Australia vs Canada!!

[alabbasu]

I need an advice on which country is better for expats, Canada or Australia?
I need it very much. And I will appreciate it if any body answers my question.
Thanx
Abbas, Abu Dhabi

[anj1976]

Hi Abbas

few days back I was thinking of applying for Canada as well but somehow things did not look too good to me weather wise, its too too cold in Canada and coming form India, I dont think I will be able to manage.

1. From what I have read about the two, Australia Procedure is more complicated, Canada takes longer but is simpler.

2. Life in Canada is slower because it almost comes to a halt come winters.

3. Workwise, both are more or less teh same. There was a time when Canada had more oportunities than AU for IT and for construction line AU was better but because of the recession, both are as bad.

4. Lifestyle, AU is more outdoors, Canada is more indoors (not really indoors but the winter does that)

5. AU is more laidback and as a lot of people call it, still in the 80s, Canada doesnt have these being in teh 80s issues.

I dont see much of a difference but whatever that I have pointed is because of the weather.

If you are a winter person (and I mean chilling winters where the temp drops to -30) then it is Canada but if you are not too fond of grey weather, love the sun then AU it is.

Read the Canada forum, in teh stickies it has a good thread in Canada winters. you will get an idea.
Cheers

[ktrianta]

Being a Canadian currently living in Australia, I might be able to give you some info, having lived and worked in both countries.

Cost of Living: Canada wins. Even Vancouver, which is right on the coast, is cheaper than Oz, at least Sydney. Most things are cheaper: rent, cars, groceries. And salaries are roughly the same.

Opportunities: Australia. From what I see, there are plenty of opportunities down under. Technology wise, Australia is booming right now, and will be the same over the next few years until it "catches up".

Weather: Australia, hands down. Yes, Canada is freggin cold, and winters drag on far too long. Vancouver is probably the mildest year round, not really getting snow that much, but it rains almost every single day for 4 to 6 months straight. Be prepared to suffer from depression at times.

Friendliness: Canada. Not sure if it's Sydney, but people can be rude here. Customer service doesn't seem to even exist here. Walk into a store in Canada, and you'll have one person making you a coffee, while another shows you want you might want to buy.

Services: Canada. You can shop 24x7 almost anywhere. Banks are open Saturdays, so is the Post, and alot of other government related services. But the Canadian healthcare system has become very poor over the last few years in my eyes. Used to be fantastic, one of the best, covering everything. Now it covers the basis only.

Taxes: Canada. Both are high though. I think the highest tax bracket in Canada is around 42%. And Australia basically charges you tax on the tax that you pay. Let's not mention LCT for cars....which adds 33%...ridiculous in my eyes.

Infrastructure: Canada. Even with harsh winters, roads are paved yearly in most major cities. Highways are organized, getting around is alot easier. If anyone has ever driven on the roads in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, you'll know what I mean =)

Come to think of it, why am I in Australia? Haha.....it's all a small price to pay for the beautiful weather, scenery, and the opportunities this country presents for many individuals.

Note these are only my thoughts...I'm sure others will think differently.

Hope this helps.

KT

[Dolly]

Thanks for your input KT......we too did consider Canada as an option. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if we had chosen there instead of Australia.

Dolly

[anj1976]

fighting the snow, not the sun I guess Dolly

[Dolly]

Well we do get snow here, just not as much as Canada

Dolly

[tilla_07]

I think it's more difficult to apply to CAN since they changed their rules regarding skilled migration. According to their cic site, unless you are part of their 38 occupation list then you can't even apply, meaning your application will get rejected outright. Of course if you are in that occupation list, then you have to pass the points test, and i think they process those applcations much faster. That's the main reason I did not apply for their skilled migration since I am an Electrical Engineer and that occupation is not part of the list.