Southern Africa
Immigration to Canada & Australia from South Africa
South African professionals and trades are highly competitive for skilled migration, with English as a first language for many. Below are the main permanent-residency and study pathways for South African applicants — and how ImmiPace helps you choose and prepare the right one.
Canada
AustraliaCanada from South Africa
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 South Africa
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 South African applicants
Common occupations among applicants from South Africa include IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, skilled trades & finance. Check your exact occupation, ANZSCO/NOC code, and assessing authority in our skilled-occupations directory.
Police certificate
What Canada asks for from South Africa
- Document
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Issued by
- South African Police Service, at your local office
- If you live elsewhere
- Apply at the nearest South African embassy, or by mail to the South African Police Service in Pretoria
Certificates obtained through Ideco Biometrics are not valid for immigration purposes.
Source: IRCC police certificate instructions for South Africa (page dated 27 November 2023), checked 20 October 2026. Australia asks for police certificates from the same authorities.
Engineering degrees
Washington Accord status
Engineering Council South Africa (ECSA) has been a full Washington Accord signatory since 1999. Engineering degrees it accredited for your graduation year can usually be assessed by Engineers Australia without a CDR; earlier or non-accredited degrees still need one.
CDR writing and review for Engineers Australia
Source: International Engineering Alliance, Washington Accord signatories, checked 20 October 2026.
English is official in South Africa, but you still need a test
Express Entry requires approved language test results from every candidate, and Australia treats only passport holders of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland as having competent English without a test. An English-medium degree does not replace the test for points in either system.
Free assessment on WhatsApp
Applying from South Africa? Check your options.
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Immigration from South Africa — FAQs
How can I immigrate to Canada from South Africa?
Most skilled applicants from South Africa 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 South African applicants get Australian PR?
Yes. South Africa 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 South Africa?
Common occupations among applicants from South Africa include IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, skilled trades & finance. Explore our skilled-occupations directory to check your ANZSCO/NOC classification, assessing authority, and pathway.
Which police certificate does Canada need from South Africa?
IRCC asks for the Police Clearance Certificate. It is issued by South African Police Service, at your local office. If you live elsewhere: apply at the nearest South African embassy, or by mail to the South African Police Service in Pretoria. Certificates obtained through Ideco Biometrics are not valid for immigration purposes.
Do engineers from South Africa need a CDR for Australia?
Engineering Council South Africa (ECSA) has been a full Washington Accord signatory since 1999. Engineering degrees it accredited for your graduation year can usually be assessed by Engineers Australia without a CDR; earlier or non-accredited degrees still need one.
Does ImmiPace work with clients in South Africa?
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.