Immigrate to Canada from Australia

For Australians looking to explore the world, Canada has long been an attractive destination for travelling and vacationing. But Canada has also become one of the most popular countries for Australians who want to relocate.

Australia and Canada have a lot in common. As Commonwealth countries, they share a common history, language (English), and culture, as well as certain geographic and historical similarities, And while Canada is a natural travel destination for Australians because of our similarities, it’s also the differences between Canada and Australia that attracts more and more Australian immigrants with each passing year.

Canada’s multicultural makeup, bilingualism (English and French), progressive policies, national healthcare system, dynamic economy, internationally renowned universities, and vast expanses of rugged wilderness are deeply cherished by Canadians, so it comes as no surprise that they are appealing to Australians too!

If you are from Australia, moving to Canada is within your reach!

Australia Flag

Can I Move to Canada from Australia?

Of course! Australians who want to visit Canada can travel freely and explore the country for up to six months without the need for a visa.

How do I become a permanent resident of Canada from Australia?

People who hope to immigrate to Canada from Australia permanently, whether for work, study or personal reasons, will need the appropriate visa. The type of visa you will need depends on your reason for moving to Canada, here’s what you need to know about Canadian visas:

Student Visa – Required if you are moving to Canada for the purpose of study.

Working Holiday Visa – For young people who want to live and work in Canada for up to two years. This application process is much easier if you already have a work opportunity in place.

Skilled Worker Visa – If your job skills can contribute to the Canadian economy and workforce you may be eligible for this kind of program.

To make Canada their permanent home, Australians can apply for citizenship after living in Canada for two years.

Ready to make the move?

Chrise Brown – a trusted Canadian Immigration Consultant is ready to assist you

“Chris helped us with an urgent visa situation at short notice and resolved our issues very quickly. He gave clear, accurate advice and we got the resukt we wanted. I will definitely contact Chris again when I need his immigration expertise.”

Ryan Holder – Nov 29, 2019

Can Australian Citizens Work in Canada?

Citizens of Australia with the appropriate type of work visa can legally work in Canada. Depending on your training, experience and education, you could qualify for any one of a number of economic immigration programs, such as:

Express Entry Immigration Programs

For skilled workers who want to immigrate, the Express Entry program offers several options.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

This program is for technical jobs and skilled trades that fall under Canada’s National Occupational Classification “skill type-B” jobs, which normally require a college diploma or training as an apprentice.

For a complete explanation of the eligibility criteria and information on how to apply to the Federal Skilled Trades Program, click here.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently could be admissible for a visa under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Admission criteria for this program include age, education and work experience, valid job offers and language skills.

For more information about this visa application process, click here.

Canadian Experience Class

For people who have Canadian work experience in management, professional or technical jobs, and skilled trades, the Canadian Experience Class program is probably the fastest route to permanent residency in any Canadian province or territory other than Québec because it only requires 12 months of experience legally working in Canada during the last three years and minimum language level requirements. 

For a full explanation of the requirements and qualifying work experience, learn more about the Canadian Experience Class program here.

Get a Working Holiday Visa Through the International Experience Canada Program

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program provides young Australians the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to two years.

Australian citizens may only participate in this program once. The only situation in which someone can qualify a second time for IEC is if they apply through the International Co-op (Internship) category

Eligibility criteria for this program includes:

  • Australian citizenship
  • A valid Australian passport
  • Being between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive)
  • Having a minimum of $2,500 (Canadian dollars) to help cover your expenses
  • Having health insurance for the duration of your stay (proof may be required)
  • Having, before departure, a round-trip ticket or demonstrating that you will be able to purchase a departure ticket at the end of your authorized stay
  • Not being accompanied by dependants
  • Paying all associated fees

 

Young Professionals

For Australian post-secondary graduates who want to gain professional work experience in Canada, an employer-specific work permit (indicating the employer, term and location of employment) can be obtained through the Young Professionals program.

This program requires a signed letter of offer or a signed contract of employment before submitting their profiles to the Young Professionals pool, in addition to the general admission criteria of IEC.

 

International Co-op (Internship)

For Australian post-secondary students who plan on moving to Canada to fulfill part of their academic requirements with a work placement or internship.

In addition to meeting the general admission criteria for IEC, International Co-op applicants must have a signed letter of offer or a signed contract for a work placement or internship.