2026-02-24 · NextMigrate Team
Getting Started with International Migration: A Complete Guide
Moving to a new country is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It is also one of the most process-heavy. Between eligibility assessments, document preparation, language tests, credential evaluations, visa fees, and processing timelines, the average skilled migration application involves 15-25 distinct steps spread over 6 to 18 months. This guide breaks down every step with specific numbers, costs, and timelines so you can plan accurately.
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility with a Self-Scoring Exercise
Before spending money on consultants or applications, score yourself against the criteria that major destination countries use. The following self-assessment is based on Canada's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is the most transparent points-based system, but the factors are broadly similar across Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.
Core Factors Self-Assessment
| Factor | Details | Points Range (Canada CRS) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 20-29 years: maximum points. 30-35: slight reduction. 36-40: moderate reduction. 41-44: steep reduction. 45+: zero points. | 0-110 |
| Education | PhD: 150 pts. Master's: 135 pts. Bachelor's (3+ yr): 120 pts. Two-year diploma: 98 pts. One-year diploma: 90 pts. High school only: 30 pts. | 30-150 |
| Language (1st official) | CLB 10+ in all four skills: max. CLB 9: strong. CLB 7: minimum for Federal Skilled Worker. Below CLB 7: ineligible for most programs. | 0-136 |
| Language (2nd official) | CLB 5+ in French adds bonus points. Even basic French (CLB 5) adds 16-32 CRS points. | 0-24 |
| Canadian work experience | 1 year: 40 pts. 2 years: 53 pts. 3 years: 64 pts. 4 years: 72 pts. 5+ years: 80 pts. | 0-80 |
| Foreign work experience | 1-2 years: 13 pts. 3-4 years: 25 pts. 5+ years: 50 pts. | 0-50 |
Quick benchmark: If your core score (without bonus points) is above 440, you are competitive for recent Express Entry draws. The lowest CRS cutoff in 2025 was 424 (April 2025 general draw). Category-based draws for healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture have had cutoffs as low as 388.
Australia Points Test Self-Assessment
Australia uses a separate 65-point minimum threshold:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25-32 | 30 |
| Age 33-39 | 25 |
| Age 40-44 | 15 |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 |
| Master's degree | 15 |
| PhD | 20 |
| 3-4 years skilled work (overseas) | 5 |
| 5-7 years skilled work (overseas) | 10 |
| 8+ years skilled work (overseas) | 15 |
| IELTS 7.0 each band (Proficient) | 10 |
| IELTS 8.0 each band (Superior) | 20 |
| Australian work experience 1-2 yrs | 5 |
| Australian work experience 3-4 yrs | 10 |
| Partner skills qualification | 10 |
| State nomination (subclass 190) | 5 |
| Regional nomination (subclass 491) | 15 |
Quick benchmark: You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but competitive occupations often require 80-90+ points to receive an invitation. Accountants and IT professionals typically need 90+ due to high applicant volumes. Nurses and engineers may receive invitations at 65-75 points due to genuine shortage.
Germany EU Blue Card Eligibility (No Points System)
Germany does not use a points system. Instead, you need:
- A recognised university degree (check anabin.kmk.org for your university's recognition status — "H+" means recognised)
- A job offer in Germany with an annual gross salary of at least EUR 45,300 (2025 threshold for shortage occupations) or EUR 41,041.80 for IT specialists without a degree (a 2024 rule change)
- The standard threshold for non-shortage occupations is EUR 50,760
- No German language requirement for the Blue Card itself, though B1 German is needed for permanent residency after 21 months
Step 2: Research Your Options by Country
Canada — Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs
- Processing time: 6-8 months for Express Entry after receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply). Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) add 2-6 months on top.
- CRS draws frequency: Approximately every 2 weeks. In 2025, Canada conducted 28 draws between January and October.
- Annual target: Canada's 2025 immigration plan targets 395,000 new permanent residents, with approximately 110,000 through Express Entry.
- Key programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, French-language).
Australia — Skilled Migration Visas
- Processing time: Subclass 189 (independent): 6-12 months. Subclass 190 (state-nominated): 6-9 months. Subclass 491 (regional): 6-9 months.
- Annual allocation: Australia's 2024-25 migration program allocated 185,000 permanent places, of which 132,200 were in the Skilled stream.
- Key requirement: Your occupation must be on the relevant skills list (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL). Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
- Skills assessment: Required before applying. Bodies include Engineers Australia, ACS (IT), VETASSESS (general), ANMAC (nursing). Assessment takes 4-12 weeks depending on the body.
Germany — EU Blue Card and Skilled Worker Visa
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks for the visa after appointment at the embassy. Appointment wait times vary by embassy — New Delhi averages 4-6 weeks, Lagos 6-10 weeks, Manila 3-5 weeks.
- No annual cap: Germany has no fixed quota for skilled workers.
- Permanent residency: After 21 months with B1 German, or 33 months without German.
- Job seeker visa: Germany offers a 6-month Job Seeker Visa (EUR 75 fee) that lets you enter Germany to look for work.
New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category
- Processing time: 6-12 months.
- Points threshold: 6 points on the Skilled Migrant Category scale, with priority given to applicants with job offers.
- Median pay threshold: NZD 31.61/hour (2025) for most skilled worker visa applications.
- Annual residence places: Approximately 50,000-60,000, though this fluctuates based on government policy.
United Kingdom — Skilled Worker Visa
- Processing time: 3-8 weeks from outside the UK.
- Salary threshold: GBP 38,700 general threshold (raised from GBP 26,200 in April 2024). Shortage occupation roles have a discounted threshold of GBP 30,960.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035 per year per person. A family of 4 on a 5-year visa pays GBP 20,700 in health surcharges alone.
- Requires employer sponsorship: You cannot self-apply; a UK employer with a sponsor licence must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Gulf States (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
- Processing time: 2-6 weeks for employer-sponsored work permits.
- No permanent residency pathway in most cases (UAE Golden Visa is an exception for high earners/investors).
- No income tax in UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia (Saudi introduced 15% VAT but no income tax).
- Typical contract: 2-3 year employer-tied contracts. Changing employers requires NOC (No Objection Certificate) in some cases.
Step 3: Understand the Full Cost
Most people underestimate migration costs by 40-60%. Here is a realistic cost breakdown for the most common pathways:
Canada Express Entry — Full Cost Estimate
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | $250-$265 | Per attempt. Budget for 1-2 attempts. |
| Educational Credential Assessment (WES) | $220-$300 | Including courier fees. Takes 5-8 weeks. |
| Express Entry application fee | $1,325 | CAD 1,365 per adult applicant. |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $390 | CAD 515 per adult. |
| Biometrics | $65 | CAD 85 per person. |
| Medical exam | $200-$350 | Depends on country. Panel physician required. |
| Police clearance certificates | $30-$100 | Per country lived in for 6+ months since age 18. |
| Proof of settlement funds | $10,000-$16,000 | Must show CAD 14,690 (single) to CAD 34,299 (family of 4) in accessible funds. Not a fee — but must be available. |
| Immigration consultant (optional) | $2,000-$5,000 | RCIC-registered consultants only. |
| Total out-of-pocket (single applicant) | $2,500-$4,700 | Excluding settlement funds. |
| Total out-of-pocket (family of 4) | $5,500-$9,500 | Excluding settlement funds. |
Australia Subclass 189 — Full Cost Estimate
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or PTE | $250-$340 | Per attempt. |
| Skills assessment | $300-$900 | Varies by assessing authority. ACS (IT): AUD 550. Engineers Australia: AUD 690-1,310. |
| Visa application fee | $4,640 | AUD 4,640 per main applicant. AUD 2,320 per additional adult. AUD 1,160 per child. |
| Medical exam | $250-$400 | Panel physician required. |
| Police clearance | $30-$100 | Per country. |
| Immigration agent (optional) | $3,000-$7,000 | MARA-registered agents. |
| Total (single applicant) | $5,500-$8,500 | |
| Total (family of 4) | $12,000-$18,000 |
Germany EU Blue Card — Full Cost Estimate
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credential recognition (anabin/ZAB) | $200-$400 | ZAB statement of comparability: EUR 200. |
| Visa fee | $80 | EUR 75 at the embassy. |
| Residence permit fee | $110 | EUR 100 on arrival. |
| Health insurance (first month) | $300-$500 | Required before arrival. Public insurance ~EUR 400/month once employed. |
| Blocked account (for job seeker visa) | $12,500 | EUR 11,904 for 12 months. Required for Job Seeker Visa only. |
| Total (Blue Card with job offer) | $700-$1,500 | Germany is by far the cheapest pathway. |
United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa — Full Cost Estimate
| Item | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS UKVI | $260-$290 | Must be IELTS for UKVI, not standard IELTS. |
| Visa application fee | $800-$1,640 | GBP 625 (up to 3 years) or GBP 1,220 (over 3 years). |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | $6,600 | GBP 1,035/year × 5 years per person. |
| Tuberculosis test | $80-$150 | Required from certain countries. |
| Total (single, 5-year visa) | $7,700-$8,700 | The UK is the most expensive pathway due to the health surcharge. |
| Total (family of 4, 5-year visa) | $28,000-$35,000 | Health surcharge alone: ~$26,000. |
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents — Complete Checklist
Start gathering these documents at least 3-4 months before you intend to apply. Some items have long lead times.
Mandatory for All Countries
- Valid passport — at least 18 months remaining validity recommended (not just 6). Some processes take longer than expected.
- Educational certificates — original degree certificates, transcripts, and mark sheets for all post-secondary education.
- Credential assessment — WES (Canada), VETASSESS/ACS/Engineers Australia (Australia), ZAB/anabin (Germany), ENIC-NARIC (UK).
- Language test results — IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, TEF/TCF (French). Results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
- Work experience letters — on company letterhead, signed by HR or a manager, stating: job title, start and end dates, hours per week, main duties, and salary. One letter per employer.
- Resume/CV — updated and tailored to the destination country's format.
- Police clearance certificates — from every country you have lived in for 6+ months since turning 18. Processing times: India PCC (1-3 weeks), Nigeria PCC (4-6 weeks), Philippines NBI (2-3 weeks), Pakistan PCC (3-6 weeks).
- Medical examination — from an approved panel physician. Valid for 12 months.
- Passport-sized photographs — specifications vary by country (Canada: 50mm × 70mm, Australia: 45mm × 35mm).
Country-Specific Documents
Canada:
- Digital photos uploaded to the IRCC portal (not physical photos)
- Reference letters must include NOC/TEER code-specific duties
- Provincial nomination letter (if applying through a PNP)
- Proof of funds: bank statements from the last 6 months showing minimum balance
Australia:
- Skills assessment outcome letter
- Functional English evidence for secondary applicants
- Form 80 (Personal Particulars) — 18-page form detailing every address, employer, and trip for the last 10 years
- State nomination approval (for subclass 190/491)
Germany:
- Signed employment contract or binding job offer
- Proof of degree recognition (anabin H+ status or ZAB equivalence statement)
- CV in German Lebenslauf format (tabular, with photo — yes, Germany still expects this)
- Motivation letter (Motivationsschreiben) for some visa categories
UK:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer
- TB test results (if applying from a listed country)
- ATAS certificate (for certain research or PhD roles)
- Proof of English via approved SELT (IELTS for UKVI, not standard IELTS)
Step 5: Build a Realistic Timeline
Here is a realistic end-to-end timeline for each major pathway. These are based on 2025 processing times and assume no complications.
Canada Express Entry Timeline
| Step | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS preparation and test | 2-3 months | Month 3 |
| WES credential assessment | 5-8 weeks | Month 5 |
| Create Express Entry profile | 1 week | Month 5 |
| Wait for ITA (Invitation to Apply) | 2 weeks - 6 months | Month 5-11 |
| Gather documents after ITA | 30-60 days | Month 6-13 |
| IRCC processing | 6-8 months | Month 12-21 |
| Receive COPR and visa | 2-4 weeks | Month 13-22 |
| Total realistic timeline | 12-22 months |
Australia Subclass 189 Timeline
| Step | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS/PTE preparation and test | 2-3 months | Month 3 |
| Skills assessment | 4-12 weeks | Month 5 |
| Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) | 1 day | Month 5 |
| Wait for invitation | 1-12 months | Month 6-17 |
| Lodge visa application | 2-4 weeks | Month 7-18 |
| Processing | 6-12 months | Month 13-30 |
| Total realistic timeline | 13-30 months |
Germany EU Blue Card Timeline
| Step | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Job search (or Job Seeker Visa) | 1-6 months | Month 6 |
| Credential recognition | 2-4 weeks | Month 7 |
| Embassy visa appointment | 2-10 weeks wait | Month 9 |
| Visa processing | 4-8 weeks | Month 11 |
| Arrive and register | 1-2 weeks | Month 11 |
| Total realistic timeline | 6-11 months | Fastest pathway if you have a job offer. |
UK Skilled Worker Visa Timeline
| Step | Duration | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Job search + receive CoS | 1-6 months | Month 6 |
| IELTS for UKVI | 1-2 months | Month 8 |
| Visa application | 1 day | Month 8 |
| Processing | 3-8 weeks | Month 10 |
| Total realistic timeline | 6-10 months | Requires employer sponsorship first. |
Common Gotchas That Delay or Derail Applications
1. Expired language test results. IELTS, PTE, and CELPIP scores expire after 2 years. If you took your test early in the process and hit delays, you may need to retake it. Budget for this possibility.
2. Incomplete work reference letters. The most common rejection reason for Canada Express Entry is reference letters that do not list specific duties matching your claimed NOC/TEER code. Generic letters saying "was a valued member of the team" are insufficient. Each letter must list 3-5 specific duties performed.
3. Gaps in employment. Unexplained gaps longer than 30 days raise flags. Prepare written explanations for any gap: parental leave, further study, medical reasons, freelance work. Supporting documents help.
4. Police clearance timing. PCCs from some countries are slow (Pakistan: up to 6 weeks, Nigeria: up to 6 weeks). Some expire after 12 months. Time these carefully so they do not expire before your application is processed.
5. Medical exam surprises. Conditions that can delay or block applications include: untreated tuberculosis (common rejection reason for applicants from India, Philippines, Nigeria), uncontrolled high blood pressure, and certain chronic conditions that are estimated to cost the destination country's health system above a threshold (Australia's health requirement threshold is approximately AUD 86,000 over 5-10 years).
6. Name mismatches across documents. If your passport says "Mohammed" but your degree says "Muhammad" and your bank statement says "Muhammed," this creates processing delays. Get an affidavit or statutory declaration confirming these are the same person. Do this early.
7. Choosing the wrong IELTS test. Standard IELTS is accepted by Canada and Australia. The UK requires IELTS for UKVI (taken at approved centres only). Taking the wrong version means retaking the test entirely.
8. Underestimating proof of funds requirements. For Canada, funds must be readily accessible (savings account, GIC) — not locked in investments, property, or retirement accounts. The amount must have been maintained for several months, not deposited as a lump sum the week before applying.
Step 6: Decide Whether to Use an Immigration Consultant
Hiring a consultant is not required for any major immigration program, but it can be worth the cost if:
- Your case has complications (gaps in employment, multiple countries of residence, previous visa refusals, criminal record, medical issues)
- You are applying to multiple countries simultaneously
- You have limited time to manage the process yourself
If you hire a consultant, verify their credentials:
| Country | Regulatory Body | Registry URL |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) | college-ic.ca |
| Australia | Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) | mara.gov.au |
| UK | Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) | gov.uk/oisc |
Unregistered consultants cannot legally represent you and have no accountability. In some countries (particularly India, Nigeria, and Pakistan), fraudulent immigration consultants are a significant problem. Never pay anyone who guarantees a visa outcome — no consultant can guarantee approval.
Typical consultant fees by country:
| Destination | Fee Range (USD) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $2,000-$5,000 | Profile assessment, Express Entry submission, document review, application filing |
| Australia | $3,000-$7,000 | Skills assessment guidance, EOI submission, visa application, document review |
| UK | $1,500-$4,000 | Job search assistance, CoS guidance, visa application |
| Germany | $1,000-$3,000 | Credential recognition, visa application, registration guidance |
Next Steps
The migration process is linear but long. The single most impactful thing you can do today is take a language test — specifically IELTS General Training for Canada, PTE Academic for Australia, or IELTS for UKVI for the United Kingdom. Your language score is the one factor that takes the most time to improve and has the largest impact on your eligibility.
If you want a detailed assessment of where your profile stands — which countries you qualify for, what your points score looks like, and what realistic timeline applies to your specific situation — NextMigrate's team can walk you through it. No guesswork, just the numbers.
