Gulf / MENA
Immigration to Canada & Australia from Saudi Arabia
Professionals working in Saudi Arabia, including expatriates, frequently seek onward migration to Canada and Australia. Below are the main permanent-residency and study pathways for Saudi-based applicants — and how ImmiPace helps you choose and prepare the right one.
Canada
AustraliaCanada from Saudi Arabia
Express Entry & PNP
Enter the Express Entry pool (FSW/CEC) and pursue a Provincial Nominee Program for a 600-point boost. You'll need an ECA for your education and a qualifying language test. We optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile. See our CRS guide and Express Entry vs PNP.
Australia from Saudi Arabia
Skilled migration (189/190/491)
Get a positive skills assessment for your occupation, then lodge a points-tested EOI. State nomination (190) or regional (491) can lift your points. See 189 vs 190 vs 491 and skills assessment.
In-demand occupations for Saudi-based applicants
Common occupations among applicants from Saudi Arabia include engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, finance professionals. Check your exact occupation, ANZSCO/NOC code, and assessing authority in our skilled-occupations directory.
Police certificate
What Canada asks for from Saudi Arabia
- Document
- Criminal Record Certificate
- Issued by
- The Criminal Evidence Division of the police, or through your employer on the Amen portal
- If you live elsewhere
- Saudi citizens apply through a Saudi embassy, which can take several weeks; non-citizens who left on a final exit visa may not be able to get one
You need a facilitation letter from the IRCC office in Riyadh, and fingerprints are taken in person.
Source: IRCC police certificate instructions for Saudi Arabia (page dated 7 September 2023), checked 20 October 2026. Australia asks for police certificates from the same authorities.
Engineering degrees
Washington Accord status
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) is a provisional Washington Accord member. Provisional status brings no recognition of degrees, so engineers with degrees from Saudi Arabia normally prove their competency to Engineers Australia with a CDR. If your degree is from another country, that country's status applies instead.
CDR writing and review for Engineers Australia
Source: International Engineering Alliance, Washington Accord signatories, checked 20 October 2026.
Free assessment on WhatsApp
Applying from Saudi Arabia? Check your options.
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Immigration from Saudi Arabia — FAQs
How can I immigrate to Canada from Saudi Arabia?
Most skilled applicants from Saudi Arabia use Canada's Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) and may target a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for extra points. You'll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and a qualifying English (or French) test. ImmiPace assesses your CRS and builds a document-ready profile.
Can Saudi-based applicants get Australian PR?
Yes. Saudi Arabia applicants pursue Australian skilled migration through subclass 189 (Independent), 190 (State Nominated), and 491 (Regional). You'll need a positive skills assessment for your occupation and a points-tested profile. Superior English and state nomination can significantly boost your points.
What are the most in-demand occupations for applicants from Saudi Arabia?
Common occupations among applicants from Saudi Arabia include engineers, IT professionals, healthcare workers, finance professionals. Explore our skilled-occupations directory to check your ANZSCO/NOC classification, assessing authority, and pathway.
Which police certificate does Canada need from Saudi Arabia?
IRCC asks for the Criminal Record Certificate. It is issued by the Criminal Evidence Division of the police, or through your employer on the Amen portal. If you live elsewhere: Saudi citizens apply through a Saudi embassy, which can take several weeks; non-citizens who left on a final exit visa may not be able to get one. You need a facilitation letter from the IRCC office in Riyadh, and fingerprints are taken in person.
Do engineers from Saudi Arabia need a CDR for Australia?
The Education and Training Evaluation Commission (ETEC) is a provisional Washington Accord member. Provisional status brings no recognition of degrees, so engineers with degrees from Saudi Arabia normally prove their competency to Engineers Australia with a CDR. If your degree is from another country, that country's status applies instead.
Does ImmiPace work with clients in Saudi Arabia?
Yes — ImmiPace works with clients worldwide through online consultation and secure follow-up. We assess your profile, prepare your documents and skills assessment, and guide you from first assessment to filing.