Mates: I have a PR offer from Australia and Canada. I need to make a decision by Jan 2006. Both I and my wife have professional degrees. I am an engineer and she is a biochemist. I am trying to figure out where to settle. Would appreciate some suggestions. Here is my reasoning for Australia.
- GDP per capita almost same between Canada and Australia ~ US$ 27500
- Unemployment lower in Oz (~5%) as opposed to 7% in Canada
- Believe that Asia Pacific will be the growth center for this century so favor Oz over Canada
- Takes only 2 years to get citizenship in Oz than Canada (3 yrs)
- Temperate weather in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane than the bitter cold in most parts of Canada
- Canadaian economy too uch dependent upon US (a downer from current economic aspects)
- Degrees validated by assessing authorities prior to getting PR in Australia as opposed to Canada
- Australia is a net importer of Hi-Tech equipment as opposed to Canada. That one is a downer for Oz
On balance move to Australia should work out better!

Don't forget that the rules may be changing in Oz this year re citizenship as they're on about extending it.

Why are you asking when you seem to have already decided? 2 totally differnt places only you can decide, I'd love to spend time in Canada and if it were not for the yearning to be in Aus would give it consideration

The rules will be changed for Oz citizenship. . Its now three years. How this helps to improve security...only John Howard knows.

http://www.citizenship.gov.au/info/changes2005.htm

We are a family of five born and raised in Toronto Canada, we're on this forum because we're hoping to immigrate to Aus. Does that help your decision? Lot's of great things about Canada, but the bad are, the winters, in Ontario: the taxes are out of control, the smog is disgusting! It comes up from the states and we just add to it, and the crime rate in TO is skyrocketing. Other parts of Canada would probably be great places to live if you like winter sports.

nicanjoe

I too considered Canada but my wife has an Uncle who has been there for 30 years - He still hasn't got used to the winters!!!! Too cold for me!

Good luck whatever you decide.