THREE years ago, Lakhwinder Multani was deciding whether to settle down in Canada or Australia.

He’s glad he went south.

Born and raised in India, Lakhwinder will become an Australian citizen today.

He will celebrate the occasion with his wife and children at a Hume City Council ceremony this morning.

“I did my studies in India, and I had two choices of where to go: Canada or Australia,” he said.

Canada processes people after four years of permanent residency, but in Australia it’s just two years.

“The weather is good up here, compared to Canada. It’s very cold up there.”

Lakhwinder moved to Australia in March 2007 to pursue opportunities that weren’t as readily available in India. His family followed three months later.

“There’s a lot of scope in India but with the population there are not opportunities like there are in Australia. Education is pretty good, but not acceptable at a professional level every time.

“If you study here it’s more recognised in other countries,” he said.

“I’m already 32 and I‘ve got my kids and my wife with me. So I want to settle somewhere where I can educate my family and where they can have a straight track on the line, rather than moving here and there.”

Three months ago he applied for citizenship – a process he had little trouble with.