Cost of Living Comparison Between Canada and Nigeria

 Canada Nigeria Difference
Restaurants [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 15.00 C$
(3,630.32 ₦) 2.07 C$
(500.00 ₦)     -86.23 %
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 63.00 C$
(15,247.35 ₦) 23.76 C$
(5,750.00 ₦)     -62.29 %
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 9.00 C$
(2,178.19 ₦) 6.20 C$
(1,500.00 ₦)     -31.14 %
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 6.00 C$
(1,452.13 ₦) 1.12 C$
(270.00 ₦)     -81.41 %
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 6.50 C$
(1,573.14 ₦) 2.07 C$
(500.00 ₦)     -68.22 %
Cappuccino (regular) 3.79 C$
(916.68 ₦) 3.04 C$
(736.36 ₦)     -19.67 %
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 1.96 C$
(473.44 ₦) 0.41 C$
(99.35 ₦)     -79.02 %
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 1.67 C$
(404.31 ₦) 0.26 C$
(64.09 ₦)     -84.15 %
Markets [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Milk (regular), (1 liter) 2.08 C$
(504.37 ₦) 2.54 C$
(613.92 ₦)     +21.72 %
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) 2.78 C$
(672.84 ₦) 1.23 C$
(297.29 ₦)     -55.82 %
Rice (white), (1kg) 3.99 C$
(965.05 ₦) 2.25 C$
(543.41 ₦)     -43.69 %
Eggs (12) 3.33 C$
(805.38 ₦) 2.03 C$
(492.09 ₦)     -38.90 %
Local Cheese (1kg) 11.53 C$
(2,790.47 ₦) 11.98 C$
(2,900.00 ₦)     +3.93 %
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg) 12.99 C$
(3,143.96 ₦) 5.04 C$
(1,218.60 ₦)     -61.24 %
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) 13.98 C$
(3,383.95 ₦) 5.83 C$
(1,411.11 ₦)     -58.30 %
Apples (1kg) 3.93 C$
(950.51 ₦) 3.20 C$
(773.93 ₦)     -18.58 %
Banana (1kg) 1.77 C$
(429.36 ₦) 1.81 C$
(436.95 ₦)     +1.77 %
Oranges (1kg) 3.74 C$
(905.08 ₦) 1.73 C$
(419.55 ₦)     -53.65 %
Tomato (1kg) 3.68 C$
(889.78 ₦) 2.19 C$
(530.12 ₦)     -40.42 %
Potato (1kg) 2.54 C$
(615.08 ₦) 1.74 C$
(421.21 ₦)     -31.52 %
Onion (1kg) 2.43 C$
(587.46 ₦) 1.59 C$
(384.09 ₦)     -34.62 %
Lettuce (1 head) 2.20 C$
(533.10 ₦) 1.29 C$
(313.33 ₦)     -41.22 %
Water (1.5 liter bottle) 2.21 C$
(534.81 ₦) 0.60 C$
(145.71 ₦)     -72.75 %
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) 15.00 C$
(3,630.32 ₦) 4.96 C$
(1,200.00 ₦)     -66.95 %
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) 2.51 C$
(607.31 ₦) 1.07 C$
(257.88 ₦)     -57.54 %
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 2.90 C$
(702.72 ₦) 2.08 C$
(503.00 ₦)     -28.42 %
Pack of Cigarettes (Marlboro) 12.00 C$
(2,904.26 ₦) 0.88 C$
(213.00 ₦)     -92.67 %
Transportation [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) 3.15 C$
(762.37 ₦) 0.41 C$
(100.00 ₦)     -86.88 %
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) 91.00 C$
(22,023.96 ₦) 47.52 C$
(11,500.00 ₦)     -47.78 %
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) 3.50 C$
(847.08 ₦) 1.65 C$
(400.00 ₦)     -52.78 %
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) 1.84 C$
(445.32 ₦) 2.07 C$
(500.00 ₦)     +12.28 %
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) 31.78 C$
(7,691.44 ₦) 6.20 C$
(1,500.00 ₦)     -80.50 %
Gasoline (1 liter) 1.06 C$
(256.72 ₦) 0.60 C$
(145.00 ₦)     -43.52 %
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) 23,000.00 C$
(5,566,494.45 ₦) 16,527.46 C$
(4,000,000.00 ₦)     -28.14 %
Toyota Corolla 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) 21,449.83 C$
(5,191,319.61 ₦) 22,766.57 C$
(5,510,000.00 ₦)     +6.14 %
Utilities (Monthly) [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 140.80 C$
(34,077.13 ₦) 58.22 C$
(14,090.91 ₦)     -58.65 %
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.30 C$
(73.71 ₦) 0.12 C$
(28.53 ₦)     -61.29 %
Internet (10 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 60.03 C$
(14,528.00 ₦) 64.49 C$
(15,607.14 ₦)     +7.43 %
Sports And Leisure [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult 48.92 C$
(11,840.85 ₦) 47.04 C$
(11,384.62 ₦)     -3.85 %
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) 20.64 C$
(4,995.87 ₦) 10.33 C$
(2,500.00 ₦)     -49.96 %
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat 12.99 C$
(3,143.86 ₦) 6.20 C$
(1,500.00 ₦)     -52.29 %
Childcare [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Private, Monthly for 1 Child 885.12 C$
(214,217.84 ₦) ?
(? ₦)  
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child 16,000.00 C$
(3,872,343.97 ₦) ?
(? ₦)  
Clothing And Shoes [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) 60.19 C$
(14,566.27 ₦) 25.31 C$
(6,125.00 ₦)     -57.95 %
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) 42.98 C$
(10,401.12 ₦) 39.42 C$
(9,541.67 ₦)     -8.26 %
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) 99.61 C$
(24,108.60 ₦) 45.73 C$
(11,066.67 ₦)     -54.10 %
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes 121.22 C$
(29,338.74 ₦) 67.21 C$
(16,266.67 ₦)     -44.56 %
Rent Per Month [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 1,130.14 C$
(273,519.01 ₦) 597.24 C$
(144,545.45 ₦)     -47.15 %
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 895.87 C$
(216,819.89 ₦) 206.59 C$
(50,000.00 ₦)     -76.94 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 1,876.56 C$
(454,167.60 ₦) 1,675.88 C$
(405,600.00 ₦)     -10.69 %
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 1,488.75 C$
(360,310.71 ₦) 847.03 C$
(205,000.00 ₦)     -43.10 %
Buy Apartment Price [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre 4,414.31 C$
(1,068,357.31 ₦) 1,101.83 C$
(266,666.50 ₦)     -75.04 %
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre 3,099.77 C$
(750,210.94 ₦) 436.14 C$
(105,555.33 ₦)     -85.93 %
Salaries And Financing [ Edit ] [ Edit ]
Average Monthly Disposable Salary (Net After Tax) 2,913.74 C$
(705,188.91 ₦) 340.88 C$
(82,500.00 ₦)     -88.30 %
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly 2.88 19.00     +560.28 %
Last update: February, 2017 February, 2017
Contributors: 5757 99
Data from past: 18 months 12 months
Currency: CAD

Where can I get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

Where can I get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

We have a list of “designated” organizations that can assess your education. This means we recognize and accept their assessments. They will create a report that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.

You must use one of the organizations listed below. You can visit their websites to find out more about the services each provides and their costs.

We only accept assessments issued on or after the date the organizations were designated to do ECA reports for immigration purposes (see below).

If you got a report before that date, contact the organization to see if they will re-issue it.
Assessment of most foreign education

    Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (Date designated: April 17, 2013)
    International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (Date designated: April 17, 2013)
    World Education Services (Date designated: April 17, 2013)
    International Qualifications Assessment Service (Date designated: August 6, 2015) and
    International Credential Evaluation Service (Date designated: August 6, 2015)

Most people will be able to choose one of these to do their ECA. If you are not sure, contact the organization using the information on their website.

If an organization is not on this list, we can’t accept assessments from them.
Assessment for specialist and family physicians

You must get your report from the Medical Council of Canada (Date designated: April 17, 2013) if your primary occupation is:

    specialist physician (2011 NOC code 3111), or
    general practitioner/family physician (2011 NOC code 3112).

Assessment for pharmacists

If you are a pharmacist (NOC code 3131), where you need to get your report depends on your job.

If you need a license to practice (for example, you care for patients in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, long term care facility, etc.) you must get your report from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. (Date designated: January 6, 2014).

If you do not need a license for your job, you can get your assessment from one of the other designated ECA organizations above. For example, if you work in the pharmaceutical industry or government you may need a pharmacy degree but may not need to have a licence to practice.

Contact the regulatory body in the province where you plan to live to find out if you need a licence to practice.

BEFORE YOU WORK IN CANADA

Learn about credential assessment in Canada

You will need to have the education, work experience or professional credentials you received outside Canada assessed if you are:

    immigrating to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker
    coming to Canada to work in specific professions or trades, or
    coming to Canada to study,

Credential assessment will help you:

    see whether your credentials are equal to the standards set for Canadian workers
    find out whether you need more training, education or Canadian work experience
    understand the types of jobs for which you might be qualified
    help employers understand your qualifications

You can start the credential assessment and recognition process before you arrive in Canada. This takes time and costs money.
1. To immigrate as a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

To apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) of your completed foreign educational credentials.

An ECA is used to verify whether your:

    foreign degree,
    diploma,
    certificate, or
    other proof of your credential.

is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada for the purpose of immigrating to Canada.

Remember that you will also have to have your skills and training assessed to work in particular jobs in Canada.

Find out more about the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
2. To work in some jobs in Canada, including certain trades

Reminder: No matter which type of job you are looking for, make sure you have the language skills needed. Even if you have the language skills needed to immigrate to Canada, those skills may not be strong enough to work in your preferred profession.

Find out more about improving your English or French.

There are two types of occupations in Canada: regulated (including trades) and non-regulated.
Regulated occupations, including trades

A regulated occupation (for example, architect, engineer or plumber) is controlled by provincial and territorial (and sometimes federal) law and governed by a regulatory body or apprenticeship authority. They are also called professions, skilled trades or apprenticeable trades. These jobs are regulated to protect public health and safety, and to make sure that people working in those jobs are qualified. About 20 percent of jobs in Canada are regulated.

A regulatory body usually assesses credential recognition. Check with the regulatory body or other organization for your occupation to find out whether you need an assessment. They can tell you which credential assessment agency you should use. You can find contact information for your regulatory body on Job Bank. You can also check their website to find information about:

    licensing,
    eligibility,
    the recognition process, and
    fees.

To work in a regulated occupation and use a regulated title, you must:

    have a licence or
    a certificate or
    be registered with the regulatory body for your occupation in the province or territory where you want to work.

Each regulated occupation has its own requirements for getting a licence or certificate. Requirements can be different between provinces and territories. Requirements for entry usually include:

    An assessment of your training and skills against the profession’s standards by comparing your original academic transcripts and other related documents, such as university course descriptions, with the training provided by Canadian colleges and universities
    Written examinations, an interview or both
    An evaluation of your language and communication skills
    A specified period of supervised work experience

You will be evaluated as an individual. Do not compare your experience directly with that of someone else. You must understand the requirements as they apply to your own situation in the province or territory where you intend to work.

If you want to work in a trade (carpenter, electrician, bakers), visit Red Seal for more details about the training, skills and experience you will need to meet. As a tradesperson, you may be eligible to immigrate through the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

In Canada, some provinces and territories regulate certain professions and trades while others do not. If you have a licence to work in one province or territory, it may not be accepted in others.

Find out more about how to get your credentials assessed to work in Canada.
Non-regulated occupations

Some employers require that job applicants be registered or certified by the relevant professional association. Credential assessment and recognition helps Canadian employers understand your qualifications.

Job requirements can vary greatly between employers. Be prepared to prove that you have the education or experience to do the job. You may have to:

    demonstrate a certain level of skill and competence,
    have a specific amount of education, and
    have personal characteristics suitable for the job.

A credential assessment agency can assess your educational credentials for a fee. You may include this information in your résumé or curriculum vitæ (CV).

Find out more about how to get your credentials assessed to work in Canada
3. To study

If you plan to study in Canada, you will need to have your educational credentials assessed. Some post-secondary schools can do the assessment. In other cases you will need to go to an assessment agency. Contact the post-secondary school you want to attend in Canada to find out what kind of assessment they require and accept. Then, contact the assessment agency recommended by the school you want to attend, if required.

Assessment agencies can compare your academic credentials with similar ones in Canada’s post-secondary educational system. Assessments done by assessment agencies help employers, post-secondary institutions, and professional bodies understand your academic background. They do not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification/licensing purposes

Canadian Geography

Canadian Geography
Canada is the most northerly country of the Americas and the second largest country in the world.
It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the United States of America (USA) to the South. It spans a total area that covers almost ten million square kilometers (9,984,670 sq km). To put it into clear perspective, Canada could contain 18 countries the size of France, or 40 United Kingdoms. Canada has six time zones, as well as the longest coastline of any country.

Canada is a mosaic of regions, from the rugged mountains of the West to the farm communities of the prairies, from the industrial and political powerhouse of Ontario to the modern Francophone culture of Québec, and from the quaint fishing communities of the east coast to the great white North. The beauty and diversity of Canada are proud icons of what Canada has become.

Most of the country is made up of plains, with mountains in the west and prairies in the central areas. Approximately 90 per cent of the over 35 million people living in Canada are located within 160 km of the US border and about 75 percent of the total population lives in major cities or towns. There are more lakes and inland waters in Canada than in any other country. There are over two million lakes in Canada, which translates into 7.6 per cent (755,180 sq km) of the world's fresh water.

Canada is divided into 10 provinces and three territories. The northernmost part of Canada extends into the frigid Arctic Circle, while the southernmost parts stretch down to or below the US border. Canada and the United States share many geographic characteristics in common, such as the Rocky Mountains, four of the Great Lakes, the Appalachian Highlands, and various rivers.

Canada has a boreal climate. Winters are cold, with average daily temperatures ranging between -2.5°C and -10°C (though much colder temperatures are possible), while summers are relatively warm by comparison, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 28°C in the southern regions. Canadian temperatures have climbed up to a scorching 35°C in the summer and descended to a glacial -40°C during winter.

British Columbia receives the most temperate climate in all of Canada. It rarely snows in the low-lying areas, and the Coastal Range and the Rocky Mountains prevent the Pacific air from traveling to the Prairies.

The Canadian Prairies traverse east from the Rocky Mountains all the way to the Great Lakes. Farming is a major industry in this part of the Country. Cold winters and muggy, hot, summers are common. Ample spring rainfalls and clement autumns make the Prairies one of the top grain growing areas of the world.

More than half of Canada's population lives near the Great Lakes or along the St. Lawrence River. Winter is very snowy and wind-chilled, while summers are humid and longer than anywhere else in Canada. There's enough rainfall to sustain the region's sizable farm industry.

This territory is quite inclement and has one of the most capricious weather systems anywhere in the country. In winter, temperatures can vary tempestuously as the Arctic's breath is replaced by maritime air from cursory storms. Snowfall is relatively strong, and fog is frequently present in spring and at the beginning of the summer season. July is the warmest month of the year.

North of the Prairies and the St. Lawrence is an expansive hyperborean forest. This area is snow-capped most of the year, and summer lingers for approximately two months. Above the tree-line lies the Arctic, temperatures rise above freezing only for a few weeks a year and the ground is permanently frozen.

Political System in canada

Political System
Canada is what is known as a "Democratic Federation" with both federal and provincial levels of government.
Responsibilities and powers are divided between the federal branch and its provincial executives. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a department of the government of Canada.

The government of Canada and the Canadian political system are quite complex, and based loosely on the British Westminster system. The system Canada follows today was initially drafted by the "Fathers of Confederation" in 1864, and became law in 1867 when the Constitution Act was passed. The Act gave executive authority to the Queen of Great Britain and Ireland (as was the official title for the Monarch at the time), which made Canada a sovereign constitutional monarchy.

The federal government has the power to create laws for the peace, order, and responsible government of Canada. This includes federal jurisdictions such as international affairs, defence, immigration, criminal law, customs and border control. The provincial governments are responsible for, or share jurisdiction over, healthcare, education, and driver licensing and registrations, among other items.

The Canadian political establishment is centered in Ottawa, Canada's capital, with the two houses of Parliament situated on Parliament Hill. There is an upper house, The Senate, and a lower house, The House of Commons. Members of the House of Commons are called "Members of Parliament" (MPs), and are elected by the people to represent their interests and deliberate on various national issues affecting Canadians.

Electoral districts are divided into geographical areas known as ridings. The candidate with the most votes in the riding in which he or she is standing for office wins the authority to act in the best interests of the riding by taking his or her "seat" in Parliament.

The provincial political systems are based on the same doctrine as its federal counterpart. The provincial governments are referred to as "Legislative Assemblies" (except the "National Assembly" of Quebec), and the Queen's representative in each Assembly is called the "Lieutenant Governor". Generally, every four or five years an election is called by the reigning Premier. Pending the results of the election, the Lieutenant Governor will ask the leader of the party with the most seats in the Assembly to become the Premier of the province and form a government.

Canadian Economy

Canadian Economy
Canada ranks among the 10 leading manufacturing nations.
Most of Canada's manufacturing industry is located in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Other important manufacturing sectors in Canada include food and beverages, paper and allied products, primary metals, fabricated metals, petrochemicals, and chemicals.

The Atlantic, Prairie, and Pacific regions of Canada have concentrated on establishing their natural resource-based economies such as fishing, forestry, and mining. The Prairie provinces are dependent on agriculture and mineral fuels, while British Columbia's primary industries are forestry and mining, and tourism.

In recent years, Alberta has played an increasingly important role within the Canadian economy due to its abundant natural resources and strong oil and gas sectors. From oil and gas to precious minerals, lumber, and agriculture, the country is rich in natural resources.

The Canadian Education System

The Canadian Education System
Canada is home to some of the world’s top educational institutions.
With so many choices, it is important to focus your school search to find the best option for you. Here are some tips for finding your ideal program and school:

Generally speaking, schools fall into one of four categories:

University/College
Trade/Vocational
Language Schools
Primary/Secondary
Firstly, you should decide what sort of program you would like to enrol in. You should ask yourself questions like:

Do I want to obtain a degree?
How will my studies enhance or change my career?
Do I want to use my education as a stepping stone for Canadian permanent residence?
How much time and money can I commit to my education?
It is important to choose a program that connects your short- and long-term goals. You may be able to attend information sessions from schools you are considering.

You can learn more about different Canadian schools, as well as their various programs of study, with the Canadavisa School Search.

You may wish to speak with school representatives, current students, or alumni to get a better idea of the pros and cons of a program or school. You may also wish to attend school informational sessions online or at a location near you.

Once you have decided on your course of study, you will want to make a list of schools that teach your program and appeal to you. Some factors to take into account are:

Tuition costs
Location
Cost of living while at school
Teacher-student ratio
Student organizations
School support for international students
Some prospective students choose to apply to several schools, while others focus on just one institution. Decide where you want to go, and move on to beginning the application process. After you have chosen your ideal school, you must apply for acceptance. To learn more about the school admission process, please click here.

Canada has both a public and private education system. From kindergarten through to university, the Canadian Government subsidizes a great portion of the financial burden of educating its young minds.

Canada has one of the highest educational standards when compared to other industrialized nations. The school year normally runs from September through to the following June. Secondary studies go up to Grades 11, 12, or 13, depending on the province. After which, students may choose to attend university, college, or Cegep (in Quebec) for post-secondary studies. Canada has many internationally recognized university programs located in both urban and rural regions throughout the nation. Degrees awarded from Canadian universities are recognized as equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities. The university year usually runs from September to April or May.

International students may choose to study in either one of Canada's two official languages. Some universities even offer instruction in both, though students do not need to be fluent in both languages to attend school in Canada.

Health Care in canada

Health Care
Canada has a public health care system that makes critical care accessible to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents alike.
Although the health care systems are run by Provincial ministries of health, the Federal Government sets the standards for health care across the country.

There are three provinces that charge health care premiums (BC, Alberta and Ontario). In the remaining provinces and territories, health care is paid for through taxes. Provincial governments are responsible for the actual administration and delivery of health care in their jurisdictions.

Learn more about health care in specific provinces and territories:

Health Care in Alberta
Health Care in British Columbia
Health Care in Manitoba
Health Care in New Brunswick
Health Care in Newfoundland And Labrador
Health Care in Nova Scotia
Health Care in Ontario
Health Care in Prince Edward Island
Health Care in Quebec
Health Care in Saskatchewan
Health Care in Northwest Territories
Health Care in Nunavut
Health Care in Yukon

Canadian Culture

Canadian Culture
With only 35 million people, Canada's population is modest compared to its more densely populated southern neighbour.
There are over 200 distinct cultures in Canada. The nation is often defined as a "cultural mosaic" with a greater mix of people from diverse backgrounds than almost anywhere else on Earth. Canada encourages its people to hold closely to their traditions and culture. Around two-fifths of the country's population comes from an origin other than British or French.

The Canadian government, through the Multiculturalism Act, aims to preserve and enhance multiculturalism through official policy. Among other aims, Canada strives to "promote the understanding and creativity that arise from the interaction between individuals and communities of different origins."



Bilingualism in Canada
There are two official languages in Canada: English and French.

Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms assures the protection of both languages, and the Canadian government is required by law to recognize, preserve and support the equality of both languages in Canadian society. All of the services offered by the federal government are available in both languages, and almost every product sold in the country has English and French labeling and packaging.

Quebec is Canada's only predominantly French-speaking province and New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in the country. The city of Montreal, Quebec, is recognized as the world's largest French-speaking metropolis outside France. Outside the borders of Quebec, most people speak English, with about 18 percent of all Canadians being fluently bilingual.

Canadian Immigration Success Stories

Canadian Immigration Success Stories
Michaëlle Jean, a Haitian-born Canadian, was Canada's 27th Governor-General.
Michaëlle Jean immigrated to Canada from Port-au-Prince in 1968 and studied at the University of Montreal as well as Universities in Italy before beginning her career as a Quebec television journalist in 1988. While Jean tended to her pursuit of higher education she assisted hundreds of women and children in crisis, and passionately donated her time to the establishment of a network of emergency shelters throughout the province of Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.

Jean's deep commitment to social causes and domestic issues fostered her prosperous career as a highly respected journalist and anchor for Radio-Canada working as a reporter and host on such news and public affairs programs as Actuel, Montreal ce soir, Virages and Le Point. Since 1995 she has worked on such shows as Le Monde ce soir, L'E‰dition quebecoise, Horizons francophones, le Journal RDI and RDI à l'écoute. Anglo-Canadian viewers of the CBC were first introduced to Jean in 2000, when she began presenting documentaries on The Passionate Eye and Rough Cuts.

"My ancestors were slaves, they fought for freedom. I was born in Haiti, the poorest country in our hemisphere. I am a daughter of exiles driven from their home by a dictatorial regime . . . I have come a long way."- Michaëlle Jean

At Jean's official public appointing to her duties as the newly elected Governor-General of Canada, Prime Minister Paul Martin said "She has known what it is to come to a new country with little more than hope, hope and a belief that with hard work a new country can bring new opportunity," and furthered his motion by calling Jean "an extremely talented woman who will bring a new perspective to the office."

Jean, in her first press conference as Governor-General of Canada, stated that she wanted to reach out to young people and the disadvantaged. Prime Minister Paul Martin, never one to miss an opportunity to exalt the virtues of this great nation, was quoted as saying that "She is a reflection of that great quality of Canada, a country which focuses on equality of opportunity."



What does it mean to be Canada's Governor-General?
The role of the Canadian Governor-General is mostly symbolic and ceremonial in nature. The position is selected by the Prime Minister of Canada, although the formal appointment is made by the Queen of England. The term of office is usually five years, but may be extended up to seven years. Traditionally the appointment of Governor-General alternates between Anglophone and francophone candidates. The official duties of the Governor-General of Canada include:

Giving Royal Assent to bills passed in the Canadian House of Commons and the Senate.
Reading the Speech from the Throne which outlines the Canadian federal government agenda for a new session of Parliament.
Executing orders-in-council or cabinet decisions.
Appointing superior court judges, on the advice of cabinet.
Summoning, closing and dissolving Parliament, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Inviting the leader of the party with the most support in the House of Commons to form the government.
Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Encouraging excellence in Canada through a system of honors and awards such as the Order of Canada and promotes national identity and national unity.

Canada Tax Advantages

Canada Tax Advantages
People are attracted to Canada for many reasons: a stable political climate, safety and security, universal health care, good job opportunities, excellent educational facilities, clean air and a well deserved reputation for quality of life are just some of them.
Tax benefits, however, are not usually included on this list. They should be.

To begin with, the following principles of taxation apply:

Canada taxes individuals on the basis of their residence and not their citizenship. A Canadian permanent resident may apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport after three years (soon to be four years).
Canada taxes its residents on their worldwide income, but allows offshore trusts for new permanent residents.
Canadian citizens who are non-residents of Canada do not pay Canadian tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents pay Canadian tax only on certain Canadian-sourced income and capital gain.
There are no estate duties or succession duties in Canada.
New Canadian permanent residents can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, Canadian taxes with proper planning in advance of their arrival. They are permitted to establish a properly structured offshore trust to shelter non-Canadian sourced income and capital gain for up to five years after their arrival in Canada. During this five-year tax holiday the individual can acquire Canadian citizenship and choose to become a non-resident for Canadian tax purposes. In this manner the income and capital gain generated by the trust never falls into the Canadian tax net.

Taken all together, Canada is the right choice — even from a taxation point of view.

CRS Requirement Dips to 441 in February 22 Express Entry Draw

The number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required by candidates in Canada's Express Entry immigration selection system to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) continues to decrease. On February 22, a total of 3,611 candidates with 441 or more CRS points received an ITA. This is comfortably the lowest points threshold of any draw since Express Entry was first launched more than two years ago.

The February 22 Express Entry draw is the latest in a succession of draws that have seen the CRS requirement continually decrease, from 497 just over two months ago to just 441 today. Indeed, this is the first draw in which candidates who are educated up to Bachelor's Degree level only, and who have no work experience in Canada and no additional points for a provincial nomination, a job offer, or previous study in Canada, could theoretically be invited to apply based on their other factors alone, assuming that they have only taken a language test in one language.

Candidates who receive an ITA are now in a position to submit an application for Canadian permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Accompanying family members, including spouses or common-law partners, as well as dependent children, may also come to Canada along with the principal applicant.
Individuals who wish to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), Federal Skilled Trades Class (FTSC), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC), are first required to enter the Express Entry pool. Upon entering the pool, they are assigned a CRS score based on factors including civil status information, education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. Candidates are ranked in the pool according to their CRS score, and IRCC periodically conducts draws to invite the highest-ranking candidates to submit an application.

Candidates in the pool may increase their ranking in a number of ways.

Learn more about increasing CRS score and ranking.

For more information on draws from the Express Entry pool that have taken place so far,
Express Entry quick facts, from January 1, 2015 to February 22, 2017

Launch date: January 1, 2015
First draw from the pool: January 31, 2015
Most recent draw from the pool: February 22, 2017
Minimum CRS points required for selection in any one draw: 441 (February 22, 2017)
Largest number of invitations to apply issued in any one draw: 3,664 (February 8, 2017)
Fewest invitations to apply issued in any one draw: 559 (November 30, 2016. Note: This draw invited candidates with a provincial nomination only.)
Largest decrease in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 273 (from May 22, 2015 to June 12, 2015 draws)
Smallest decrease in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 0 (on three occasions)
Largest increase in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 316 (from November 16, 2016 to November 30. Note: The latter draw invited candidates with a provincial nomination only.)
Smallest increase in CRS points required between two consecutive draws: 0 (on three occasions)
Longest gap between two consecutive draws: 35 days (from April 17, 2015 to May 22, 2015 draws)
Shortest gap between two consecutive draws: 6 days (from December 16 to December 22, 2016)
Total number of ITAs issued in 2015: 31,063
Total number of ITAs issued in 2016: 33,782
Total number of ITAs issued in 2017: 17,019
Total number of ITAs issued since system was launched: 81,864

Express Entry CRS Requirement Falls to New Record Low

Another 3,611 candidates for immigration to Canada and their accompanying family members are well on their way to Canada following the latest Express Entry draw, which took place on February 22. The number of Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required in order for candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) was 441, marking a new record.

This point threshold means that a greater variety of candidates may now submit an application for Canadian permanent residence. The new record low means that it is possible for a candidate educated up to Bachelor’s Degree level only, who has no Canadian work or study experience, as well as no additional points for a provincial nomination or a job offer, to obtain an ITA, if he or she is only evaluated for one language.

The following scenario shows how this is possible.

Take Sean, a 29-year-old single candidate with advanced English ability. He is educated up to Bachelor’s Degree level, with no other post-secondary education credential. He has completed three years of skilled work abroad, and has never worked or studied in Canada. He doesn’t have a job offer or a provincial nomination, but his other factors mean that he is awarded 441 CRS points, enough for him to obtain an ITA in the latest draw.

Other hypothetical scenarios reveal other ways in which a variety of candidates receive an ITA.

Like Sean, Catherine is also 29 years old with advanced English ability, a Bachelor’s Degree, and three years of skilled work experience abroad. She has also never worked or studied in Canada. However, she has an accompanying spouse who has advanced English ability and is also educated at a Bachelor’s level. These factors give her 443 CRS points.

Carlos is a 40-year old single candidate with two post-secondary education credentials, one of which is a Bachelor’s Degree obtained in his home country. He has initial advanced language ability, and worked a skilled job abroad for five years before coming to Canada on a work permit, where he completed another year of work. He doesn’t have a provincial nomination or a job offer, but his 442 CRS points were enough for him to obtain an ITA.

Marine is 49 years old and has never worked or studied in Canada. She has advanced English and initial advanced French ability, and has worked in a skilled position for more than six years. Prior to that, she obtained a Master’s Degree. After entering the Express Entry pool with 395 points, she networked using the contacts she had made before eventually landing a qualifying job offer in Canada in a non-senior management position. This factor gave her a 50-point boost, enough for her to be invited to apply with 445 CRS points.

Even though these are hypothetical scenarios, it is candidates like these who are now in a position to immigrate to Canada as landed permanent residents well before the end of 2017. Although some invited candidates may have entered the pool over recent weeks and months, others may have initially entered the pool long before the CRS requirement began to decrease substantially through the fall and winter months.
The significant decrease in the CRS threshold over recent months has come in the wake of improvements to the Express Entry system that came into effect on November 19, 2017. Among other changes, the number of points awarded for a qualifying job offer was reduced from 600 to either 50 or 200 points, depending on the position offered. As a result, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) predicted that ‘A reduction of points to candidates with arranged employment means the CRS cut-off will decline.’

Based on recent draws, it would seem that IRCC’s predictions are coming true.

The fact that the number of ITAs being issued has increased over recent draws, as shown below, is another contributing factor to the decrease in the CRS requirement
Other recent Express Entry news

Canada’s provinces have been active since mid-February with respect to their Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

First, Saskatchewan opened its International Skilled Worker – Express Entry sub-category for 500 new applications on February 14. It was no surprise when the intake quota was filled within a day, showing again that this first-come, first-served sub-category is one that requires preparation on the part of potential applications.

On February 17, British Columbia invited a total of 190 eligible skilled workers and graduates in the Express Entry pool to submit an application to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). These candidates had first created an Express Entry profile before then indicating their interest in immigrating to BC by registering in the province’s unique Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS).

Then on February 21, Ontario reopened its popular Express Entry-aligned Human Capital Priorities stream. This passive stream allows the province of Ontario to scour the Express Entry pool for eligible potential applicants. Among other eligibility criteria, candidates must have at least 400 CRS points.

“It has been a busy couple of weeks in Express Entry, both at the federal and provincial levels,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“Not only has the CRS point requirement come down yet again — and who knows, it may come down even further — but the provinces have shown again and again that they are eager to recruit newcomers. The starting point for any potential candidate, however, is to create an Express Entry profile.”

Canada Skilled Worker Immigration

Canada Skilled Worker Immigration
Foreign skilled workers and professionals are greatly needed in Canada.
One of the main goals of Canadian immigration is to welcome skilled newcomers who will contribute to Canada's growing economy. Skilled workers who settle in Canada on a permanent basis are especially valuable to Canada's economy and the strength of its workforce.

Successful applicants of the Skilled Worker Immigration programs will receive a Canadian Immigration (permanent resident) Visa, allowing the applicant to immigrate to Canada with his or her family.

Canada's 2017 Immigration Plan
Canada will welcome an increased number of immigrants through skilled worker programs in 2017.

Get the details

As a skilled worker or professional, you have several options to consider. For example, you can either apply under Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Class. In addition, if you know in which province or territory you plan to reside, you may be able to submit an application through one of the provincial nominee programs. Below, you will find a list of those programs for you to explore. We also encourage you to start your free assessment.

Federal Skilled Worker: This program is for individuals with certain work experience who intend to reside in any province or territory outside of the province of Quebec.
Quebec Skilled Worker: Applicants who plan to immigrate to the province of Quebec may be eligible to submit an application through this program.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Most provinces and territories have created their own skilled worker programs for those intending to live and work in their particular province or territory. These are fast-track Canadian immigration programs that allow candidates to receive a provincial nomination certificate. In most cases, a nomination certificate will allow candidates to immigrate more quickly than through other Canadian immigration programs.
Many Canadian employers are actively seeking foreign skilled workers to join their workforce as quickly as possible. If you can obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may also qualify for fast-track Canadian immigration application processing.

Enhanced Provincial Nomination

Enhanced Provincial Nomination
Most Canadian provinces and territories are able to nominate a certain number of candidates through the Express Entry system to meet local and provincial labour market needs. These portions of the PNPs are known as 'enhanced' nominations.

Candidates in the Express Entry pool who obtain a nomination from a province are awarded 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, out of a possible total of 1,200. When these additional points are added to a candidate’s human capital and skills transferability points, it will result in an Invitation To Apply for permanent residence being issued to the candidate at a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.

Depending on the province or territory, candidates eligible to enter the Express Entry pool may either enter the pool first and then be nominated by a province or territory, or be nominated by a province or territory before completing an online Express Entry profile and entering the Express Entry pool. In most cases, candidates are required to be in the pool before an application for an enhanced provincial nomination certificate can be made.

Base Provincial Nomination

Base Provincial Nomination
Provinces and territories are also able to make nominations under their regular, or 'base', PNP streams outside the Express Entry system. Provincial and territorial nominations made outside the Express Entry system are subject to particular PNP streams and processing standards. An individual who successfully obtains a base nomination from a province will not be awarded 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System.

Individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada, but who may not be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, may still be able to make an application to immigrate to Canada through a base PNP stream, as long as they are eligible for the particular PNP. Base nominations may therefore provide Canadian immigration opportunities to individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry.

Candidates who receive a base nomination have their applications processed outside Express Entry. The route from a successful base nomination to permanent residence is a two-step process. Candidates must first satisfy the criteria for a PNP stream, apply, and receive a nomination certificate. With this certificate in hand, candidates may apply to the federal government, which will oversee the necessary medical and security background checks before granting permanent resident status.

New Immigration Opportunities for Graduates through Ontario

Many international graduates from publicly-funded universities in Ontario now have a further option for permanent immigration. The International Student — Masters Graduate and International Student — PhD Graduate streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reopened on February 21, 2017. This is the first time these two streams have opened since a temporary pause took effect on May 9, 2016.

In reopening these two streams that target talented and highly-educated individuals, the Ontario government is recognizing that international graduates are desirable as future newcomers to the province. Having already established themselves in the province through their studies, and in many cases through employment, international graduates may find themselves in a prime position to settle and integrate successfully into Ontario’s labour market and society.

One of the most attractive characteristics of these OINP streams is that a candidate does not require a job offer in order to be eligible. Moreover, a candidate does not have to be residing in Ontario at the time of application. While this was previously the case for candidates under the International PhD Graduate category, it represents a new and more relaxed criterion for International Masters Graduate candidates. Previously, candidates under this latter stream were required to be living in Ontario at the time of application. International PhD Graduate candidates may be residing anywhere in Canada or outside Canada; International Masters Graduate candidates may be residing outside Canada (however, if they are residing in Canada but outside Ontario, they are not eligible to apply).

Successful applicants to these two streams receive a ‘base’ provincial nomination certificate, putting them in a position to submit an application for permanent residence to the federal government. The term ‘base’ refers to the fact that the streams are not aligned with the federal Express Entry system, but still provide a route to Canadian permanent resident status.

Another popular stream of the OINP, the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream, also reopened on February 21. This stream issues Notifications of Interest to candidates in the Express Entry pool whose profiles meet the province’s requirements. To learn more about the opening of the Human Capital Priorities Stream, consult this comprehensive article.

New online application process

The government of Ontario has introduced an online application system, with the goal of making it easier to apply while also improving customer service and processing times. Applicants to the International Masters Graduate and International PhD Graduate streams may submit an application online as of February 21.

Eligibility requirements

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS GRADUATES PHD GRADUATES
Must intend to live and work in Ontario Must intend to live and work in Ontario
Must have graduated from an existing Master’s program at an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario
The program of study must have been at least one year in length and must have been completed on a full-time basis
Must have successfully completed all PhD program requirements at an eligible publicly-funded university in Ontario
At least two years of PhD studies must have been completed at the Ontario university
Must submit the application within two years of the date on which the Masters degree was granted Must submit the application within two years of the date on which the PhD was granted
Must have legal status (i.e. study permit, work permit, visitor record) if living in Ontario at the time of the application
Applicants may be living outside Canada at the time of application; however, individuals living in Canada but outside Ontario are ineligible to apply
Candidates do not need to have legal status in Canada if they are applying from outside Canada
Must have legal status (i.e. study permit, work permit, visitor record) if living in Canada at the time of the application
Applicants to this stream do not have to be living in Canada at the time of application
Candidates do not need to have legal status in Canada if they are applying from outside Canada
Must demonstrate an adequate intermediate proficiency level in English or French of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or above in all four competencies (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
Must be able to show a minimum level of savings and/or income in order to support themselves and their dependents
Must show that they have resided in Ontario for at least 12 cumulative months in the 24 months before submitting an application

Ontario Reopens Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream

Canada’s most popular destination province for new immigrants, Ontario, has reopened its Human Capital Priorities immigration stream as of February 21, 2017. This stream, part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is only used to select candidates in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry pool.

The stream was last open in early 2016, before the government of Ontario placed a temporary pause on several of its immigration streams, including the Human Capital Priorities Stream, on May 9 2016.

Selected Express Entry candidates may benefit significantly from this stream re-opening, as a nomination from the OINP through the Human Capital Priorities Stream results in an Express Entry candidate receiving an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. That candidate is then placed at the front of the line for selection by the government of Canada in a subsequent draw from the Express Entry pool.

Candidates identified by the OINP receive a Notification of Interest (NOI), which serves as an invitation to the candidate to apply to the OINP under this stream. Selected candidates have only 45 days to apply to the OINP once the NOI has been issued. Successful applicants receive an enhanced provincial nomination certificate, which may then be added to their Express Entry profile in order to receive the additional 600 CRS points.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates may not apply directly. Instead, they must first receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the OINP, which accesses the Express Entry pool and identifies potential candidates who:

Have a minimum score of 400 under the CRS, and,
Meet other criteria of the stream (see below).
To be considered for selection by Ontario under this stream, Express Entry candidates must be eligible under either the Federal Skilled Worker Class or the Canadian Experience Class; Federal Skilled Trades Class candidates are not considered.

Candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Class must have at least one year of work experience within the past five years. Meanwhile, Canadian Experience Class candidates must have one year of work experience within the past three years.

In addition, only those candidates who have indicated an interest in residing in Ontario (either by selecting Ontario of “all provinces and territories” in the relevant section in the Express Entry profile) are considered.

Candidates are required to be educated up to Bachelor’s Degree level or higher, and have proven language ability in English or French at the advanced-intermediate (Canadian Language Benchmark 7) level or above. They must also be able to show settlement funds, to show that they are able to support themselves and their family members, if applicable, upon arrival in the province.

“It has been around a year since Ontario last issued Notifications of Interest under this stream. Consequently, many Express Entry candidates who only began their interest in immigrating to Canada around that time or since may not be familiar with this stream,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“It is important to note that this is a unique immigration stream, in that it is passive and has what might seem to many as a unique set of eligibility criteria. More important, however, is to note that this is an opportunity that is only available to those individuals who take the step to create an Express Entry profile in the first place.”

Australia Visa list

Visitor visas
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Transit visa (subclass 771)
Visitor (subclass 600)
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Working and skilled visas
Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visa (subclass 888)
Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188)
Business Owner (subclass 890)
Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132)
Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124)
Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 858)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Investor Retirement (subclass 405)
Investor visa (subclass 891)
Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Recognition Graduate visa (subclass 476)
Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489)
Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)
State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892)
State or Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 893)
Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)
Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
Training visa (subclass 407)
Studying visas
Student visa (subclass 500)
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
Family and spousal visas
Adoption visa (subclass 102)
Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 114)
Aged Dependent Relative visa (subclass 838)
Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
Carer visa (subclass 836)
Carer visa (subclass 116)
Child visa (subclass 101)
Child visa (subclass 802)
Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 884)
Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 864)
Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)
New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) visa (subclass 461)
Orphan Relative (subclass 117)
Orphan Relative (subclass 837)
Parent visa (subclass 103)
Partner (Provisional and Migrant) visa (subclass 309 100)
Partner visa (subclass 801 820)
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) 
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)
Remaining Relative visa (subclass 835)
Refugee and humanitarian visas
Global Special Humanitarian (subclass 202)
In country Special Humanitarian (subclass 201)
 Protection visa (subclass 866)
Refugee visa (subclass 200)
Women at Risk visa (subclass 204) 
Emergency rescue visa (subclass 203)
Other visas
Bridging visa A –BVA- (subclass 010)
Bridging visa B – BVB – (subclass 020)
Bridging visa C – BVC – (subclass 030)
Bridging visa D – BVD – (subclass 040 and 041)
Bridging visa E – BVE – (subclass 050 and 051)
Crew Travel Authority visa (subclass 942)
Former Resident visa (subclass 151)
Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)
Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
Resident Return visa (subclass 155 157)
Special Category visa (subclass 444)
Special Purpose visa
Repealed visas (these visas are not available to apply for as main applicant)
Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa (subclass 459)
Business (Short Stay) visa (subclass 456)
Business Skills (Provisional) visa (subclass 160 and 165)
Domestic Worker (Temporary) Diplomatic and Consular visa (subclass 426)
Domestic Worker (Temporary) Executive visa (subclass 427)
Electronic Travel Authority (Business Entrant) visa (subclass 956 and   977)
Electronic Travel Authority (Business Entrant) visa (subclass 956 and 977)
Electronic Travel Authority (Visitor) visa (subclass 976)
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121 and 856)
Established Business in Australia visa (subclass 845)
Exchange visa (subclass 411)
Foreign Government Agency (subclass 415)
Government Agreement visa (subclass 406)
Labour Agreement visa (subclass 120)
Labour Agreement visa (subclass 855)
Media and Film Staff visa (subclass 423)
Medical Practitioner visa (subclass 422)
Medical Treatment (Short Stay) visa (subclass 675)
Medical Treatment Long Stay visa (subclass 685)
 Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 119 and 857)
Religious Worker visa (subclass 428)
Retirement visa (subclass 410)
Skilled Designated Area Sponsored visa (subclass 496)
Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 495)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 175)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 885)
Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475)
Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 487)
Skilled Sponsored visa (subclass 176)
Special Program visa (subclass 416)
Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa (subclass 459)
Sponsored Family Visitor visa (subclass 679)
Sponsored visa (subclass 886)
Sport visa (subclass 421)
Superyacht Crew visa (subclass 488)
State or Territory Sponsored Regional Established Business in Australia visa (subclass 846)
Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa (subclass 420)
Tourist visa (subclass 676)
Temporary Work (long Stay Activity) visa (subclass 401)
Training and Research visa (subclass 402)
Visiting Academic visa (subclass 419)
Foreign Affairs or Defence sector visa (subclass 576)
Higher Education Sector visa (subclass 573)
Independent ELICOS Sector visa (subclass 570)
Non Award Sector visa (subclass 575)
Postgraduate Research Sector visa (subclass 574)
School Sector visa (subclass 571)
Student Guardian visa (subclass 580)
Vocational Education and Training Sector visa (Subclass 572)

Application options to become an Australian citizen

Application options to become an Australian citizen

​​​Select an option that suits your situation.

Child adopted outside Australia by an Australian citizen
Child aged 15 years or under or an unaccompanied minor
Child aged 16 or 17
Child born outside Australia to an Australian citizen
Child of a former Australian citizen
Commonwealth Child Migration scheme arrival​
Migrant with permanent residence
New Zealand citizen living in Australia
Person born in Papua before independence in 1975​
Resume Australian citizenship​
Spouse or partner of an Australian citizen
Refugee and humanitarian entrants
​
You can also apply:
for evidence of Australian citizenship
to renounce Australian citizenship
for confirmation of the Australian citizenship status of a deceased person.

Australia Work visa options

Work visa options
Skilled migration visa options
You may be eligible for a skilled visa if, amongst other things, you are a skilled overseas worker with skills needed in Australia.
See > Workers
Sponsored or nominated work visa options
You may be eligible for a nominated or sponsored work visa if, amongst other things, you are nominated or sponsored by:
An approved Australian employer or business
A state or territory government agency
A state or territory authority
See > Workers
Workers
Information for workers including:
Visa options comparison chart
Your rights and obligations as a worker
Skills assessment
Withdrawing a General Skilled Migration visa application
Superannuation
Working in Australia's offshore oil and gas industry
See > Workers
Employers
Information for Australian employers about:
Sponsoring and employing skilled workers from overseas
Labour agreements for recruitment
Employing legal workers
Checking a person's visa entitlements
Working with migrants and refugees
Skilled migration events
See > Employers
SkillSelect
If you are a skilled overseas worker and want to apply for a skilled migration visa, you can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) to work in Australia.
See> SkillSelect
Regional Employment
Information on employment programs to attract young, skilled, English-speaking migrants to regional areas of Australia, including:
Regional opportunities for migrants
Regional certifying bodies
See > Regional employment
Skills Australia Needs
The Australian government attends skilled migration events around the world. The events provide information to skilled workers on what it is like to work in Australia.
See > Skills Australia Needs
Work visa scams
Be aware that criminals can use visa scams to exploit or steal money from overseas workers wanting to come to Australia. These criminals may lure people by making false promises of work and permanent residence in Australia.
Learn how to avoid being a victim of a work visa scam.
See > Work visa scams
Bringing family with you
If you are working in Australia, you may be able to bring your family if:
You include your family members on your working visa application, or
Your family members apply for a family visa, or
Your family members apply for a visitor visa
See > Bringing family with you
Take a working holiday in Australia
If you are a young person (aged 18-30) and want to work and holiday in Australia for up to a year, you may be eligible for a working holiday visa.
A working holiday visa allows you to work while you have the holiday of a lifetime. You will have the opportunity to share your culture, knowledge and skills whilst discovering our unique landscape.