Compare Canada Australia immigration costs for skilled workers. Explore Express Entry vs GSM fees, proof of funds, PR application costs, and living expenses in Toronto vs Sydney. Plan your move with 2025 data.  

Skilled professionals eye Canada and Australia for strong job markets and high salaries. Yet, immigration expenses often decide the destination. From skilled worker visa fees to proof of funds Canada Australia requirements, every dollar counts. This guide breaks down Canada Australia immigration costs in 2025, covering Express Entry vs GSM costs, settlement funds, and daily expenses skilled workers face in major cities.  

Breaking Down Visa Fees and Processing Costs  

Canada’s Express Entry system manages Federal Skilled Worker expenses efficiently. A single applicant pays CAD 1,365 for the PR application fee, including the right of permanent residence fee. Add CAD 515 per dependent. Biometrics cost CAD 85 per person. Total for a couple with one child: CAD 2,445.  

Australia’s Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) starts at AUD 4,640 for the main applicant. Each additional adult costs AUD 2,320; children AUD 1,160. Biometrics run AUD 40–80 per person. A family of three pays around AUD 7,120. Immigration processing fees 2025 remain stable, though minor adjustments may occur.  

Express Entry vs GSM costs favor Canada for singles. Processing times differ sharply. Canada grants PR in 6–12 months. Australia’s GSM pathway averages 7–9 months for subclass 189, but state-nominated visas extend to 12–18 months. Faster approval in Canada offsets slightly higher medical exam costs (CAD 450 vs AUD 350).  

Proof of Funds and Settlement Requirements  

Both nations demand settlement funds skilled migrants must prove before approval. Canada’s minimum funds requirement Express Entry updates yearly. In 2025, a single applicant needs CAD 14,690. A family of four requires CAD 27,297. Funds stay in your account until landing; no deposit to the government occurs.  

Australia sets lower thresholds for the Skilled Independent visa Australia. One person needs AUD 5,000 in accessible funds, though immigration officers expect more for families. Proof of funds Canada Australia differs in flexibility—Canada enforces strict tables, while Australia allows case-by-case assessment.  

Points system immigration cost calculations reward higher funds indirectly. Extra savings boost Comprehensive Ranking System scores in Express Entry or secure state nomination in Australia. Skilled workers with CAD/AUD 50,000+ gain invitations faster. Bank statements, fixed deposits, or liquid investments qualify as proof. 

Real-World Living Expenses in Major Cities  

Landing marks the start of ongoing costs. Cost of living Toronto vs Sydney reveals stark contrasts. Toronto’s one-bedroom apartment downtown rents for CAD 2,500 monthly. Sydney demands AUD 2,800 (CAD 2,650). Groceries for one person run CAD 350 in Toronto, AUD 400 in Sydney.  

Public transport saves money. Toronto’s TTC monthly pass costs CAD 156. Sydney’s Opal card caps weekly fares at AUD 50 for unlimited travel. Healthcare costs PR holders favor Canada—provincial plans cover most services after three months. Australia’s Medicare starts immediately but excludes dental and some prescriptions.  

Housing costs new immigrants dominate budgets. Vancouver vs Melbourne living costs show Vancouver’s rents 15% higher, yet tech salaries average CAD 95,000 annually versus Melbourne’s AUD 110,000 (CAD 104,000). Daily expenses skilled workers manage include CAD 15 lunches in Toronto or AUD 18 café meals in Sydney.  

Job market skilled immigrants thrive in both nations. Canada’s tech sector grew 8% in 2024; Australia’s added 62,000 skilled roles. Salaries tech immigrants Canada Australia range CAD 80,000–150,000 and AUD 90,000–160,000. Higher Australian taxes (up to 45%) reduce take-home pay compared to Canada’s 33% top rate.  

Conclusion

Canada offers lower skilled worker visa fees and faster processing, ideal for singles or small families. Australia’s higher subclass 189 visa costs suit those with state sponsorship or larger settlement buffers. Weigh Express Entry’s strict proof of funds Canada Australia rules against GSM flexibility, then align with your budget and career goals. Consult official sites for 2025 updates and start your profile today.