Settle in Canada from Australia: How to.

Are you ready to experience life as a Canuck? Each year, thousands of Australians come to Canada for various reasons. Some visit for a short but sweet time, while others choose to settle in Canada from Australia permanently. The two countries share many similarities, such as world-class cities, friendly and down-to-earth people, and thriving economies. However, Australians also find appealing differences, like the snowy weather that allows for action-packed winter activities and a rich European culture.

Read on to discover how you can apply for a Canadian visa from Australia and enjoy living in one of the top-rated countries in the world.

Step 1: Decide What You Want to Do and Where!

What is your reason for coming to Canada? Do you want to visit family and friends? Do you have a job offer to work in Canada? Perhaps you would like to study in Canada, which offers prestigious educational institutions at lower tuition prices than most Australian universities and colleges. You can also choose to settle permanently in the Great White North through various incredible immigration programs that currently accept thousands of newcomers every year. Canada’s immigration target is 1.23 million newcomers by 2023.

Knowing where you want to go in Canada is also crucial. With 13 provinces and territories, each with its visa programs and regulated professions, it’s important to choose wisely. According to recent census data, most Australians prefer to live in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta.

Step 2: Find a Visa Program That’s Right for You

There are over 100 Canadian visa and immigration programs available for Australians. In this section, we discuss the most popular options for those who want to settle in Canada from Australia.

Canadian Visa Options for Australians

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
   • Duration: 6 Months
   
   
   • Application Difficulty: Easy
   
   If you want to visit family and friends in Canada or take a vacation, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Australians are among the lucky few who can visit Canada visa-free. The process of obtaining an eTA is simple and can take just a few minutes!
   
2. Work Visa
   • Duration: Depends on your employment contract or work program
   
   
   • Application Difficulty: Difficult
   
   You can apply for a Canadian work permit if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In specific circumstances, you may work in Canada without arranged employment. For example, if you are an international graduate applying to stay and work in Canada or if you are the spouse of a work permit holder. Here are some existing work permit programs:
   
3. Student Visa
   • Duration: The same length as your study program or 90 days after you graduate
   
   
   • Application Difficulty: Moderate
   
   Canada offers a quality education at top universities and colleges, along with fun student life experiences and global cultural immersion. You can study in Canada by enrolling at a designated educational institution, such as the University of Toronto, and applying for a Canadian study permit along with your letter of acceptance. Average tuition fees in Canada are lower than in Australia.
   
4. Permanent Resident Visa
   
   • Duration: Does not expire
   
   
   • Application Difficulty: Difficult
   
   If you wish to settle in Canada, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Visa through one of the many immigration programs available. The most popular way to make this transition is through the Express Entry system, which manages three skilled worker immigration programs. You will be ranked in a pool of candidates based on your age, education level, work experience, and language proficiency, among other criteria. Top-rated applicants receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
   
   Good to Know: The Express Entry system is responsible for admitting the majority of economic newcomers to Canada and plans to welcome 108,500 newcomers in 2021 and even more in 2022.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Regardless of the Canadian visa you are applying for, you will need to gather supporting documents. These can range from obvious documents, such as a copy of your passport, to more complex documents like a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for certain work permit programs or a credential assessment (EDE) to demonstrate that your education meets Canadian standards.

Step 4: Submit Your Visa Application

The final step in the Canadian visa application process for Australians is to complete the government forms and submit your visa application along with supporting documents to the appropriate Canadian department. Processing times vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Here are some typical processing times:

Living in Canada as an Aussie

1. Dual Citizenship
   Australians love to settle in Canada because they can retain their Australian citizenship. You can apply for citizenship in Canada after approximately two to three years of naturalization.
   
2. Lifestyle and Scenery
   Australians are no strangers to natural beauty, but Canada still amazes with its awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Canada is also ranked number one for quality of life. As one Australian living in Vancouver said, “I’m doing public relations now and have no plans to go back to Australia; the lifestyle is much better here.”
   
3. Job Opportunities
   Since 2015, Australians have obtained between 7,000 and 10,000 Canadian work visas each year, according to the IRCC. Canada welcomes foreign workers with the skills and experience necessary to fill jobs in demand. With a rapidly aging population, Canada faces thousands of labor shortages. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino believes that newcomers and foreign workers are key to boosting the Canadian economy.

By following these steps, you can successfully settle in Canada from Australia and enjoy all the benefits this beautiful country has to offer.