For many Filipinos, migrating to a new country offers opportunities for better career prospects, higher wages, and an improved quality of life. Australia and Canada are among the top choices for Filipino migrants due to their strong economies, immigrant-friendly policies, and promising pathways to permanent residency (PR). Canadian citizenship also offers significant benefits, such as access to healthcare and the right to vote.
Choosing between the two, however, requires careful evaluation of key factors, such as cost of living, immigration processes, and PR pathways. Additionally, the IELTS exam is essential for both migration options as it assesses your English language proficiency, which is a critical requirement for immigration to either country.
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Read on as this article compares Australia and Canada to determine which country is the better option for Filipinos like you who are looking to migrate.
Comparing Migration Pathways: Australia vs. Canada
Both Australia and Canada offer structured migration pathways, but their requirements and processes differ significantly.
Migration Pathways to Australia
Skilled Migration Visas – Australia has the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which includes visas like Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa). These visas require a points-based system where applicants are assessed based on age, work experience, education, and English proficiency.
Employer-Sponsored Visas – Filipinos with a job offer from an Australian employer can apply for an Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) or Skills-In-Demand Visa (Subclass 482).
Student Visas & Post-Study Work Visas – Australia provides study-to-PR pathways, allowing Filipino students to work after graduation and later apply for permanent residence in the country.
Migration Pathways to Canada
Express Entry System – Canada’s Express Entry system is a faster and more flexible way to immigrate to Canada and obtain PR. It ranks applicants based on a points system, similar to Australia, but with lower requirements and a faster processing time.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Each Canadian province has its own immigration program to attract skilled workers in specific industries. This provides additional chances for Filipino migrants who do not meet Express Entry’s high requirements. Becoming a permanent resident in Canada through PNP allows individuals to work and live freely within the country.
Family Sponsorship Programs – Canada is more generous with family reunification, making it easier for Filipino families to migrate together.
Eligibility Criteria Comparison
When it comes to immigrating to Canada, understanding the eligibility criteria for various programs is crucial. Here’s a comparison of the requirements for some of the most popular immigration pathways:
Express Entry: To qualify for the Express Entry system, applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience, a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7, and a high school diploma. Additionally, they must meet the criteria for one of the three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Each province in Canada has its own PNP with specific eligibility criteria. Generally, applicants need 1-2 years of work experience, a language proficiency of CLB 4-7, and a high school diploma. These programs are designed to attract skilled workers to meet regional labor market needs.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For the FSWP, applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience, a language proficiency of CLB 7, and a high school diploma. They must also qualify for one of the 347 eligible occupations listed under this program.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The CEC is tailored for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Applicants need a language proficiency of CLB 7 and a high school diploma. This program is ideal for those who have already gained Canadian work experience and wish to transition to permanent residency.
Understanding these criteria can help you determine which pathway best suits your qualifications and career goals.
Documents Required for PR Applications
Applying for permanent residency in Canada involves submitting various documents to support your application. Here are some of the most common documents you’ll need:
Passport: A valid passport is essential for all PR applications.
Birth Certificate: This document is required to verify your age and identity.
Marriage Certificate: If you are married, you’ll need to provide a marriage certificate.
Divorce or Separation Documents: For those who are divorced or separated, relevant documents must be submitted.
Police Certificates: These are required to prove that you have no criminal record in countries where you have lived for a certain period.
Medical Certificate: A medical certificate is necessary for certain PR programs to ensure you meet health requirements.
Language Test Results: Results from language proficiency tests, such as the IELTS General Training Test, are required for many PR programs.
Education Credentials: You’ll need to provide proof of your educational qualifications.
Work Experience Documents: Documents such as employment letters and pay stubs are required to verify your work experience.
Having these documents ready can streamline your application process and increase your chances of success.
Canada PR Application process
The process of applying for permanent residency in Canada involves several key steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
Determine Eligibility: First, identify which immigration program you qualify for based on your skills, work experience, and other criteria.
Gather Documents: Collect all the necessary documents to support your application, including passports, birth certificates, and language test results.
Submit Application: Depending on the program, submit your application online or through a paper application.
Pay Fees: Pay the required application fees to proceed with your PR application.
Wait for Processing: Your application will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This can take several months.
Medical Exam: You may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet health standards.
Interview: Some applicants may need to attend an interview with an immigration officer.
Receive Decision: Finally, you will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you can start your new life in Canada.
Following these steps carefully can help ensure a smooth application process.
Overview of Immigration Policies
Canada’s immigration policies are designed to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the country’s economy. Here are some of the key policies:
Express Entry System: This points-based system allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. It ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): The PNP allows provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on regional labor market needs. Each province has its own criteria and streams.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is part of the Express Entry system and targets skilled workers with at least one year of work experience in one of the 347 eligible occupations.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The CEC is for skilled workers who have gained work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is a key requirement for most immigration programs. Applicants often need to take tests like the IELTS General Training Test to prove their language skills.
Education: Educational qualifications are also crucial, with most programs requiring at least a high school diploma.
These policies are designed to ensure that Canada attracts individuals who can contribute to its economy and society, making it a welcoming destination for skilled workers from around the world.
Canada Immigration Process: Why It’s Simpler
If you're going to think about it, Canada's immigration process is simpler and more accessible to Filipinos than Australia’s. All you have to do if follow this step-by-step process:
Determine Eligibility – Check if you qualify for Canada Immigration Express Entry or if you have to settle for a PNP.
Take the IELTS Exam – Meeting the Canada IELTS requirement is crucial for Express Entry applications.
Create an Express Entry Profile – Enter the pool and wait for an Invitation To Apply (ITA).
Submit PR Application – Once selected, submit necessary documents and undergo medical and background checks.
Receive Confirmation of PR – Once approved, you can migrate to Canada.
Compared to Australia’s lengthy PR process, Canada's system is more efficient, with applications processed in as little as six months. One thing is crucial, though, regardless if you want to migrate to either country--you need to take the IELTS exam. Thankfully, there are numerous IELTS test locations all over the Philippines, so you don't have to travel far just to take the exam.
Cost of Living and Private Health Insurance: Australia vs. Canada
The cost of living is a major concern for Filipino migrants. Here’s a comparison:
Expense | Australia | Canada |
Rent (1BR apartment, city center) | AUD 2,200 (~PHP 81,000) | CAD 1,800 (~PHP 74,000) |
Groceries (monthly) | AUD 600 to 800 (~PHP 22,000 to 29,000) | CAD 400 to 500 (~PHP 16,000 to 20,000) |
Healthcare | Private insurance needed | Private insurance needed |
Transportation (monthly pass) | AUD 100 to 200 (~PHP 3,500 to 7,000) | CAD 100 to 200 (~PHP 4,000 to 8,000) |
Source: Relocate.me, Finder, Top Move Canada, UHomes
Rent and groceries often take the largest chunk from a person’s monthly budget, so Canada may seem cheaper than Australia if you only look at those two factors. In major Canadian cities, rental prices and public transit costs are generally lower compared to major cities in Australia, making it more affordable for international students. However, there are still other factors to consider, like your overall lifestyle, access to free government services, and more.
IELTS General Training Test Requirements for Migration: Canada vs. Australia
Language proficiency is a key requirement for migration. Be guided by this table:
Canada | Australia | |
IELTS Score for International Students | 6.0 overall (undergraduate) 6.5 overall (post-graduate) | 6.0 overall (At least 5.5 in each section) |
IELTS Score for Work Permit | At least 6.0 in each section (varies per job) | At least 6.0 in each section (varies per job) |
IELTS Score for PR Application | At least 6.0 in each section | 6.0 overall (At least 5.0 in each section) |
Exam cost in the Philippines | PHP 12,720 | PHP 12,720 |
Canada has lower IELTS score requirements, making it more accessible for Filipinos.
Why Canada is Better for Permanent Residency
While both countries offer PR pathways, Canada’s system is faster and has more benefits:
Easier PR Process – Canada’s Express Entry system is simpler than Australia’s points-based GSM program. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also provide additional pathways to Canadian citizenship.
Universal Healthcare – Canada offers free healthcare to PR holders, unlike Australia, where private health insurance is often required.
Faster Citizenship – Canada allows PR holders to apply for citizenship after three years, while Australia requires four years. Canadian citizenship offers benefits such as the right to vote and access to healthcare.
Work and Career Opportunities: Canada vs. Australia
Canada currently has more job openings in industries where Filipinos thrive, including:
Healthcare – Nurses and caregivers are in high demand.
Construction & Engineering – Infrastructure growth is driving labor shortages.
IT & Technology – Canada’s tech industry is booming.
While Australia offers similar opportunities, Canada’s immigration policies make it easier to secure long-term employment. Additionally, Canada offers free public schools to children of immigrants until the age of 16 or 18, and families also have the option to enroll their children in private Canadian schools that charge a tuition fee ranging from $6,135 to $10,733 a year.
Which is Better to Migrate: Canada or Australia?
While both countries have advantages, Canada is often the better choice due to:
Simpler Immigration Process - Canada’s immigration system, particularly the Express Entry and PNPs, offers a more straightforward and faster pathway to permanent residency compared to Australia’s points-based system, which often has stricter requirements and longer processing times.
Lower Cost of Living - While both countries offer a high standard of living, Canada generally has more affordable housing, healthcare, and daily expenses, making it a more budget-friendly option for Filipino migrants, especially those moving with their families.
Family-Friendly PR Policies - Canada places a strong emphasis on family reunification, offering PR applicants the ability to sponsor spouses, children, and even parents more easily compared to Australia, making it an attractive option for those who want to bring their loved ones.
Stronger Demand for Skilled Workers - With ongoing labor shortages in industries such as healthcare, IT, and skilled trades, Canada actively recruits foreign talent, providing more opportunities for Filipinos seeking stable, well-paying jobs with a clear pathway to PR.
Is Canada Really the Better Choice for Filipinos?
Choosing between Canada and Australia depends on your personal goals, career aspirations, and lifestyle preferences. While Canada offers a more straightforward immigration process, lower IELTS requirements, and strong support for immigrants, Australia provides excellent job opportunities and a high quality of life. Ultimately, the best destination for you will depend on factors like your profession, financial readiness, and long-term plans for permanent residency.
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