to immigrate from Australia to Canada and obtain temporary resident (TR) status. By obtaining TR status, you’re put on the pathway to obtaining permanent residency should you decide to apply for it again.

Work Permits

Work permits show that the recipient is authorized to work in Canada following the work activities specified on the permit. They also indicate how long the recipient can work in Canada, ranging from a few days to several years, depending on the work permit issued.

There are mainly two different types of Canadian work permits:

  • An employer-specific work permit
  • An open work permit.

Learn more about work permit eligibility requirements and how to apply for a work permit here.

IEC Working Holiday Visa Program

International Experience Canada (IEC) gives young people (18-35) from certain eligible countries, including Australia, the opportunity to live and work in Canada for as long as two years. Participants gain invaluable international working experience while exploring Canada’s stunning landscapes and cities using the IEC's Working Holiday Visa program.

Find out more about what you need and how to apply for the IEC Working Holiday Visa here.

Studying

If you want to become a beneficiary of Canada’s world-renowned education system, then you can apply for a study permit to immigrate to Canada and study in one of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions.

The majority of foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.

Learn more about how to apply for a study permit.

Other popular temporary resident immigration visa pathways that you can use to apply include the following:

Learn how to go from being a temporary to a permanent resident in Canada here.

The Benefits of Living in Canada as an Australian

Canada is a great place to start a new life. With generous social benefits, a diverse and multicultural population, a high standard of living, and countless natural wonders, Canada has long been one of the world’s prime destinations for people looking for a new home.

Cost of Living

Generally speaking, Canada's living costs are lower than Australia’s. Rental accommodation, food, and entertainment prices are typically lower than in Australia. Consumer prices in Canada are 12.2 % lower than in Australia, according to information obtained from numbeo.com.

Job Opportunities

Canada is known for its strong economy and high living standard, making it an attractive immigration destination for people looking for a better life. The total number of job vacancies in Canada is 855,890, according to Trading Economics.

Easier Assimilation Into Canadian Society

Australia is a Commonwealth realm country, just like Canada. This means they share the same socio-historical development from a British colonial outpost with English as the first language and King Charles III as the official head of state. These ties make it easier for Australians to assimilate and integrate into Canadian society, a vital prerequisite for success in Canada.

Temperate Climate

Canada has a broad range of climates, but most of the country has cool temperatures and snow in the winter. Australians, on the other hand, is known for its blistering summer heat and severe droughts (that necessitate water restrictions) which some Australians may seek to find refuge from in a country with a temperate climate like Canada.

Multiculturalism

Canada is known for having a friendly and welcoming population. It’s a multicultural country with a diverse population from all four corners of the world. Interested? Then find out more about multiculturalism.

If you think you’re finally equipped with the knowledge of how to immigrate from Australia to Canada, we recommend you engage the services of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to facilitate the entire application process on your behalf.

Doing so will have a much higher chance of ensuring your application's success and finding yourself on Canada’s shores soon enough. One of our clients, Gita Surabhi, recently utilized our services to help her with her own journey from Australia to Canada. Here is her account of her experience:

FAQs

Which City or Town in Canada is Most Affordable for Australians?

The most affordable town or city is highly dependent on your individual eligibility to move there, your needs and wants, and the remuneration you receive in accordance with the work you do.

What is the Australian Expat Community Like in Canada?

The Australian expatriate community in Canada is one of the most well-integrated and assimilated expatriate communities in Canada, and they are generally successful in whatever endeavors they choose to pursue.

Canada's largest Australian community is in Toronto as it generally presents the best job opportunities while accounting for affordability.