Canada has quietly become one of the most popular destinations for Australians looking to live and work overseas. The reasons are familiar: English speaking, Commonwealth heritage, similar legal system, world-class cities, extraordinary outdoor landscapes — and a points-based immigration system that genuinely welcomes skilled workers.
In 2026, Canada and Australia together account for over 60% of global points-based skilled migration intake. For Australians specifically, the transition is easier than most: Australia and Canada share a unique bond as members of the Commonwealth, with mutual cultural links and language that make the immigration process smoother.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Canada from Australia in 2026 — visas, cities, cost of living, banking, healthcare, and staying connected with home.
Visa options for Australians moving to Canada
International Experience Canada — Working Holiday (the most popular first step)
The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday is the fastest and most accessible way for Australians to move to Canada. It is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, for up to 2 years.
The Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit — you’re not tied to one employer or city. Do a ski season in the mountains, then swap to a summer gig at a lake resort.
Key requirements:
- Age: 18–35 years old
- Valid Australian passport
- Health insurance for the full duration of your stay (mandatory)
- Proof of funds: at least CAD $2,500 recommended
- No criminal record
Important — 2026 quota change: Australia’s IEC quota is capped at 5,670 spots in 2026 — for the first time ever, the pool is no longer unlimited. In 2025, approximately 9,500 invites were sent to Australians. Apply early; spots may fill before the season closes.
Passport note: Your work permit cannot exceed your passport’s expiry date. If your Australian passport expires within the next 2 years, renew it before applying.
Fees:
- IEC application fee: CAD $184.75
- Biometrics: CAD $85 (valid 10 years once collected)
- Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100
Application: Applied through an online IRCC account. The IEC pools for the 2026 season are open. Processing typically takes up to 56 days after submitting all documents and biometrics.
Important: The IEC Working Holiday is a temporary work permit — it does not lead directly to permanent residency. Many Australians use it as the first step, gain Canadian work experience, and then transition to Express Entry.
Express Entry — the path to permanent residency
Express Entry is Canada’s primary points-based system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It covers three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those who already have Canadian work experience (ideal after an IEC stint)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespeople
Canada’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores applicants out of 1,200 points based on age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability factors. The current competitive cutoff sits at approximately 490+ CRS points for general draws in 2026.
Express Entry PR applications are generally processed within 6 months of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
In-demand occupations for 2026: Canada has strong demand in technology (software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity), healthcare (nurses, physicians, pharmacists), skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, welders), and financial services. The federal government’s occupation-specific Express Entry draws in 2026 target healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each Canadian province runs its own immigration stream targeting workers needed locally. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score — effectively guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
PNP allocations were reduced to 55,000 spots in 2025, down from 110,000 in 2024, making strategic program selection more important than ever.
Popular PNPs for Australians include the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), BC PNP (British Columbia) and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
Student visa (Study Permit)
Canada is a highly regarded study destination. A Canadian study permit allows full-time study and part-time work (up to 24 hours per week during term). After graduation, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years — building the Canadian work experience needed for Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class.
Citizenship pathway
After living in Canada for four years (including at least one year as a permanent resident), you can apply for citizenship. Australia allows dual citizenship, so you won’t need to give up your Australian passport.
Where to live in Canada
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and financial capital — a cosmopolitan metropolis of 6+ million people that feels familiar to Australians from Sydney or Melbourne. Toronto has a large job market and a highly multicultural population. Its size and diversity may feel familiar to Australians coming from cities such as Sydney or Melbourne.
The job market spans finance, technology, healthcare, engineering and skilled trades. Inner-city one-bedroom apartments average CAD $2,300–$2,800 per month; more affordable areas are available in the outer suburbs (Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton) at CAD $1,600–$2,000.
Winter: Toronto winters are real. Temperatures regularly drop to -15°C or below, with wind chill making it feel colder. Come prepared.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in the world — mountains, ocean, mild (by Canadian standards) winters, and a thriving tech and creative economy. It’s a popular first landing point for Australians drawn to BC’s ski resorts and outdoor lifestyle.
Housing is expensive — among the highest in Canada. One-bedroom apartments in central Vancouver average CAD $2,500–$3,200 per month. The surrounding areas (Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver) offer more affordable options.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is Canada’s energy capital and has one of the strongest job markets in the country, particularly for engineers, tradespeople and resources professionals. No provincial income tax in Alberta. Calgary sits at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies — Banff National Park is 90 minutes away.
Average one-bedroom rent: CAD $1,800–$2,200 per month. Significantly more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is Canada’s second largest city and one of its most culturally distinct. French is the official language of Quebec — an important consideration. English is widely spoken in Montreal, but learning French significantly improves job prospects and daily life.
Montreal has a vibrant arts, food and nightlife scene, and housing costs are considerably lower than Toronto or Vancouver. Average one-bedroom: CAD $1,600–$2,000 per month.
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is the gateway to northern Alberta and has strong demand in healthcare, engineering and trades. No provincial income tax. More affordable than Calgary, with one-bedroom rents averaging CAD $1,400–$1,800 per month.
Whistler, British Columbia
A large number of Australians are residing in British Columbia’s Whistler — the world-class ski and mountain bike resort town that has drawn generations of Australian working holiday makers. If the ski season lifestyle appeals, Whistler is the classic first stop.
Cost of living in Canada in 2026
Monthly budget for a single person
| City | Rent (1BR) | Groceries | Transport | Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | CAD $2,300–$2,800 | CAD $400–$500 | CAD $156 (Presto monthly pass) | CAD $3,000–$3,600 |
| Vancouver | CAD $2,500–$3,200 | CAD $400–$500 | CAD $128 (Compass monthly) | CAD $3,100–$3,900 |
| Calgary | CAD $1,800–$2,200 | CAD $380–$480 | CAD $120 | CAD $2,400–$3,000 |
| Montreal | CAD $1,600–$2,000 | CAD $360–$460 | CAD $94 (STM monthly) | CAD $2,150–$2,650 |
| Edmonton | CAD $1,400–$1,800 | CAD $360–$460 | CAD $100 | CAD $1,950–$2,450 |
Canada vs Australia — key cost differences
For most people, relocating from Australia to Canada results in a noticeable reduction in monthly expenses, especially in housing and utilities. Outside Toronto and Vancouver, rent and property prices are noticeably more affordable than in Sydney or Melbourne.
Australian salaries are generally higher in comparable roles — but Canadian cost of living, particularly outside the major cities, can offset this meaningfully.
Public transport in Canada
Canada’s major cities all have solid public transport networks — particularly useful for newcomers who arrive without a car. Each city runs its own system with its own transit card.
How transit cards work
The principle is the same everywhere: get a reloadable smart card, load money onto it, and tap on when you board. It’s cheaper per trip than paying cash and faster at the fare gate.
| City | Transit system | Card | App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | TTC (subway, bus, streetcar) + GO Transit (regional) | PRESTO card | Transit App |
| Vancouver | TransLink (SkyTrain, bus, SeaBus) | Compass Card | Transit App |
| Calgary | Calgary Transit (CTrain + bus) | Contactless card or tap-to-pay | Transit App |
| Montreal | STM (Metro + bus) | OPUS card | Transit App |
| Edmonton | ETS (LRT + bus) | Arc Card | Transit App |
Transit App (free, iOS and Android) works across all Canadian cities and shows real-time arrivals, trip planning and crowding levels. Download it before you arrive.
Toronto — PRESTO card
Toronto’s transit card is called PRESTO. It works on the TTC (subway, buses, streetcars), GO Transit regional trains, and eight other transit agencies across the Greater Toronto Area.
- Get one: Available at any TTC subway station fare machine, Shoppers Drug Mart, or Loblaws. Some Toronto Public Library branches offer free PRESTO cards.
- Load it: At any TTC station fare machine, Shoppers Drug Mart, or online at prestocard.ca. As of March 2026, your card must have enough funds before tapping — negative balance is no longer accepted.
- Adult single fare: CAD $3.30 (PRESTO/contactless). Transfers are valid for 2 hours — you can change bus, streetcar or subway lines within 2 hours on the same fare.
- Monthly fare capping starts September 1, 2026: From September, fares are automatically capped monthly — once you’ve paid for 47 trips, the rest of the month is free. This replaces the monthly pass system.
- Alternatively: Tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Interac debit card directly at the reader — same fare, no card required.
- Ontario One Fare: Free transfers between TTC and GO Transit and other regional services in the Greater Toronto Area — tap on and off with the same payment method.
Vancouver — Compass Card
Vancouver’s TransLink network covers buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express regional rail. The transit card is called the Compass Card.
- Get one: At any SkyTrain station fare vending machine or online at compasscard.ca
- Load it: At any SkyTrain station, online, or tap-to-load with your credit card
- Zone-based fares: Metro Vancouver is divided into three fare zones. All buses are 1-Zone at all times. SkyTrain fares depend on how many zones you cross. After 6:30pm on weekdays and all day weekends and public holidays, all trips are 1-Zone regardless of distance.
- Fare increase: TransLink increased fares by an average of 5% from July 1, 2026
- 90-minute transfer: One fare covers unlimited travel on bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus within 90 minutes
- Alternatively: Tap contactless Visa, Mastercard, Interac debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay directly at any fare gate or reader
- Airport: The Canada Line SkyTrain runs directly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) — the same Compass Card works
Calgary — tap-to-pay
Calgary Transit runs the CTrain light rail network and a bus network. Calgary is the simplest Canadian transit system for newcomers — no dedicated transit card required.
- Tap any contactless Visa, Mastercard or Interac debit card directly at the fare reader on CTrain platforms or buses
- The Presto card does not work in Calgary — Calgary uses its own system
- No zone-based fares — flat fare throughout the city
- CTrain is free in the downtown core between City Hall and 8th Street SW stations — a useful detail if you work or live downtown
Montreal — OPUS card
Montreal’s STM network (Metro + bus) uses the OPUS card. The Metro is fast, clean and covers central Montreal well.
- Get one: At any Metro station vending machine or customer service counter; CAD $6 for the card itself
- Load it: At Metro station machines or online
- Note: Montreal is a French-language city — station names, signs and recorded announcements are in French. Most are easy to understand in context even without French.
- A monthly STM pass is one of the most affordable transit deals in Canada at approximately CAD $94/month
General tips for Canadian transit
- Drive on the right. Traffic flows the opposite direction to Australia and New Zealand. Pedestrian crossings, roundabouts and road rules are all reversed.
- Winter affects everything. Buses run late, platforms are cold, and snow can affect schedules. Give yourself extra time in winter months.
- Google Maps and Apple Maps both work well for transit directions across all Canadian cities — use them for trip planning when you first arrive.
- Uber and Lyft operate in all major Canadian cities and are reliable fallbacks when transit doesn’t reach where you’re going.
- Cycling: Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal all have dedicated bike lanes and bikeshare schemes (Bike Share Toronto, Mobi in Vancouver, BIXI in Montreal). A great option for short trips in summer.
Setting up a Canadian bank account as soon as you arrive is essential. Most major Canadian banks allow non-residents to open accounts before arriving — some require an in-branch visit.
Major banks:
- RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) — the largest bank, popular with newcomers; has a dedicated New to Canada banking program
- TD Bank — strong retail network and newcomer packages
- Scotiabank — active newcomer program; has branches in Australia for pre-arrival setup
- BMO (Bank of Montreal) — solid newcomer accounts
- CIBC — major retail bank with newcomer offerings
Digital options:
- Koho — prepaid Visa with no monthly fees; popular with working holiday makers
- Wise — multi-currency account for managing AUD and CAD
What you’ll need: Passport, Canadian address, and proof of visa/permit. Some banks accept a hotel address to open the account before you have permanent accommodation.
No PayID in Canada. Interac e-Transfer is the Canadian equivalent for person-to-person bank transfers — ask your employer to set up direct deposit as soon as you start work.
Finding accommodation in Canada
Finding your first rental in Canada as a newcomer is the single biggest practical challenge most Australians face — and the main reason is that you arrive with no Canadian credit history.
The credit history catch-22
Most Canadian landlords run a credit check before approving a rental application. With no Canadian credit history, you look like a risk — even if you have savings and stable income. Solutions:
- Offer extra months upfront: Offering 2–3 months rent upfront (on top of the standard first and last month’s deposit) is the most effective way to overcome no credit history
- Letter from your employer: A letter confirming your employment and salary significantly strengthens your application
- Reference letters: References from a previous landlord in Australia, even if international, help
- International student/newcomer rental programs: Some landlords and rental agencies specifically cater to newcomers — look for these in Facebook groups for Australians in Toronto/Vancouver/Calgary
Where to search for rentals
| Platform | Best for |
|---|---|
| PadMapper | Apartment and condo listings across Canada |
| Zumper | Apartments and houses; good filtering |
| Kijiji | Private landlord listings; popular in Ontario |
| Facebook Marketplace | Private rentals; often more flexible on credit checks |
| Facebook groups | “Australians in Toronto”, “Expats in Vancouver” — often have sublets and room shares |
| Craigslist | Still active in Vancouver and Calgary |
What to expect
- First and last month’s rent is standard upfront — budget for this before you arrive
- Lease terms: 12-month leases are standard; month-to-month is possible but more expensive
- Furnished vs unfurnished: Most long-term rentals are unfurnished. Short-term furnished options are available but significantly more expensive
- Renting before you arrive: It is very difficult to secure a rental from overseas without a Canadian reference or credit history. Plan for 2–4 weeks in temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hostel, extended-stay hotel) while you find a permanent place
Grocery shopping in Canada
Canadian grocery prices have risen sharply in recent years — expect to pay more than in Australia for many basics. Knowing where to shop saves real money.
Budget vs expensive supermarkets
| Supermarket | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| No Frills | Budget (Loblaw-owned) | Everyday groceries; significant savings vs Loblaws |
| Food Basics | Budget (Metro-owned) | Good produce prices; Ontario |
| FreshCo | Budget (Sobeys-owned) | Western Canada and Ontario |
| Walmart Supercentre | Budget | Large range; competitive on packaged goods |
| Costco | Warehouse/bulk | Excellent value if you can buy in bulk; membership CAD $65/year |
| Loblaws | Mid-to-premium | Convenient; more expensive |
| Metro | Mid-to-premium | Good produce; more expensive |
| Sobeys | Mid | Solid mid-range option |
| T&T Supermarket | Asian grocery | Excellent for fresh produce, Asian ingredients; competitive prices |
Practical tip: Do your weekly shop at No Frills or Food Basics for staples, and supplement with T&T for fresh produce and specialty items. Avoid doing your full weekly shop at Loblaws or Metro unless convenience is the priority.
PC Optimum loyalty program: Loblaws, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart and other Loblaw-owned stores use the PC Optimum points system. Sign up for free — points add up quickly and can be redeemed for free groceries.
Healthcare in Canada
Canada’s public healthcare system (Medicare) is administered provincially. Each province has its own health plan with slightly different rules.
As an Australian in Canada:
- Australia and Canada do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement — you are not automatically entitled to Canadian public Medicare as an Australian visa holder
- Most provinces have a waiting period of up to 3 months before provincial health coverage begins
- Private health insurance is essential for the waiting period and for IEC Working Holiday visa holders
Provincial health waiting periods:
- Ontario: 3 months
- British Columbia: 3 months
- Alberta: No waiting period — coverage begins on arrival for eligible visa holders
- Quebec: 3 months
What to do: Arrange private travel and health insurance before you leave Australia covering at least the first 3 months. IEC health insurance is a mandatory visa requirement — you must have it for the full duration of your permit.
Tax in Canada
Social Insurance Number (SIN): Canada’s equivalent of an Australian Tax File Number. Apply at a Service Canada centre as soon as you arrive — you need it before starting work. Without a SIN, employers must withhold tax at the highest rate.
Tax year: Canada’s tax year runs January 1 to December 31. Tax returns are filed by April 30 each year (June 15 for self-employed).
Tax rates: Federal income tax in Canada ranges from 15% to 33%, with provincial tax added on top. Alberta has no provincial income tax — the lowest overall tax burden of any major province.
Superannuation: Australia’s compulsory super system does not apply in Canada. Canada has its own retirement savings system (RRSP — Registered Retirement Savings Plan). If you return to Australia after working in Canada, you can claim your Australian super back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) process.
Weather — what to expect and what to buy
Canadian winters are genuinely cold in a way that surprises most Australians. “Cold” in Canada means -15°C to -30°C with wind chill in Toronto, Calgary and Montreal. Even Vancouver — the mildest major Canadian city — gets cold, wet winters with regular frost.
Average winter temperatures
| City | Average January low | Wind chill can feel like |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | -8°C | -15°C to -25°C |
| Vancouver | 3°C | Wet and cold; rarely below 0°C |
| Calgary | -12°C | -20°C to -30°C (but dry) |
| Montreal | -14°C | -20°C to -30°C |
| Edmonton | -16°C | -25°C to -35°C |
What to buy before winter hits
Buy winter gear in September or October — prices are lower before peak demand and sizing is better. Waiting until December means paying more for reduced selection.
Essential winter gear:
- Winter jacket: A proper down-filled or synthetic insulated jacket rated to at least -20°C. Canada Goose, Arc’teryx, Moose Knuckles are premium options; North Face, Columbia and MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) are solid mid-range. Budget CAD $150–$500.
- Winter boots: Waterproof, insulated boots rated to at least -30°C. Sorel and Baffin are Canadian brands built for the conditions. Budget CAD $150–$300.
- Thermal base layers: Merino wool or synthetic base layers for under your clothes
- Gloves, scarf, toque (beanie): Budget CAD $50–$100 total for decent quality
- Ice grips (YakTrax): Slip-on ice grips for your boots — a CAD $30 purchase that prevents falls on icy footpaths
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) is Canada’s equivalent of Anaconda or REI — well-stocked, good prices, knowledgeable staff. One of the first shops to visit after you arrive.
Emergency contacts and essential services
Emergency
- 911 — Police, fire, ambulance (all provinces and territories)
- Do not call 911 for non-emergencies. For non-urgent police matters, call your local police non-emergency number.
Health information lines
| Province | Health line | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 811 (Health811) | 24/7 |
| British Columbia | 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) | 24/7 |
| Alberta | 811 (Health Link) | 24/7 |
| Quebec | 811 (Info-Santé) | 24/7 |
| Manitoba | 204-788-8200 | 24/7 |
Health lines connect you with a registered nurse who can advise whether you need to go to hospital, a clinic, or can treat yourself at home — a genuinely useful service that saves unnecessary emergency department visits.
Australian High Commission in Canada
- Ottawa (High Commission): +1 613-236-0841
- Toronto (Consulate General): +1 416-323-1155
- Vancouver (Consulate General): +1 604-694-6160
- Register your trip at smartraveller.gov.au before you leave Australia
Other useful contacts
- Service Canada: 1-800-622-6232 — SIN applications, employment insurance, government services
- Canada Revenue Agency: 1-800-959-8281 — tax enquiries
- IRCC (Immigration): 1-888-242-2100 — work permit and visa enquiries
Practical steps when you arrive
- Get your SIN — visit a Service Canada centre with your passport and work permit
- Open a bank account — RBC, TD or Scotiabank are the most newcomer-friendly
- Arrange a SIM card — Rogers, Bell and Telus are the major networks; budget options include Public Mobile, Chatr and Lucky Mobile
- Get a provincial health card — register with your province’s health authority as soon as you arrive (even if the waiting period applies)
- Get a driver’s licence — most provinces allow Australians to exchange their licence directly without a test within a grace period. Check your specific province’s rules
- Register with the Australian High Commission — smartraveller.gov.au for emergencies and travel advice
SIM cards in Canada
| Provider | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|
| Rogers | Best national coverage | CAD $45–$75/month |
| Bell | Strong coverage, good for regional areas | CAD $45–$70/month |
| Telus | Excellent coverage; popular with Australians in BC/Alberta | CAD $45–$70/month |
| Public Mobile | Budget option on Telus network | From CAD $25/month |
| Lucky Mobile | Budget; Bell network | From CAD $25/month |
| Koodo | Mid-range Telus subsidiary | From CAD $35/month |
Driver’s licence exchange
Both Australia and New Zealand have reciprocal driver’s licence exchange agreements with all major Canadian provinces. This means most Australians can exchange their licence directly for a Canadian provincial licence — no road test, no knowledge test required — as long as you have held your full licence for at least 2 years.
Grace periods by province
You can drive on your Australian licence during the grace period, but must apply for a provincial licence before it expires:
| Province | Grace period | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 60 days | Direct exchange — eye test only |
| British Columbia | 90 days | Direct exchange — no tests required |
| Alberta | 90 days | Direct exchange — no tests required |
| Quebec | 6 months | Contact SAAQ directly to confirm eligibility |
| Saskatchewan | 90 days | Direct exchange |
What you need
- Your valid, original Australian driver’s licence
- Passport and work permit/visa
- Proof of provincial residency (lease, utility bill, or bank letter)
- CAD $90–$130 exchange fee (varies by province)
You must surrender your Australian licence when exchanging — it will not be returned. Get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from NRMA or RAA in Australia before you leave if you plan to drive in multiple countries, as it serves as a certified translation of your licence.
If you have held your licence for less than 2 years: You may still qualify for a direct exchange but could be placed into a graduated licensing program requiring some road tests.
Motorcycle licences: The exchange agreement for motorcycle licences is more limited — check your specific province’s rules before assuming your motorcycle endorsement transfers.
Fun facts: Australia and Canada
- Canada is the second largest country in the world — 9.98 million square kilometres. Australia is the sixth largest. Together they account for roughly 15% of the world’s total land area.
- Both countries drive on the right in Canada, left in Australia — one of the first things Australians notice crossing an intersection. Hire cars, pedestrian crossings, and roundabouts all reverse.
- The Canadian Rockies and the Australian outback are equally vast and equally empty. The drive from Vancouver to Calgary (1,000km) passes through mountain landscapes that consistently stop Australians in their tracks — it looks like a film set.
- Tim Hortons is not just a coffee shop — it is a Canadian institution. Ordering a “double double” (two creams, two sugars) at a Tim Hortons drive-through at 7am in a snowstorm is a rite of passage that most Australians living in Canada eventually experience.
- Hockey is to Canada what cricket is to Australia — the sport that defines national identity, fills pubs on game nights, and gets discussed with a level of passion that surprises outsiders. Toronto Maple Leafs games at Scotiabank Arena are sold out almost year-round.
Sending money home from Canada to Australia
Many Australians in Canada send money home regularly — to support family, repay debts in Australia, transfer savings back, or manage mortgage repayments while overseas.
OrbitRemit supports fast, affordable transfers from Australia (AUD) to Canada (CAD) and back. Whether you’re sending savings home from Canada or receiving money from Australia, OrbitRemit’s flat fee and live exchange rate mean no surprises.
- AUD to CAD: Flat $4 fee per transfer (fee-free above AUD $10,000)
- Over 85% of transfers arrive within 2 hours
- Rate fixed at the time of confirmation
- No deduction at the receiving end
- Regulated by ASIC in Australia (AFSL: 470646) | DIA-supervised in New Zealand (FSP7721)
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 34,000 reviews
FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)
Can Australians get a working holiday visa for Canada?
Yes. Australians aged 18–35 can apply for a Working Holiday permit through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. The permit allows you to work for any employer anywhere in Canada for up to 2 years. The IEC fee is CAD $184.75 plus biometrics (CAD $85) and an open work permit holder fee (CAD $100).
Do Australians need a visa to visit Canada?
No. Australian citizens can visit Canada visa-free for up to 6 months but require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) — a simple online application costing CAD $7.
How does Express Entry work for Australians?
Express Entry is Canada’s points-based system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. Applicants create an online profile and are scored under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) out of 1,200 points. The current competitive cutoff is approximately 490+ CRS points. Invited applicants have 60 days to submit a full PR application, which is typically processed within 6 months.
What is the cost of living in Canada compared to Australia?
Outside of Toronto and Vancouver, Canada is generally more affordable than Australia for housing and everyday expenses. Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive cities in the world — cities like Calgary, Edmonton and Montreal are significantly cheaper. Salaries in Australia tend to be higher in comparable roles, but the cost differential in housing can offset this.
Do I need health insurance for Canada?
Yes. Australia does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Canada. Most provinces have a 3-month waiting period before public Medicare coverage begins. Private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the IEC Working Holiday visa.
Can I bring my family to Canada?
Yes. Spouses or common-law partners of IEC workers may be eligible for an open work permit. Dependent children do not require a study permit to attend Canadian schools.
Can I keep my Australian superannuation while in Canada?
Yes. Your Australian super remains in your fund while you are overseas. When you return to Australia permanently you can access it at retirement age. If you do not intend to return, you can claim it back through the DASP process (35% withholding tax applies for some visa types).
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute immigration, financial or legal advice. Visa fees and requirements are subject to change — always verify current requirements at canada.ca/immigration before applying. Cost of living figures are estimates based on publicly available 2026 data. Last updated July 2026.
Sources: IRCC — International Experience Canada (canada.ca) | Express Entry — canada.ca | wheretoemigrate.io Canada vs Australia Immigration 2026 | giecglobal.com.au Moving to Canada from Australia | nationwidevisas.com | immigrationpointer.com.au | moving2canada.com | globalworkandtravel.com
