Country A
Australia
Country B
Canada
Australia vs Canada Visa 2026 — Full Comparison
Detailed comparison of visa requirements, processing times, fees, work rights, and immigration pathways to help you choose the right destination for your goals.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Criteria | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇨🇦 Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Processing Time | 4 - 10 weeks | 4 - 16 weeks |
| Tourist Visa Fee | AUD 190 (Visitor visa) | CAD 100 (Visitor Visa) |
| Study Visa Fee | AUD 710 (Student visa) | CAD 150 (Study Permit) |
| Work Visa Fee | AUD 320 (Temporary Skill Shortage) | CAD 155 (Work Permit) |
| Cost of Living | High | High |
| PR Minimum Residence | 4 years (2 years on PR) | 730 days within 5 years |
| Citizenship After | 4 years of residency (1 year as PR) | 3 years (1,095 days) of physical presence in 5 years |
| Top Work Sectors | Healthcare, Mining/Resources, Technology | Technology, Healthcare, Engineering |
| Avg. Salary (Skilled) | AUD 60,000 - 120,000/year | CAD 50,000 - 95,000/year |
| Available Visa Types | 5 types | 5 types |
Visa-by-Visa Breakdown
🎓 Study Visa
Australia: AUD 20,000 - 45,000/year, Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485): 2 - 6 years depending on degree level and location post-study work
Canada: CAD 20,000 - 40,000/year, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) up to 3 years post-study work
💼 Work Visa
Australia: SkillSelect (189/190/491) - typically 1 - 3 years to PR
Canada: Express Entry (CRS-based): typically 6 months to PR
✈️ Tourist Visa
Australia: Best time to visit — September - November (spring) for most regions
Canada: Best time to visit — Summer (Jun - Aug) for most regions; Winter for skiing
🏡 Immigration / PR
Australia: SkillSelect (Subclass 189, 190, 491), Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
Canada: Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FST), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Which is Easier to Get a Visa For: Australia or Canada?
Based on overall difficulty ratings, Australia is rated as Moderate and Canada as Moderate. The right choice depends on your purpose of travel — study, work, or immigration — and your personal circumstances including nationality, financial situation, and employment history.
Use our free Eligibility Checker tool to get a personalized assessment based on your specific profile, or the Country Comparison Tool to compare more criteria side-by-side.