Canada vs Australia: Best Choice for Immigration, Jobs, and Living

When considering relocation to another country, Canada and Australia are two of the most preferred destinations for individuals seeking better career opportunities, quality education, permanent residency, and an improved lifestyle. Both countries offer excellent standards of living, but which one is better suited to your goals?

This blog will compare Canada and Australia across various parameters, including job opportunities, immigration, education, salaries, healthcare, and more. We’ll also touch upon New Zealand in select comparisons.

1. Which is better for immigration: Canada or Australia?

Canada and Australia offer points-based immigration systems, but Canada’s immigration process is more flexible and offers faster pathways through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Canada Immigration:

• Multiple Canada PR pathways: Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration, Family Sponsorship 

• CRS score requirement is relatively easier for skilled professionals

• Processing time: 6–12 months

• Friendly immigration policies

Check your eligiblity for Canada PR using our 67 Points Calculator

Australia Immigration:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

• Requires higher points in most categories

• Longer processing time compared to Canada

• Priority occupations only
  
  Check your eligibility for Australia PR using our Points Calculator

Verdict: Canada is better for easier and faster immigration.

2. Job Opportunities: Canada vs Australia

Canada and Australia both have strong economies with a demand for skilled professionals. However, job opportunities may vary based on sectors and visa restrictions.

Canada Job Market:

• In-demand sectors: IT, healthcare, skilled trades, finance, logistics

• Strong demand in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta

• Employers are generally open to hiring immigrants
  
  

Australia Job Market:

• In-demand sectors: Construction, mining, engineering, healthcare, IT

• Fast-growing cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

• Licensing or local certifications are required in some sectors
  
  

Verdict: Tie – Both offer great opportunities depending on your field.

Need  assistance in finding the jobs in Australia. Contact our expert Job Search Consultants in Hyderabad

3. Australia or Canada – Which is better for earning money?

Australia:

• Higher average salary across most industries

• Higher minimum wage (around $24.10 per hour in 2024)

• Strong purchasing power in urban cities
  
  

Canada:

• Lower average salary compared to Australia

• Minimum wage varies by province, average of CAD 16.65 per hour

• The cost of living is lower in smaller cities and provinces
  
  

Verdict: Australia offers higher earnings, especially in high-demand jobs.

4. Cost of Living: Canada vs Australia

Canada:

• Affordable housing in smaller provinces

• Lower utility and grocery costs

• Public transport is efficient in most cities

Australia:

• Higher rent and daily expenses in major cities

• Groceries and dining out are costlier

• Fuel and utilities are more expensive

Verdict: Canada is more affordable for most immigrants.

5. Which country is better to live in – Canada or Australia?

Canada:

• Friendly and multicultural society

• High-quality public healthcare

• Safe cities and a low crime rate

• Harsh winters in many provinces
  
  

Australia:

• Pleasant climate and beach lifestyle

• Excellent work-life balance

• Advanced healthcare system

• High cost of living in top cities
  
  

Verdict: Canada for peaceful living, Australia for climate and outdoor lifestyle

6. Canada vs Australia for international students

Studying in Canada:

• Lower tuition fees

• High-quality institutions like the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill

• Easier Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

• Strong PR pathway after studies

Studying in Australia :

• Top universities like the University of Melbourne, ANU, University of Sydney

• Higher tuition and living costs

• Post-study work options are available, but PR is more competitive
  
  

Verdict: Canada is better for affordability and post-study immigration\

7. Which is better – Canada, Australia, or New Zealand?

Canada:

• Best for immigration, job prospects, and affordable education

• Easier pathway to PR and citizenship

Australia:

• Best for earning potential and weather

• Higher cost of living

New Zealand:

• Peaceful and scenic, but fewer job opportunities

• Slower immigration and higher cost of some services

Verdict: Canada is the best all-rounder for skilled professionals and students.

8. Passport Strength and Global Mobility

Both Canadian and Australian passports are among the strongest in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.

Verdict: Tie – Both offer excellent global mobility

9. Sector-Specific Comparisons

For Nurses:

• Both countries have a high demand for registered nurses

• Canada offers more immigration support and PR pathways

• Australia may offer higher salaries, but stricter licensing

For Software Engineers:

• High demand in both countries

• Canada has more tech hubs and PR-friendly options

• Australia offers better salaries but higher taxes
  
  

For Doctors:

• Licensing requirements are strict in both countries

• Australia may have slightly better earning potential

• Canada provides a more structured immigration process

Verdict: Varies based on sector, licensing, and job readiness

Talk to an expert

10. Summary: Canada vs Australia – Which Country is Best?

Final Verdict:

• Choose Canada if your goal is permanent residency, affordability, and long-term settlement.

• Choose Australia if you prioritise earning potential, lifestyle, and climate.

Need help deciding which country fits your career goals? Contact us for personalised migration advice based on your profession and background.

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Canada vs Australia for Nurses: Salary, Job Opportunities, and PR

If you're a registered nurse planning to work abroad, both Canada and Australia offer excellent opportunities. Here's a comparison to help you choose the better country for your nursing career.

Salary Comparison for Nurses

• Canada: $70,000 – $90,000 per year

• Australia: AUD 75,000 – $95,000 per year

Job Opportunities

• Canada: High demand across provinces, especially in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

• Australia: High demand in public and private hospitals, particularly in regional areas.

Licensing Requirements

• Canada: Requires NCLEX-RN and NNAS assessment for international nurses.

• Australia: Must register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Immigration & PR

• Canada: Easier immigration through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPS).

• Australia: PR is possible via Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) but requires a higher points score.
  
  

Verdict:

Canada offers easier PR and a smoother path for international nurses. Australia offers slightly higher pay but has stricter registration and immigration processes.

Canada vs Australia for Doctors: Salary, Recognition, and Work Scope

Doctors are in demand globally, but which country is better for foreign-trained physicians — Canada or Australia? Here’s a comparison.

Salary Comparison for Doctors

• Canada: $150,000 – $250,000+ per year (varies by speciality)

• Australia: $180,000 – $300,000+ per year

Job Opportunities

• Canada: Moderate to high demand, especially for general practitioners in rural areas.

• Australia: High demand for general practitioners and specialists, especially in regional zones.

Licensing Requirements

• Canada: Requires passing the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams and a residency assessment.

• Australia: Must pass the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams and apply for specialist recognition.
  
  

Immigration & PR

• Canada: Lengthy process, but PR is attainable after licensing.

• Australia: PR is possible through skilled migration if qualifications match Australian standards.
  
  

Verdict:

Australia offers better earning potential and faster work options for GPS. Canada has a structured system but a longer integration time.

Canada vs Australia for Software Engineers: Salary, Demand, and PR Options

Software engineering is one of the most in-demand professions worldwide. Here's how Canada and Australia compare for tech professionals.

Salary Comparison for Software Engineers

• Canada: $80,000 – $120,000 per year

• Australia: AUD 90,000 – $130,000 per year

Job Opportunities

• Canada: High demand in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal with strong tech startup ecosystems.

• Australia: Growing demand in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Licensing Requirements

• No licensing is required for software engineers in either country.

Immigration & PR

• Canada: Easier immigration through Express Entry (FSWP, CEC) and Global Talent Stream.

• Australia: PR via Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or Employer Sponsorship, but more competitive.

Verdict:

Canada offers faster PR and job-ready tech pathways. Australia provides slightly higher salaries but stricter immigration rules.

Reach out to our Canada and Australia visa consultants in  Hyderabad to know more.

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