7 Things Sri Lankans Wish They Knew Before Migrating to Canada or Australia

Moving to Canada or Australia is a dream for many Sri Lankans seeking better opportunities, but the reality of migration can be quite different from expectations. Whether you're considering skilled migration, family sponsorship, or studying abroad, understanding what lies ahead will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Here are seven essential things Sri Lankans wish they'd known before taking the leap.

1. The True Cost of Living Will Shock You

One of the biggest surprises for Sri Lankan migrants is the actual cost of living compared to what they'd budgeted. While salaries are higher in Canada and Australia, so are expenses for housing, groceries, utilities, and transport.

In Australia, rental prices vary significantly by location. Melbourne, where half of all Sri Lankan Australians live, tends to be more affordable than Sydney, but still considerably higher than Colombo or other Sri Lankan cities. You'll need to factor in:

• Rental deposits (typically 4-6 weeks' rent upfront)
• Higher grocery costs, especially for familiar Asian ingredients
• Vehicle ownership or public transport costs
• Health insurance premiums
• Childcare expenses if applicable

Many Sri Lankans arrive expecting to save significant amounts but find themselves living paycheque to paycheque initially. It's wise to arrive with 3-6 months of living expenses saved, not just the minimum required by immigration authorities.

2. Remittances You Send Home Will Be Taxed Differently

Here's something that catches many migrants off guard: while remittances themselves aren't taxed in your destination country, the income you earn to send those remittances is fully taxable. Unlike some countries, Canada and Australia don't offer special tax breaks for money sent to family overseas.

Sri Lanka received a record $8.076 billion in worker remittances in 2025, with contributions from countries like Australia, Canada, and France increasing significantly.^[1] However, as a migrant worker, you'll pay full income tax on your earnings, and then send after-tax money home. This means:

• Budget for 30-45% of your gross income going to taxes (depending on your salary bracket)
• Plan remittances from what remains after all living expenses
• Consider the exchange rate fluctuations affecting money sent home
• Keep records of remittances for tax purposes

Speak with a tax accountant familiar with both Sri Lankan and your destination country's tax laws before you migrate.

3. Your Professional Qualifications May Need Re-Certification

Sri Lankan degrees and professional qualifications aren't automatically recognised in Canada or Australia. Depending on your field, you may need to:

• Complete additional exams or assessments
• Undertake bridging courses or further study
• Register with professional bodies in your new country
• Potentially work in a lower-level role initially

This process can take months or even years and cost thousands of dollars. Engineers, doctors, nurses, accountants, and lawyers are particularly affected. Many skilled Sri Lankan migrants find themselves underemployed initially whilst completing these requirements. Research your specific profession's requirements before you apply for migration visas.

4. The Skilled Migration Stream Is Highly Competitive

Australia's permanent migration program includes economic and family migration pathways, with the Skill stream being a primary route for many Sri Lankans.^[2] However, competition is intense. Your qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency must meet strict criteria.

Points-based systems in both countries mean that even if you're qualified, you might not receive an invitation to apply if your points score falls below the cutoff. The occupations in demand change regularly based on labour market needs, so a profession that was in-demand last year might not be this year.

Additionally, processing times can be lengthy. Plan for 6-18 months from application to visa grant, and budget accordingly for application fees, skills assessments, and health checks.

5. You'll Face Unexpected Discrimination and Cultural Adjustment

While Canada and Australia are multicultural societies, many Sri Lankan migrants experience subtle (and sometimes overt) discrimination in the workplace and housing markets. Your name, accent, or appearance might affect job prospects or rental applications, even though discrimination is technically illegal.

The cultural adjustment is also more challenging than many anticipate. You might experience:

• Homesickness and isolation, especially in the first 6-12 months
• Difficulty finding familiar foods and cultural products
• Different workplace cultures and communication styles
• Challenges building social networks outside work
• Family separation and relationship strain

Connecting with Sri Lankan communities early can help. In Australia, Melbourne has a particularly strong Sri Lankan presence, which can ease the transition.^[3]

6. Student Visas Don't Guarantee Permanent Residency

Many Sri Lankans pursue student visas as a pathway to permanent residency. While studying can lead to permanent migration, it's not automatic. You'll need to:

• Complete your studies successfully
• Meet English language requirements
• Secure employment in an occupation on the skilled migration list
• Accumulate sufficient points for a skilled migration visa application
• Compete with other applicants

International student visa grants represent a significant portion of temporary visa allocations, but the pathway from student to permanent resident requires careful planning and often takes several years.^[2]

7. Family Sponsorship Takes Longer and Costs More Than Expected

If you're planning to sponsor family members after you migrate, be prepared for lengthy processing times and substantial costs. Family stream visas exist in both countries, but they're subject to annual caps and processing backlogs.^[2]

You'll need to demonstrate financial capacity to support your family members, which means:

• Proving stable employment and income
• Showing you can afford housing for additional family members
• Potentially waiting 2-4 years for visa processing
• Paying substantial visa application fees for each family member

Many families are separated for years whilst waiting for reunification visas to be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I have saved before migrating?

Ideally, save 3-6 months of living expenses in your destination country's currency. This provides a buffer whilst you secure employment and establish yourself. For Australia or Canada, this typically means $15,000-$30,000 USD equivalent, depending on your circumstances and location.

Can I work while my visa is being processed?

This depends on your visa type. Some temporary visas allow work, whilst others don't. Student visas typically permit part-time work during studies. Check your specific visa conditions before accepting employment.

What's the best time to migrate from Sri Lanka?

Consider migrating when you have stable employment prospects, sufficient savings, and have completed any necessary professional certifications. Avoid migrating during economic downturns in your destination country, as job prospects diminish.

Should I migrate alone or with family?

This depends on your circumstances. Migrating alone allows flexibility but can be emotionally challenging. Migrating with family provides support but increases costs significantly. Many Sri Lankans migrate alone first, establish themselves, then sponsor family members.

How do I maintain connections with Sri Lanka whilst living abroad?

Technology makes this easier than ever. Regular video calls, involvement in Sri Lankan community groups, and occasional visits home help maintain connections. Many Sri Lankan migrants find community through temples, cultural organisations, and social groups.

What if I want to return to Sri Lanka after migrating?

You can return, but understand that permanent residency in your destination country may lapse if you're absent for extended periods. Some visas require you to maintain ties to the country. Plan any long-term returns carefully with immigration authorities.

Making Your Migration Decision

Migration to Canada or Australia offers genuine opportunities for career advancement, better living standards, and personal growth. However, it's not a quick fix for financial problems, and it requires careful planning, realistic expectations, and emotional resilience.

Before you apply, research thoroughly, connect with Sri Lankan migrants already in your destination country, and honestly assess whether migration aligns with your goals. Speak with migration agents, professional bodies in your field, and people who've made the journey.

The Sri Lankan diaspora in both countries is thriving and welcoming to newcomers. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, you can successfully build a new life whilst maintaining your connections to home.

Sources & References

1. Record Remittances to Sri Lanka: Hidden Realities Behind the Headlines — groundviews.org
2. Country profile - Sri Lanka - Department of Home Affairs — homeaffairs.gov.au
3. Sri Lankan diaspora — Wikipedia