If you’re considering moving abroad for better opportunities, Canada and Australia are two of the most popular destinations for immigrants. Both countries offer pathways to Permanent Residency (PR), allowing you to live, work, and study in these nations long-term. However, each has its own process, requirements, and benefits.
Here’s an overview of the PR process for both Canada and Australia, highlighting key requirements and steps to guide you in your decision-making.
Canada PR Process and Requirements
Canada is known for its welcoming approach to immigrants. The Canadian government offers several pathways to permanent residency, each catering to different types of applicants, such as skilled workers, business owners, students, and family members.
1. Express Entry System
The most popular pathway for skilled workers is the Express Entry system. This is a points-based immigration system that selects candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: Applicants aged 18-35 are awarded the most points, but older applicants can still qualify.
- Education: A recognized post-secondary qualification is required, with a higher level of education attracting more points.
- Work Experience: Skilled work experience in an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) is required. A minimum of one year of work experience is generally needed.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in either English or French, demonstrated by results from recognized tests like IELTS or TEF.
- Adaptability: Points are also awarded for factors such as having Canadian work experience, a job offer, or family members living in Canada.
Steps to Apply:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked against other applicants based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you score high enough in the CRS, you will receive an ITA.
- Submit Application: Once you receive the ITA, you must submit your complete application for PR within 60 days, including documents such as educational credentials, work experience, and medical checks.
- Get PR: After a successful application review, you will be granted PR status, allowing you to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
In addition to Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces to nominate individuals for PR based on local labor market needs. If a province invites you to apply, it can significantly improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Varies depending on the province, but generally includes having a job offer in the province and a desire to live and work there.
- Some PNP streams align with Express Entry, while others are separate.
Australia PR Process and Requirements
Australia is another top destination for skilled immigrants, and the country offers various visa pathways to PR status, especially through its skilled migration program.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
This is the most common route for skilled workers. Applicants are assessed through the SkillSelect system, which is points-based, similar to Canada’s Express Entry.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: Applicants between 25-32 years of age are awarded the highest points, though those up to 45 years old can apply.
- Skills and Occupation: You must have a skill set in an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). A skills assessment by a recognized assessing authority is required.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through an IELTS test or other accepted language tests.
- Health and Character: A health check and police clearance will be required to ensure you meet Australia’s health and character standards.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): You’ll need to submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. The system ranks you based on points, and the highest-scoring applicants are invited to apply.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for PR.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit your application along with relevant documents, including health checks, police clearance, and skill assessments.
- Grant PR: Once your application is approved, you will be granted Permanent Residency status.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
If you have a job offer in Australia, the Employer Nomination Scheme allows your employer to sponsor you for PR.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A job offer from an Australian employer.
- Relevant skills and qualifications in the job offered.
- Sufficient English proficiency.
Key Differences Between Canada and Australia PR
| Feature | Canada PR | Australia PR |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements | Age, education, work experience, language proficiency | Age, skills assessment, language proficiency, health and character checks |
| Points System | Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) | SkillSelect system |
| Language Requirement | English or French proficiency | English proficiency (IELTS or similar) |
| Work Experience | Skilled work experience required | Relevant work experience or job offer |
| Processing Time | 6 to 12 months | 6 to 12 months |
Conclusion
Both Canada and Australia offer robust pathways to Permanent Residency for skilled workers, and their processes are relatively similar, with a points-based system to assess candidates. Your best pathway will depend on factors like your age, education, work experience, language skills, and whether you have a job offer or a connection to either country.
Whether you choose Canada or Australia, the journey to obtaining PR can be long and requires careful preparation. Start by researching the specific immigration programs and ensuring you meet all the eligibility requirements. Consider seeking advice from an immigration consultant or lawyer to make the process smoother.
Good luck with your journey toward PR in Canada or Australia!