Comparing Life and Immigration: Australia vs. Canada

When considering a move to a new country, the question often arises: is life easier in any one place compared to another? This article delves into the differences between life in Australia and Canada, with a particular focus on the comparative aspects of their immigration systems. Whether you are seeking a lifestyle change or planning to immigrate, understanding these key differences can help you make an informed decision.

Life Environment: A Comparison

As far as environmental conditions are concerned, Australia and Canada have distinct climates, which affects how residents spend their time and what challenges they may face. In Canada, winters are characterized by heavy snowfall, which necessitates the need for extensive shoveling. In contrast, Australia benefits from long, hot summers and short winters in the Southern Hemisphere. Some regions, such as Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, experience heatwaves where temperatures can soar to over 40°C in the shade. In some cases, temperatures in the open sunshine can exceed 50°C. Brisbane, Cairns, and Darwin are known for their consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, with varying levels of humidity.

Immigration Systems: A Comparative View

The decision to immigrate to Australia or Canada is not based solely on the climate but also on the immigration systems offered by each country. Both countries have well-established pathways for skilled workers, making them attractive destinations for immigrants.

Skilled Immigration Programs

Canada: The country offers a Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) that allows skilled workers to immigrate permanently and bring their families with them. The FSWP does not require any prior connection to Canada through education, job offer, or work experience. However, applicants must have at least one year of full-time continuous work experience in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B. Moreover, applicants must achieve a minimum of 67 points out of 100 under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Successful candidates are then selected through the Express Entry system.

Australia: In contrast, Australia has the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 program. This program also does not require prior connections to the country. To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate that they are qualified to work under an eligible occupation listed on the Skilled Independent Occupations List. They must also obtain a positive skills assessment from an assessing authority to prove their eligibility. A minimum of 65 points are required to meet the criteria. Those who qualify are invited to apply for the visa through the SkillSelect system.

Key Selection Criteria

Both the Canadian FSWP and the Australian Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 programs use a points-based system to assess eligibility. However, there are some notable differences. Under the Canadian system, points are awarded for factors such as age, educational level, work experience, and language proficiency. Under the Australian system, the eligibility criteria is more straightforward, focusing on work experience, skills assessment, and English proficiency.

Application Procedures

The application procedures for both countries follow a system of evaluating candidates and then inviting them to apply. In Canada, candidates who meet the CRS threshold of 67 points or above create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. High-scoring candidates are then invited to submit their final PR applications. In Australia, candidates must score at least 65 points and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. Once they are deemed eligible, they are invited to apply for the visa.

Annual Occupation Ceiling in Australia

A notable difference between the two systems is the annual occupation ceiling in Australia. This means that each eligible occupation has a quota, and once it is met, no other candidates in that occupation can be invited to apply until the following year. In contrast, there is no such limitation in Canada.

Conclusion

Life in Australia and Canada distinctly reflects their diverse climates and immigration systems. While the climate and living conditions vary, the immigration programs offer similar pathways for skilled workers to gain permanent residency. Choosing between the two countries ultimately depends on individual preferences, career goals, and personal circumstances. Whether you are drawn to the laid-back lifestyle of tropical Pacific islands or the bustling cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Toronto, this comparison provides valuable insights for your decision-making process.