FAQ
Questions & Answers
General Immigration Questions
What are the main pathways to immigrate to Australia or Canada?
- Australia: Skilled migration (General Skilled Migration), employer sponsorship, student visas, family sponsorship, and humanitarian visas.
- Canada: Express Entry (Skilled Worker & Skilled Trades), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, study permits, and business/investor programs.
How long does the immigration process take?
- Processing times vary by visa type, country of application, and demand.
- Australia: Skilled migration can take 8–12 months; family visas may take longer.
- Canada: Express Entry can take as little as 8 -10 months, while PNPs and family sponsorship may take longer.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate?
- Australia: A job offer is not required for General Skilled Migration but is needed for employer-sponsored visas.
- Canada: Express Entry does not require a job offer, but having one boosts your points. PNPs often require a job offer.
Skilled Migration (Express Entry & General Skilled Migration)
What is the eligibility criteria for skilled immigration?
- Age: Usually between 18–45 years old.
- Education: Recognized qualifications.
- Work Experience: Relevant experience in an in-demand occupation.
- Language Skills: English (IELTS, PTE) or French (for Canada).
- Points System: Australia (minimum 65 points), Canada (Express Entry CRS score).
What are the most in-demand occupations?
- Australia: IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, tradespeople, teachers.
- Canada: Healthcare workers, software developers, construction workers, truck drivers, skilled trades.
Family Sponsorship
Can I sponsor my family to join me?
- Australia: You can sponsor a spouse, dependent children, parents, and sometimes relatives.
- Canada: You can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.
How long does family sponsorship take?
- Australia: Spouse visas (12–24 months), parent visas (longer).
- Canada: Spouse visas (12 months), parent visas (longer due to quotas).
Student Visas & Post-Graduation Pathways
Can I work while studying?
- Australia: Yes, up to 48 hours per fortnight (part-time).
- Canada: Yes, up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks.
Can I apply for PR after studying?
- Australia: Yes, Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows work after study, leading to PR pathways.
- Canada: Yes, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work after graduation, helping with PR eligibility.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship
How can I become a permanent resident (PR)?
- Australia: Apply through Skilled Migration, Employer Sponsorship, or Family Sponsorship.
- Canada: Apply through Express Entry, PNPs, or Family Sponsorship.
How long does it take to get citizenship?
- Australia: After 4 years of residence, including 1 year as a PR.
- Canada: After 3 out of 5 years as a PR.
Other Common Questions
What are the language requirements?
- Australia: IELTS/PTE/TOEFL required for most visas.
- Canada: IELTS (English) or TEF (French) required for Express Entry.
What is the cost of immigration?
- Australia: Skilled visas start around AUD 4,000+; other visas vary.
- Canada: Express Entry costs around CAD 2,300+, including fees and medical exams.
Do I need proof of funds?
- Australia: Not required for skilled visas but needed for student visas.
- Canada: Required for Express Entry (unless you have a job offer) and student visas.
Can I bring my spouse and children?
- Yes, most skilled and student visas allow dependents.
