Immigration is one of the greatest life decisions and one must consider when deciding whether Australia or Canada is better for skilled professionals, students and families alike. While both countries present with good living styles, stable economies and pathways to residency; the cost, process and results are very different. So, let’s compare Australia vs Canada immigration and help you make an informed decision.

Immigration Pathways

• Australia
  • General Skilled Migration Subclass 189 (Independent), Subclass 190 (State Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Regional).
  • Visas through Employer Nominations: 482 and 186.
  • Business & Investor Visas.
  • Student to PR Pathways: Go to Australia, study locally and after that changeover into PR.
• Canada
  • Express Entry System: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): These are candidates nominated by the provinces for required skill sets.
  • Career Path: after pg. work permit Apply for Pgwp and then PR.
  • Family Sponsorship Programs.

Judgment: Canada’s Express Entry is quicker and more transparent, but Australia provides several state and regional routes.

Immigration Costs

• Australia
  • Visa Application Charge: 4,640 AUD or around 3,000 U.S.) \Main applicant and any family member over the age of 18..
  • Spouse/Partner: AUD 2,320.
  • Child (under 18): AUD 1,160.
  • Other Costs: Skills assessment (AUD 500–1,000), English test (IELTS/PTE: AUD 350–400), medical check-ups (AUD 300–400 per person), police verification (AUD 50–100).
  • Total Approximate Price (Family of 3): AUD 10,000.00–12,000.
• Canada
  • Cost of the Express Entry Application: CAD 1,525 (INR87,000) for primary applicant.
  • Spouse/Partner: CAD 850.
  • Child (under 18): CAD 230.
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is CAD 575 per adult.
  • Other Fees: Language test (IELTS: CAD 350), Educational Credential Assessment (ECA: CAD 300–500), medical exams is a must done from specific labs (CAD 250 to 300 per person), biometrics (CAD 85 per person).
  • Total Estimated Cost (Family of 3): CAD $6,500 – 8,000.

Verdict: The overall Canadian immigration process is generally more affordable than that in Australia.

Processing Time

• Australia
  • Skilled Migration Visas: 6 – 12 months (however, it can sometimes be longer depending on the occupation and state nomination).
  • Employer-Sponsored Visas: 3–6 months.
• Canada
  • Express Entry: 6–8 months after being invited to apply.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs: Average of 12–18 months.

Verdict: Both countries have comparable timelines, although Canada’s Express Entry tends to be quicker.

Eligibility Criteria

• Australia
  • Points test (minimum 65 points).
  • Age under 45 years.
  • Skills assessment from relevant authority.
  • Good English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
  • Health and character requirements.
• Canada
  • Express Entry CRS score (cut-off anywhere from 470 to 550+ in the past few years).
  • It is age, education, work experience and knowing the language that count.
  • IELTS/CELPIP and French (TEF) are given additional points.
  • Medical and police clearance required.

Verdict: Canada is softer with both age and work experience, while Australia’s points model can be more cutthroat.

Post-Immigration Outcomes

• Australia
  • Well paid jobs in healthcare, IT, engineering and trades.
  • In cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, it’s expensive — but they are very pleasant places to live.
  • Path to citizenship after 4 years of residence.
  • Demand for experienced workers in regional regions.
• Canada
  • Free medical treatment and generous social benefits.
  • Lower cost of living compared to Australia in most provinces.
  • Smoother settlement for families with child benefits and multicultural communities.
  • CITIZENSHIP: Became eligible after 3 years of holding permanent residency.

Canada offers better settlement support and affordability, while Australia has superior job markets in some fields.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Australia if:
  • You have a skill that is needed in healthcare, IT, engineering or the trades.
  • You enjoy the beautiful weather and are not averse to living in a regional location.
  • You are interested in moving up to a well-paying job, fast.
• Choose Canada if:
  • You are searching for cheap Immigration prices.
  • You need powerful settlement benefits and multicultural support.
  • You are location agnostic (willing to move between provinces).

Final Thoughts

Australia and Canada are both a top destination for skilled migrants, students and families. Which you choose will depend on your career, budget and lifestyle easing. Canada is cheaper with more family benefits overall, but Australia offers higher paying jobs and a swifter developing economy.

If you are considering submitting an application, it would be a good idea to speak with a registered immigration consultant who is able to determine the eligibility and advise you on the appropriate category.