Canada vs Australia for Immigrants in 2025: Which Country Is Better for You?

Canada and Australia are the two most popular destinations for skilled immigrants worldwide. Both countries run points-based immigration systems, both actively recruit foreign talent, and both offer clear pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. So how do you choose between them?

The answer depends on your profession, financial situation, family needs, and personal preferences. This guide breaks down the key differences across every factor that actually matters so you can make an informed decision.

Immigration Systems: How They Work

Canada: Express Entry and PNPs

Canada's Express Entry system is the primary route for skilled workers. You create a profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, education, language ability, and work experience, and then wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when your score meets the cut-off.

• Processing time: 6-8 months after receiving an ITA
• CRS cut-off scores in 2024-2025 have ranged from 430-520, depending on the draw category
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) add 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba run their own targeted streams.
• Category-based draws now target specific occupations like healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-speaking workers

Australia: SkillSelect and State Nomination

Australia's SkillSelect system works similarly. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), receive points based on age, qualifications, experience, and English proficiency, and wait for an invitation.

• Processing time: 6-12 months for the Subclass 189; longer for employer-sponsored routes
• Points threshold: You need a minimum of 65 points, but competitive applicants typically score 80-90+
• State and Territory nomination (Subclass 190) adds 5 points and is increasingly important as the 189 has become more competitive
• Occupation lists (the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List) determine which professions are eligible

Verdict

Canada is more accessible for most applicants. The CRS system is more transparent, draws happen more frequently (often every two weeks), and the PNP pathway provides a realistic alternative for candidates with lower scores. Australia's system has become increasingly competitive, with higher effective points thresholds.

Cost of Living

Canada

• Average rent (1-bedroom, city centre): CAD 1,800-2,500/month in Toronto or Vancouver; CAD 1,200-1,700 in Calgary, Ottawa, or Halifax
• Groceries: CAD 400-600/month for a couple
• Transportation: CAD 100-160/month for a transit pass
• Childcare: CAD 200-1,000/month depending on province (subsidized daycare in Quebec is as low as CAD 9.10/day)

Australia

• Average rent (1-bedroom, city centre): AUD 2,000-3,200/month in Sydney; AUD 1,600-2,400 in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth
• Groceries: AUD 400-700/month for a couple
• Transportation: AUD 100-200/month for a transit pass
• Childcare: AUD 500-2,500/month, though the government Child Care Subsidy covers 50-90% for eligible families

Verdict

Canada is generally cheaper, especially for rent and groceries. However, Australian salaries are higher, which narrows the gap. If you are moving to a smaller Canadian city (Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton), the cost of living advantage becomes significant.

Salaries and Job Market

Canada

• Software engineer: CAD 80,000-130,000
• Registered nurse: CAD 65,000-90,000
• Accountant: CAD 55,000-80,000
• Electrician/Plumber: CAD 60,000-90,000
• Minimum wage: CAD 15-17/hour depending on province

Australia

• Software engineer: AUD 90,000-150,000
• Registered nurse: AUD 75,000-100,000
• Accountant: AUD 65,000-95,000
• Electrician/Plumber: AUD 75,000-110,000
• Minimum wage: AUD 23.23/hour (one of the highest in the world)

Verdict

Australia pays more across almost every profession. The higher minimum wage also means that entry-level and part-time work is more financially viable while you settle in. However, Canadian tax rates are somewhat lower in many provinces, and the lower cost of living means your dollar stretches further.

Healthcare

Canada

Canada's universal healthcare system covers all medically necessary services at no direct cost. Each province runs its own health plan (OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia, etc.). Wait times for specialists and elective procedures can be long, often several months. Dental, vision, and prescription drugs are not covered unless you have employer-provided insurance.

Australia

Australia's Medicare system covers GP visits, public hospital care, and subsidized prescriptions through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Most Australians also carry private health insurance to access private hospitals and shorter wait times. International migrants on temporary visas may need to purchase private health insurance until they receive PR.

Verdict

Roughly equal, with trade-offs. Canada covers more services under its public plan, but wait times are often longer. Australia offers a hybrid model that gives you more options if you are willing to pay for private insurance.

Weather and Lifestyle

This is where the two countries diverge dramatically.

Canada

• Winters are brutal in most of the country. Temperatures in Toronto drop to -15 to -25 degrees Celsius in January and February. Prairie cities like Winnipeg and Edmonton can see -40 degrees Celsius with wind chill.
• Summers are warm and pleasant (25-35 degrees Celsius in most cities).
• If you come from a tropical climate, the first winter will be a shock. Budget for a proper winter wardrobe (CAD 500-1,000) and prepare mentally.
• Outdoor activities: skiing, ice skating, hiking, camping, lake culture

Australia

• Warm to hot climate in most populated areas. Sydney and Melbourne have mild winters (8-15 degrees Celsius); Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin are warm year-round.
• Summer temperatures in many cities exceed 35-40 degrees Celsius. Bushfire season (November-March) is a real concern in rural and peri-urban areas.
• Beach culture is central to Australian life. Most major cities are coastal.
• Outdoor activities: surfing, beach sports, hiking, barbecue culture

Verdict

Personal preference. If you dislike cold weather, Australia is the obvious choice. If you can tolerate or enjoy winter, Canada offers distinct seasons and a rich outdoor culture. Many immigrants from tropical countries find Canadian winters challenging but manageable after the first year.

Pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Canada

• PR through Express Entry: 6-8 months processing after ITA
• Citizenship: Eligible after 3 years (1,095 days) of physical presence as a PR within a 5-year period
• Dual citizenship: Allowed. You do not need to renounce your original nationality.

Australia

• PR through SkillSelect (189/190): 6-12 months processing
• Citizenship: Eligible after 4 years of lawful residence, including at least 1 year as a PR
• Dual citizenship: Allowed since 2002.

Verdict

Canada is faster to citizenship by roughly a year. Both countries allow dual citizenship, which is important for immigrants who want to maintain ties to their home country.

Family-Friendliness

Canada

• Parental leave: Up to 18 months of shared leave (at reduced pay through Employment Insurance)
• Child benefit: The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) provides up to CAD 7,787 per child under 6 per year, tax-free
• Public education: Free from kindergarten through Grade 12
• Subsidized childcare: The CAD 10/day childcare program is rolling out across provinces

Australia

• Parental leave: 20 weeks of government-funded paid parental leave (expanding to 26 weeks by 2026)
• Family Tax Benefit: Income-tested payments for families with children
• Public education: Free from kindergarten through Year 12
• Childcare subsidy: Government covers 50-90% of childcare costs depending on family income

Verdict

Canada edges ahead on parental leave duration and child cash benefits. Australia's childcare subsidy program is more generous for working parents with young children. Both are excellent countries for raising a family.

Language Requirements

Canada

• IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF or TCF for French
• Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each band) for Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker
• Higher scores significantly boost your CRS points

Australia

• IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT
• Minimum "Competent English" (IELTS 6.0 each band) for most visa subclasses
• "Superior English" (IELTS 8.0 each band) earns maximum points

Verdict

Similar requirements. Canada accepts French proficiency as a major advantage (up to 50 bonus CRS points for bilingual applicants). If you speak French, Canada is the clear winner.

The Bottom Line

Factor	Canada	Australia
Visa Accessibility	Easier	Harder
Salaries	High	Very High
Cost of Living	Moderate-High	High
Weather	Cold winters	Warm/Hot
PR Timeline	Faster	Moderate
Citizenship	3 years	4 years
Family Support	Strong	Strong

Choose Canada if: you want a more accessible immigration system, faster citizenship, strong family benefits, and you can handle cold winters.

Choose Australia if: you want higher salaries, warm weather, a beach lifestyle, and you have a competitive points score.

Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?

The best country for you depends on your profession, family situation, finances, and personal priorities. NextMigrate's team can assess your eligibility for both countries, compare your options side by side, and help you build an application strategy that maximizes your chances. Visit nextmigrate.com to book a free consultation and take the guesswork out of your migration decision.