By destination
Three countries.
Three different systems.
Australia scores you, New Zealand starts with an employer, Canada ranks you in a pool. Here is the short version of each.
37.8° S · 144.96° E
Australia
Australia’s skilled visas are points-tested. You tell the government about your age, English, skilled work and qualifications, and are invited to apply on the strength of those claims.
Full Australia guide-
Points come from age, English, skilled employment inside and outside Australia, education, Australian study, a partner’s skills and a few other factors. You claim them in an expression of interest, and must be able to prove every claim.
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The body that assesses your skills depends on your occupation: it is listed against the occupation on the skilled occupation list.
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English is scored by level. IELTS with at least 6 in each of the four parts is Competent (0 points), 7 is Proficient (10) and 8 is Superior (20). Results must be from an approved test taken within 3 years.
Checked against the official pages on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so JO confirms the current position before you rely on it.
By profession
36.85° S · 174.76° E
New Zealand
New Zealand’s main skilled routes start with an accredited employer. A job offer is usually the first step, not the last.
Full New Zealand guide-
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa needs a job, or a job offer, from an accredited employer, and the job must be full-time. You must be 55 or younger when you apply.
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It has three pathways: Points-based (6 skilled resident points), Skilled Work Experience (5 years of relevant experience including at least 2 in New Zealand) and Trades and Technicians (a relevant qualification plus 4 years of experience after it, including 18 months of skilled work in New Zealand).
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The Accredited Employer Work Visa needs a full-time offer (at least 30 hours a week) from an accredited employer with an approved job check, and either 2 or more years of relevant experience or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand qualifications framework. It can lead to a resident visa.
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A qualification from outside New Zealand needs an International Qualification Assessment unless it is on the exempt list.
Checked against the official pages on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so JO confirms the current position before you rely on it.
By profession
43.65° N · 79.38° W
Canada
Canada’s main route is Express Entry: one online pool, three programs, and a score that decides who is invited.
Full Canada guide-
Express Entry manages three programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
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The Federal Skilled Worker Program needs skilled work in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 (at least 1 year, or 1,560 hours, paid, within the last 10 years), approved language tests in all four abilities, and, for education from outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment. A selection score of 67 out of 100 is the cut-off for the program.
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The Federal Skilled Trades Program needs at least 2 years (3,120 hours) of paid full-time work in a skilled trade within the last 5 years, a valid job offer of at least a year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority, and language tests. There is no education requirement.
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Express Entry accepts IELTS General Training only, not Academic, and not One Skill Retake. Language results must be under 2 years old.
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The Comprehensive Ranking System scores age, education, language, Canadian work experience and a new Labour Market Integration factor (from 3 November 2026), plus spouse, skill-transferability and additional points. A provincial nomination adds 600 points.
Checked against the official pages on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so JO confirms the current position before you rely on it.
By profession
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The readiness check compares the pathways in each country for your profile.