How to Immigrate to Canada from Australia in 5 Easy Steps

If you're looking to leave Australia but aren't willing to give up on some of Australia's great perks, a fantastic option can be to immigrate to Canada from Australia. Moving to Canada can provide a lot of the safety and stability you rely on at home. However, Canada offered diversity and a broad job market and lowered the cost of living that Australia lacks. There are a multitude of reasons to immigrate to Canada from Australia.

Quality of Life


Canada can offer a fantastic alternative to Australia. Canada's economy is booming, with the Canadian dollar (CA$) being 12% stronger than the Australian dollar (AU$). Canada offers a massive and growing job market, where many provinces offer immigration pilots to applicants within specific professions. On top of this, the Canadian Government handles most public amenities like a complete government-funded medical health insurance system. Canada also presents subsidized schooling, university education, housing and public transport. As a result, the cost of living in Canada is 9% lower than is in Australia, according to Numbeo. As an Australian, you may be paying more to eat out, with the average meal in Toronto costing around 12% more than in Sydney. This, however, depends on your territory. For example, a meal out in Winnipeg is about 11% cheaper than in Sydney.

Groceries, clothing, rent and transport are also far cheaper in Canada. On top of this, Canada has a huge job market, particularly for trades or semi-skilled work. Certain provinces in Canada even have special immigration pilots, such as the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (AFIP), specifically granting permanent residence to non-seasonal farm and livestock workers. There are also Home Care Provider Pilots (HCPP), giving preference to those involved in nursing and personal care and numerous other pilots depending on which province you're looking to move to. The average pay for a trade worker in Canada is also slightly higher per month than in Australia. The higher pay combined with, the lower cost of living in Canada can make your dollar go much, much further.

Canada is one of the most incredibly diverse, multicultural countries with a genuine acceptance of immigrants. Canada accepts immigrants from all over the world and has thriving communities from hundreds of countries. While the major cities of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are recognized globally as cultural melting pots, the Canadian Government is also pushing for more and more immigrants to go to the smaller communities. As an immigrant, you would not only be accepted with open arms but also be able to find a community that won't make you feel too far from Australia.

So, if all of these reasons sound good enough for you, then you may want to look at the five simple steps to show you how to move to Canada from Australia.

Step 1: Pick your Canadian Immigration Program


Express Entry

The Canadian Express Entry system is Canada's fastest route to getting a Permanent Residency visa. The Canadian Government started it in 2015 to fast-track permanent residency for skilled migrants. It's run on a draw system with successful applicants sent Invitations to Apply (ITA). Who does and doesn't get ITAs is based on your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). The CRS is based on multiple factors about your eligibility, such as education level, language level, the level and type of employment you have, and your marital status. The higher your score, the better your chance of getting an ITA.

The Express Entry Program runs three major programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • A program for skilled workers looking to work in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
  • A program for skilled workers with a valid job offer in Canada for one year minimum or a certification in a skilled trade from a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
Canada Experience Class (CEC)
  • A program giving permanent residency to migrants who have already worked in their skilled profession in Canada for at least one year.

To see if you qualify for any of these programs, you must determine your National Occupational Classification job title and code.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Canada is broken up into ten provinces, each with its own needs, culture and perks. It's essential to know which city you want to move to and which city is best for you when you try to immigrate to Canada from Australia.

One of the significant factors that can influence this decision is the chance that the province you're looking into could need skilled workers and perhaps can help your possibility of gaining permanent residency if you plan to move to this province. If you apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you have the chance to increase your CRS store massively, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.

It's best to research each PNP and see which jobs are in high demand in each province of Canada. This will give you a good start when checking your eligibility.

Step 2: Check your Eligibility


Before you start your visa application, it's pivotal for you to know if you'll even qualify for a Canadian permanent residency permit. Finding out if you're eligible to immigrate to Canada from Australia requires fulfilling a few major criteria. You'll first have to find out which Canadian immigration program you would be most eligible for. Australian citizens don't get special treatment in the eyes of Canada's immigration board.

Another option is to have a telephonic consultation with an RCIC or similar institution to see which province would best suit your skillset to optimize your chances of a successful application.

Education Requirements

One of the major deciding factors is your level of education. The way to determine how your qualifications transfer from Australia to Canada is by taking an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This will determine the validity of your qualifications and how they compare to qualifications in the Canadian education system.

Language Requirements

A considerable part of your eligibility to move to Canada from Australia is your understanding of the official Canadian languages, English and French, according to the Canadian Language Benchmark(CLB).

English speakers can take their language tests via either the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Testing System (IELTS).

To ensure you get your best score on your English test, we recommend taking our IELTS preparation course.

If you're unclear if you'll qualify for a Canadian visa, click the button below to check your eligibility.

Step 3: Provide Documentation


A visa application for Canada requires a large amount of valid, up-to-date documentation that will provide evidence of your eligibility to immigrate to Canada. What you need is as follows:

  • Passport
  • Birth Certificates
    • This can be replaced with an affidavit if necessary.
  • National Occupation Classification (NOC)
  • Education Credential Assessment report (ECA)
  • Proof of civil status
  • Recent language tests
  • Proof of settlement funds
  • Verification that you're eligible to enter Canada
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Results of a medical exam ordained by certified health officials
  • Work experience documents
    • Reference letters (for all jobs in the last 10 years)
      • copies of all employment contracts and payslips
  • Two digital photos of you, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children
  • Canadian job offer*
  • Letter of employment
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) number
  • Provincial Nomination*

*You only need to enclose these if you've already been presented with them.

If you have all of your documents in order, you'll be ready to create your profile with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.

Step 4: Create Your Profile


Now that you're fully prepared, you'll need to create your Express Entry profile via the Canadian Government website. You must fill out the online form and submit all necessary documentation to the Canadian immigration portal. You will have to fill out many eligibility questions and, upon submission, will receive your CRS score, letting you know how you'll rank in any upcoming Express Entry draws.

Step 5: Submit your Profile and Enter the Draw Pool

Once you've created your profile, you'll need to submit it to enter the draw pool for your immigration to Canada from Australia. If your application is accepted, you'll need to pay the necessary processing fees and a Right of Permanent Residence fee. For a full breakdown of your application costs, look at this article.

After that, there's not much left to do but wait for the next draw. Make sure all your details and credentials are up to date, and hope for the best.

Also super important to remember is that when you receive an ITA from the Canadian Immigration officials, you will only have a limited time to submit your supporting documentation. To help make sure you have everything you need on time, you can speak to a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)

FAQ

Is there a specific stream for Australian citizens?

No. Canada doesn't have specific streams for general immigration. They give concessions to refugees from certain countries, provided they have ample reason to move to Canada. Still, as it currently stands, your best way to immigrate to Canada from Australia is via the Express Entry program.

Can you move to Canada without a degree?

Yes. While it may count against your CRS score, certain Canadian provinces are desperate for trade workers and labourers to move to Canada to stimulate the economy by working in certain trades. You should consult each province's PNP to see what jobs are most in-demand in each province.

Will I be allowed to bring my family with me?

Yes, the Canadian Government provides spousal or family visas to family members of those applying, provided they are either registered as a spouse or common-law partner or dependent of the applicant.

Make Your Move Right Now


So now you have a general understanding of how to move to Canada from Australia. Canada can offer you a whole new and better life and provide you with the opportunities you have been looking for. However, if you need more advice on how to move to Canada as well as help with the application process, click the button below to get in touch with an RCIC