From Canada to Australia: How to Get PR in 2025
Introduction
Getting your permanent residency (PR) in Australia from Canada might seem complicated at first, but with the right info and some guidance, it's doable. Many Canadians are attracted to Australia's high quality of life, top-notch healthcare, and vibrant culture. In this post, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to secure Australian PR from Canada. We'll cover the different visa options, what you need to qualify, and some handy tips to boost your chances. If you're thinking about making the move down under, keep reading to learn how you can turn your dream of living in Australia into a reality.
Understanding the Australian Immigration Process: Key Steps and Requirements
1. Choose the Right Visa Type
Identify the type of visa for Australia that fits your goals—Skilled Migration, Employer-Sponsored, or Family Reunion—for a smoother application process.
2. Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet age limits, English proficiency, occupation listing, work experience, and score the minimum points required for your chosen visa.
3. Get Skills Assessed
Have your qualifications and work experience officially evaluated by an authorized Australian assessing body related to your nominated occupation.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Register your profile on SkillSelect with accurate details, including skills, work history, and test scores, to be considered for an invitation.
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply
If selected, you'll get an official invitation to lodge a full visa application—based on your EOI ranking and occupation demand.
6. Lodge Visa Application
Submit all necessary documents, complete forms, pay visa fees, and provide accurate information within the time frame given in your invitation.
7. Health & Character Checks
Complete medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates to prove you're fit to live and work safely in Australia.
8. Await Decision
After submission, wait for the Department of Home Affairs to assess your application and notify you of their final decision.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia PR
When it comes to qualifying to get PR in Australia, the rules are pretty much the same for everyone, even if you're a Canadian resident. Still, being a Canadian citizen or resident can give you some extra perks, like having good English skills, relevant education, or work experience, which might boost your points and make your application stronger.
1. Age
To be eligible to apply for Australian permanent residency, you need to be under 45 when you receive your invitation to apply. The points system favours younger applicants, offering the most points—up to 30—for those between 25 and 32 years old. If you're over 45, you won't earn any points for age.
2. English Language Skills
All applicants for PR are required to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency. Since you're from Canada, where English is one of the official languages, that might give you an edge in achieving higher test scores. You can take exams like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, and scoring at the 'Proficient' or 'Superior' levels on these tests will earn you extra points towards your migration score.
3. Skilled Occupation List
Your chosen occupation must be on one of Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists—either the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL—depending on the type of visa you're applying for. Canadian professionals working in areas like healthcare, engineering, or IT are often in demand. Plus, your occupation has to match your qualifications and work history to be eligible for assessment.
4. Skills Assessment
Having a skills assessment is a must for your nominated occupation. This is carried out by authorized Australian bodies such as Engineers Australia, ACS, or VETASSESS. The assessment checks if your education and experience meet Australian standards. Without a positive skills assessment, you can't proceed with a skilled migration application.
5. Points Test – Minimum 65 Points
Australia's immigration system is points-based. To submit an Expression of Interest, you need to score at least 65 points. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English proficiency, education, work experience, and sometimes state sponsorship or having a partner with relevant skills. Generally, the more points you accumulate, the better your chances of getting an invitation.
6. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Before applying for PR, you have to lodge an EOI through Australia's online SkillSelect platform. In your EOI, you'll detail your qualifications, job history, and other relevant info. Australian states and employers might also review your EOI. If you're eligible and your profile is competitive, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
7. Health and Character Checks
All PR applicants must meet Australia's health and character requirements. This involves passing a medical exam with approved doctors and providing police clearance certificates from Canada and any other countries you've lived in. These checks are to ensure you aren't a health or security risk to the government.
Types of Visas Available for Canadian Applicants Seeking PR in Australia
Here's a quick rundown of the different types of visas Canadian applicants can consider if they're looking to gain Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer or a state. If you're a Canadian professional with skills listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), this could be a good option. You'll need at least 65 points and an invitation to apply.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This is a state-nominated PR visa. First, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), then you need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory. Your occupation has to be on the relevant State Skilled Occupation List, and you'll get an extra 5 points for the nomination.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
This visa is valid for five years and can lead to permanent residency. To get it, you need a regional state nomination or sponsorship from a qualified relative living in a designated regional area. Canadians get an extra 15 points for the nomination. After living and working in the region for three years, you can apply for PR.
4. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Holding PR in Canada doesn't affect your eligibility—this visa allows Australian employers to sponsor Canadian talent via multiple PR streams. Typically, you require a job offer, relevant qualifications, and work experience. A skills assessment and proof of English skills are often necessary for the Direct Entry pathway.
5. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Although it's mostly been replaced by the Subclass 494, this older visa helped regional employers in Australia sponsor skilled workers for PR. Canadian applicants with a regional job offer could apply through either the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams. Some transitional visas are still available.
6. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – PR Pathway
While this isn't a pathway to PR itself, the TSS visa allows Canadians to work temporarily in Australia. After gaining relevant work experience—usually 2 to 3 years—you might be able to transition to PR under the Subclass 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream if the same employer has sponsored you.
7. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
This visa is aimed at highly skilled professionals working in tech, academia, or innovation fields. Canadians working in areas like AI, cybersecurity, fintech, or quantum computing can apply under this fast-track program. No points test is necessary, but you do need a nominator in Australia and proof of international recognition in your field.
8. Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188/888)
For Canadian entrepreneurs and investors, this visa offers a route to PR through business ownership or major investments in Australia. Subclass 188 is temporary, and Subclass 888 is the permanent stage. You'll need to meet specific business, investment, or innovation criteria and secure nomination from a state or territory.
Application Process for Australia PR
Here's a step-by-step guide to help Canadian citizens or residents understand the process and what's needed to apply for Australian Permanent Residency (PR) from Canada. I'll walk you through each part clearly so you know what to expect:
[Learn More: Step-by-Step Canada Immigration Guide for Ambitious Newcomers]
1. Pick the Right Visa Subclass
Start by choosing the most suitable PR visa category for you, such as 189, 190, 491, 186, or 858, depending on your situation.
2. Make Sure You Meet the Requirements
Check that you tick all the boxes — age limits, English skills, occupation list, work experience, education background, and a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
3. Get Your Skills Assessed
Apply to the appropriate assessing authority to have your educational qualifications and work experience reviewed and approved as meeting Australian standards for your chosen occupation.
4. Take an English Language Test
Show your English skills by sitting for tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Scoring higher on these tests can give you more points to strengthen your application.
5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Fill out and send your EOI through SkillSelect, including details about your qualifications, your chosen occupation, and how many points you're claiming.
6. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI is competitive enough, you'll get an ITA from the Australian government, inviting you to submit a formal visa application.
7. Lodge Your Visa Application Online
Use your ImmiAccount to submit your actual PR application, upload all necessary documents, and pay the application fee—all within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
8. Complete Health and Character Checks
Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates from Canada and any other country where you've lived for at least a year.
9. Get Your Visa Granted
Once everything is approved, you'll receive the visa grant notice, which outlines any conditions for entry, allowing you to live and work in Australia permanently.
[Explore More: Medical Exams Required for Canada PR Explained]
Conclusion
Moving from Canada to Australia and getting your permanent residency isn't just a pipe dream—it's doable, so long as you tick the right boxes. Selecting the correct visa type, obtaining a solid skills assessment, demonstrating your English skills, and compiling a compelling Expression of Interest (EOI) all significantly enhance your chances. Your Canadian education and work background are highly valued in Australia, especially if you're aiming for skilled jobs. Once you receive the invitation, handling the health and character checks and submitting a complete application brings you closer to that coveted PR status. With proper planning, the right paperwork, and a bit of patience, making the leap from Canada to Australia as a permanent resident is totally within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Canadian citizen apply for Australian PR?
Yes, Canadian citizens and residents can apply for Australian Permanent Residency through various skilled and sponsored visa streams. The Australian immigration system does not prioritise applicants by nationality; instead, eligibility is based on factors such as skills, experience, and qualifications. Canadians often meet the criteria due to their high level of education and English proficiency.
2. Which is the best PR visa for Canadians?
The Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa is ideal for Canadians with in-demand skills who wish to migrate without sponsorship. The Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa is another good option, offering additional points through state nomination. The best visa depends on your occupation, points score, and whether you're open to living in a specific state or region.
3. Do I need an English test if I'm from Canada?
Yes, most applicants must take an approved English language test like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. This is required even if English is your native language or if you've studied in Canada. Higher test scores can earn more points toward your PR application.
4. Is Canadian work experience accepted in Australia?
Yes, Canadian work experience is recognised for both points calculation and skills assessment purposes, as long as it is well-documented and relevant. The experience must align with the duties of your nominated occupation as per Australian standards. Letters from employers, pay slips, and contracts are usually required to validate your claims.
5. How many points do I need for Australian PR?
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, receiving an invitation often requires a higher score, depending on your occupation and competition. Points are awarded for factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and state or regional nomination.
6. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, a job offer is not required for points-based skilled visas like Subclass 189 or 190. However, it is necessary if you apply through an employer-sponsored visa, such as Subclass 186. Having a job offer can strengthen your case, especially under regional or employer nomination programs.
7. How long does the PR process take?
The total time from submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to receiving a visa grant can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The timeline varies based on the visa subclass, the completeness of your documents, and the demand for your occupation. Employer-sponsored and Global Talent visas may have shorter processing times.
8. Can I apply from within Canada?
Yes, the entire Australian PR application process can be completed online from Canada. You can take your English language test, get your skills assessed, and submit your EOI and visa application remotely. Medical exams and police clearance certificates can also be obtained in Canada through authorized providers.
