When moving to another country, many people would like to exercise choice, but in reality most of us have limited options: usually we simply do not qualify for more than one or two countries.

Which country is most multicultural?

Both countries are similar, with high proportions of residents born in other countries. It seems that Australia has a higher percentage of foreign-born than Canada, but both are "multicultural" societies. Multiculturalism means that it is accepted that migrants do not need to "forget" their cultural past, and are free to become Canadians or Australians, while at the same time still enjoying the cultures of their homelands.  Both countries have evolved into unique societies.

What do you think the cultural focus of each country is?

Both of them are ex-British colonies, so there are probably more similarities than differences.

Knowing both countries well, my own personal view is that Canada is more "American", due to its closeness of the United States.  However it is surprisingly "British", particularly in Ontario.  It also has cultural diversity, with French culture found predominantly in Quebec.

Australia is strongly focused on "Asia", and is seen as the predominant European culture in that part of the world. Australia has higher proportions of Chinese and other Southeast Asian migrants than Canada.  Indians are one of the fastest-growing groups of migrants to Australia. 

Although it is probably slightly more focused on the United Kingdom, Australia is said to be becoming more "American" as it gradually defines its own style.

Tell me about the requirements for registration of migration agents for Canada.

Canada has just introduced a licensing system, which requires all Canadian migration applications lodged with CIC to be filed through registered agents.  The licensing procedure involves an assessment of qualifications and experience, with exams.

Agents have to be Canadian citizens, so it is common for many overseas migration agents to lodge their documents through a licensed Canadian agent, thereby giving the client equal protection.

How does the System Work in Australia?

Australia's program has been running for quite a number of years, and the licensing requirements are probably more stringent, and more complex than for Canada.

In order to practice as a migration agent in Australia, a person has to be licensed.  Many of the people who are licensed, have no other professional qualifications, so many people prefer to use lawyers because they then get the added back up and protection of the lawyer's professional experience.

Because an Australian license is not necessary if the migration agent is based overseas, everybody should be aware that it is common to find that many "migration agents" in places like Iran are in fact totally unqualified.

With skilled migration, what sort of residency permit do you get?

With both Skilled Migration plans, you get Permanent Residency.  For Australia this is granted upon issue of your visa, whereas for Canada it is taken up after you arrive.

Is my Permanent Residency Renewable?

In Australia there is no procedure to have it "renewed", but if you wish to leave the country, and have not spent two years out of five based in Australia, you may not be given a Resident Return Visa, which effectively means you will lose your Permanent Residency if you leave the country.

Canada is similar: effectively you can lose your Permanent Residency if you do not spent at least two years out of five in the country.

When can I apply for citizenship?

After living in Australia as a Permanent Resident for two years, you can apply for citizenship, taking out an Australian passport.  You must be in Canada for three years.

What are the processing times for skilled migration?

For Australia you must first obtain an assessment of your qualifications and experience, and after that it takes one year.

Canada is slower, and you generally allow for at least 18 months to two years, sometimes longer.

Are there age limits on skilled migration?

Yes, in Australia, you must be under 45: this is a very strict time limit and cannot be varied.

Technically Canada does not have an age limit, but in practice it is very difficult for someone to qualify if they are aged more than 49.  So for the older migrant, Canada may be more suitable.

If I apply as a skilled migrant, can I take my family with me?

Yes, both visas will cover you, your spouse, and all dependent children.

Who has to apply for medical reports?

For Australia, it is all of the family who are migrating under the visa.  For Canada is all of the family who are migrating, plus any dependent children under 22 years of age even if they are not migrating. 

Australia is slightly more flexible, as it effectively gives you the choice of leaving your older children in the home country so they do not come under the visa.