Australia or Canada? I'll tell you what happened to me...

Equipo AustraliaPRO
Sep 20
3 min read

A few years ago, my partner and I — both engineers — started to feel like we needed something more: more opportunities, a better quality of life... a clearer future. So, we began exploring options for emigrating as permanent residents, and the top contenders were: Canada or Australia.

At first, Canada seemed like the easier option. Closer to Colombia, faster process, clear immigration programs, we even took advice, looked at job vacancies, and planned cities. Everything seemed to fit, but then we got to the topic of the weather... and that’s when we realized that the “easy” option might not be for us.

Canada: Opportunities, yes, but a lot of cold.

Don’t get me wrong, Canada has a lot going for it:

Clear, structured immigration programs.
Great job opportunities for skilled professionals.
High-quality public healthcare.
Modern cities with good infrastructure.

But the weather… uff. As people from Cúcuta, used to the warm weather and sunshine, the idea of living for months with snow, sub-zero temperatures, and short, dark days made us rethink everything. It’s not that Canada isn’t a great country — it’s spectacular! But we weren’t going to survive there, both mentally and physically.

Australia: A longer process, but an enviable lifestyle.

Next, we turned our attention to Australia. And here’s where we truly fell in love: beaches, sunshine, warmer climate, friendly cities, job opportunities for skilled professionals… everything sounded perfect.

Yes, the process was longer and more complex:

We needed Skills Assessment to validate our degrees.
Translating and certifying documents.
Researching visas, requirements, timelines, and costs.

But the lifestyle was worth it. Sunshine, warmth, beaches, and the feeling that we could really enjoy our life while working and building our careers.

What we learned along the way.

Doing everything from Colombia was a challenge:

Translating documents.
Understanding the steps of Skills Assessment.
Applying for the correct visa.
Avoiding mistakes that could cost us time or money.

All of that helped us save about two years of processes and complications.

Today, 7 years later: We live in Australia, we are citizens, and we help other migrants plan their path in a smart and secure way.

My advice if you're deciding:

Analyze each country well: climate, lifestyle, job opportunities, and immigration system.
Listen to real stories: talking to those who’ve already been through the process is invaluable.
Plan each step: validate your degrees, translate documents, understand visas and requirements.

It’s not about improvising, it’s about making informed decisions.

If you want to achieve permanent residency in Australia and avoid costly mistakes, I can help you create your personalized migration path. With SkillsPRO and AustraliaPRO, you’ll have the right guidance for each step.

If you want a strategic plan for your trip and migration to Australia, visa advice, and migration options, at AustraliaPRO we are ready to help. Write to us on WhatsApp and request your free consultation here.

To stay updated with the latest news on migration and Skills Assessment—and to connect with other professionals on the same path—we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There, you can share experiences, solve doubts in real time, and receive continuous support from our team and fellow migrants. You’re not alone in this journey! Join now and be part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia.