Australia or Canada: Which country should a person opting to immigrate choose?

@nivorn (33)
Philippines
April 8, 2012 11:45pm CST
I am a Registered Nurse here in the Philippines. I have been working here as a professional nurse for about 3 years. Now that I have the necessary experience I have decided that it's about time to look into options where I can practice my profession abroad. It's not that I have abandoned the Philippines. It's just that opportunities for professional growth here are too bleak. Nurses are receiving salaries that are below minimum wage. Some others are even working for free. Most of the Filipino nursing are looking for opportunities abroad. This has everything to do with the economic situation here in our country and the high rate of unemployment for Filipino nurses. Personally, I am looking into two countries that welcome skilled nurses as immigrants. Australia welcomes experienced nurse immigrants into their country. However, the easiest route for them to take is to enroll in the bridge program for a year or less before they can practice their profession there. Their enrollment to these programs is quite expensive. Not to mention the living, travelling, and other costs that students must incur while studying there. On top of that they will only issue you a student visa. Finding a job there or a sponsor who will help you get a permanent or working visa will be up to you. As for Canada, they have a program for skilled immigrants. If you qualify according to their standards, you will get a permanent visa as a skilled immigrant. With this route though you also have to spend a fortune as the SETTLEMENT FUND for single entry is quite the number in pesos. Furthermore, for you to practice you still have to write the CRNE (Canadian Registered Nurses Exam) and pass it. Basically whatever route I take there will be a lot of risk, not to mention I would have to spend a fortune. So I would like to hear from anyone who could shed me more light into the financial and economic situation of both countries. I would appreciate any additional information that will help me decide which would be the better route to take. Please share your views. Thank you for taking time to read this.
1 response
@chicgale (2982)
• Philippines
9 Apr 12
I think you should choose Canada. I've been to Canada for two years and I met many Filipino nurses over there. What is good in Canada is you will have a free health care. You can find an employer for Canada for you to get a working visa.