Move to Canada from Australia: A Complete Guide (2025 Edition)

Moving from Australia to Canada has become a major trend among skilled professionals, students, and families looking for long-term stability, better opportunities, and an excellent quality of life. With a strong job market, world-class education system, and transparent immigration pathways, Canada remains one of the easiest countries for Australians to relocate to.

This complete guide explains all pathways, step-by-step processes, requirements, costs, documents, and tips for a smooth move from Australia to Canada in 2025.

Why Are Australians Moving to Canada?

Australia and Canada share similar cultures, economic strengths, and lifestyle standards. This makes the transition easier, especially for professionals and families.

1. Strong Career Opportunities

Canada faces workforce shortages in healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, construction, finance, and education. Australian experience is highly regarded, giving applicants a competitive advantage.

2. Transparent Immigration System

Canada’s points-based system (Express Entry) allows skilled applicants to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) without needing a job offer.

3. High Standard of Living

Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for safety, healthcare, clean environment, and education.

4. Friendly for International Students

World-class universities, affordable tuition compared to the US and UK, and excellent post-study PR options make Canada a top choice for students.

Main Pathways to Move to Canada from Australia

There are multiple routes to relocate, depending on your background and goals. Here are the most popular options in 2025:

1. Express Entry (Most Popular Pathway)

Express Entry is the primary immigration pathway for skilled workers.

It includes three major programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

Australians often perform well due to strong English, education, and skilled work experience.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age ideally 18–35

• Skilled experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3

• Bachelor’s degree or higher

• English test (IELTS/CELPIP)

• ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)

• Sufficient settlement funds (unless you have a job offer or CEC eligibility)

Processing Time

6–12 months, depending on draw cut-offs and document readiness.

How It Works

1. Complete IELTS/CELPIP

2. Obtain ECA

3. Create Express Entry profile

4. Receive CRS score

5. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

6. Submit full PR application

7. Get COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)

8. Move to Canada

Express Entry is the fastest and most straightforward route for Australians.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If your CRS score is not high enough for Express Entry, PNPs can help you get Canadian PR.

Every province has its own immigration streams based on local labour market needs.

Top Provinces for Australians

• Ontario – tech, finance, business

• British Columbia – IT, film industry, hospitality

• Alberta – engineering, oil & gas

• Saskatchewan – agriculture, trades

• Nova Scotia – healthcare, education

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, ensuring an Express Entry ITA.

3. Student Pathway (Study, Work & Get PR)

Many Australian students choose Canada for its high-quality universities and excellent post-graduation opportunities.

Benefits

• Work 20–40 hours per week

• Spouse gets an open work permit

• PGWP for up to 3 years

• Pathway to PR through CEC after one year of skilled work

This is an ideal route for younger applicants or those switching careers.

4. Work Permit Pathway

You can also move to Canada on a temporary work permit.

Common Options

• LMIA-based work permits (job offer + employer approval)

• Global Talent Stream (for IT and tech roles; 2-week processing)

• Intra-Company Transfer (for multinational companies like Amazon, Deloitte, Accenture, etc.)

Once in Canada, many workers later transition to PR.

5. Family Sponsorship

If your spouse, partner, or parent is a Canadian citizen or PR holder, they may sponsor you.

Processing time: 6–12 months

Step-by-Step: How to Move from Australia to Canada

Regardless of your chosen pathway, the process generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Assess your age, education, English score, job experience, and CRS score. This determines whether Express Entry, PNP, or study/work routes are best.

Step 2: Take an English Language Test

Accepted tests:

• IELTS General

• CELPIP General

For competitive CRS scores, aim for CLB 9 (IELTS 8/7/7/7).

Step 3: Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Approved agencies include:

• WES

• IQAS

• CES

• ICES

Typical processing time: 1–3 months

Step 4: Prepare Important Documents

You will need:

• Passport

• Degree certificates

• Employment reference letters

• Bank statements (proof of funds)

• Resume in Canadian format

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical examination

Step 5: Create an Express Entry or PNP Profile

Once your English and ECA are completed, create your profile and enter the pool.

Step 6: Receive ITA or PNP Nomination

If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply.
If not, targeting a specific province can help secure a nomination.

Step 7: Submit Your PR Application

Include biometrics, medicals, police checks, and supporting documents.

Step 8: Move to Canada

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)

• PR Visa (if needed)

• Landing instructions

You can then relocate and begin your new life in Canada.

Cost of Moving to Canada from Australia (2025)

Note: Costs may vary depending on the number of family members.

Top Cities in Canada for Australians

1. Toronto

Best for finance, IT, and corporate careers.

2. Vancouver

Great climate, tech jobs, and lifestyle.

3. Calgary

High salaries, affordable housing, engineering jobs.

4. Ottawa

Ideal for government and tech roles.

5. Halifax

Affordable, peaceful, and growing job market.

Tips for a Successful Move

• Score CLB 9 or higher to boost CRS points significantly

• Use a Canadian-style resume when applying for jobs

• Target provinces with strong demand for your skillset

• Prepare early for delays in ECA or IELTS slots

• Never pay agents that promise guaranteed jobs

Final Thoughts

Canada offers one of the most welcoming and structured immigration systems in the world. For Australians seeking new opportunities, long-term stability, and a high standard of living, Canada is an excellent destination in 2025. Whether you apply through Express Entry, PNP, study, work permit, or family sponsorship, careful planning and accurate documentation will make your transition smooth and successful.