Moving to Australia from Canada: Complete step-by-step guide (2023)

It's common for people to uproot their lives and consider moving to Australia from Canada for various reasons. In terms of landmass, Australia ranks 6th among all countries. Despite the climate, it is one of the most industrialized countries and the 14th largest economy in the world.

If you are a Canadian thinking about moving to Australia, this article will surely be handy! By following our step-by-step guide, you will have zero doubts during the moving process and start to take real action.

Moving to Australia from Canada: Complete step-by-step guide (2023)

Moving to Australia from Canada: Overview

To move to Australia permanently from Canada, you'll need to obtain a visa that permits you to live and work in Australia. The most common visa options for Canadians include:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

You will also need to meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen visa, including age, English language proficiency, and education and work experience requirements. It's advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or agent for guidance on the specific visa requirements and process.

How to move to Australia from Canada permanently?

Here is a detailed 7-step guide to help you move to Australia from Canada:

Research the visa options

To research the visa options for moving to Australia permanently from Canada, you can start by visiting the official website of the Department of Home Affairs in Australia (homeaffairs.gov.au). On this website, you'll find information on the different visa categories and requirements, including:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Visa for highly skilled individuals without nomination from an Australian state or territory.
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Visa for those who have had an Australian nomination.
• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Visa for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution and wish to work in Australia temporarily.
• Employer Sponsored Visa: Visa for individuals who have a job offer from an Australian employer and are sponsored by that employer.

Check eligibility

It's advisable to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and determine which one best suits your skills, qualifications, and job prospects in Australia. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category, such as age, language proficiency, and work experience.

For instance, here are the criteria for the most common visa categories for Canadians—the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):

• Age: Must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• English language proficiency: Must meet the minimum level of English language proficiency as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Education and work experience: Must have a recognized education and work experience in a skilled occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Points test: Must score enough points on the points test to be eligible for the visa.

Gather necessary documents

Preparing and gathering all required documents are essential to moving forward to the next step. To gather the necessary documents for moving to Australia permanently from Canada, you'll need to prepare and organize the following documents:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Australia.
• Birth certificate: A certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Police clearance certificate: A certificate from local authorities in Canada that confirms you don't have a criminal record.
• Medical certificate: A certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming your health status.
• Evidence of English language proficiency: This can be in the form of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test result or equivalent.
• Education and work experience certificates: Certified copies of your educational qualifications and work experience certificates.
• Financial documentation: Evidence of your financial capacity to support yourself in Australia, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns.
• Other supporting documents: Other documents may be required, depending on your personal circumstances and the visa category, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or police clearance certificates for family members.

Apply for a visa

To apply for a visa to move to Australia permanently from Canada, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the online visa application form: Fill in the online visa application form and attach the required supporting documents.
2. Pay the visa application fee: Pay the visa application fee online using a credit card.
3. Submit the application: Submit the completed application form, supporting documents, and visa application fee.
4. Wait for the visa decision: The processing time for visa applications varies depending on the visa category and your personal circumstances. You can track the progress of your visa application on the Department of Home Affairs website.
5. Attend a visa interview: If required, you may be asked to attend a visa interview with a departmental official.

Visa approval

Once your visa is accepted, you'll need to take a few actions to prepare for your transfer from Canada to Australia.

You'll need to make transit arrangements, either by flying or shipping your belongings, and find a place to live. Likewise, you'll have to convert your Canadian dollars into Australian dollars and move those funds into an Australian bank account.

Some of your possessions may need to be sold or put into storage, and you'll likely need to inform agencies like the employer and insurance provider of your relocation. As an added precaution, you should get travel insurance and familiarize yourself with the neighborhood you'll be settling into.

Final immigration paperwork, TFN application, government agency registration, and health insurance purchase (if required), and let’s start your new life in Australia!

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving to Australia from Canada permanently is a big decision that requires careful planning and preparation. To make the transition smoother, it's advisable to consult with a moving company or immigration agent for up-to-date and detailed guidance on the arrival process.

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