Side by side
| Factor | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Main pathway | SkillSelect (189/190/491) | Express Entry (FSWP/CEC/FST) |
| Processing time | 6–18 months | ~6 months (Express Entry target) |
| Government fee (main applicant) | ~AUD 4,765 + extras | ~CAD 1,365 + right of PR ~CAD 635 |
| Points test | 65+ to be eligible (competitive 85+) | CRS, often 470–530 for invites |
| State/province role | State nomination (190/491) | Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
The real cost
Government charges are only part of the bill — you also pay for skills assessment, English tests, medicals and police certificates. Canada's per-application fee is generally lower, but total cost depends on family size and whether you use a migration agent. Budget for both the visa charge and the upfront living funds each country requires.
Processing speed
Canada's Express Entry has a public service standard of about six months from invitation to decision. Australia's skilled visas vary more — independent 189 can be quicker when invited, while state-nominated 190/491 and employer-sponsored routes take longer. Check the current published processing times before you rely on a date.
Points vs CRS
Australia awards points for age, English, skilled work experience, education and state nomination; you need 65 to be eligible but invitations are usually far higher. Canada's CRS rewards similar factors plus a provincial nomination (+600) or a Canadian education/experience. See our Express Entry CRS guide and the Australia occupation-list guide.