For New Zealanders thinking about living and working overseas, Canada has become one of the most compelling options. The two countries share a Commonwealth heritage, common law legal systems, parliamentary traditions, and a deep cultural familiarity that makes the transition smoother than almost any other overseas move.
Canada’s working holiday program — through International Experience Canada (IEC) — is one of the most straightforward ways for Kiwis aged 18–35 to spend up to 23 months living and working anywhere in Canada. And for those looking to settle longer-term, Canada’s Express Entry system offers a clear pathway to permanent residency.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Canada from New Zealand in 2026.
Visa options for New Zealanders moving to Canada
International Experience Canada — Working Holiday (the most popular first step)
The International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday is the easiest and most accessible route for Kiwis to move to Canada. It provides an open work permit allowing you to work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, for up to 23 months.
For New Zealand citizens, there is only one IEC category — Working Holiday — and it’s the most flexible of the three IEC streams, giving you complete freedom to change employers, move cities, and work in any industry.
As of the 2026 IEC season, there are 2,500 working holiday permits available for New Zealand citizens. The pool remains open throughout the IEC season with available spots, making it relatively easy for NZ citizens to secure a working holiday permit for Canada.
Key requirements:
- Age: 18–35 years old
- Valid New Zealand passport
- Health insurance for the full duration of your stay (mandatory)
- Proof of funds: at least CAD $2,500 recommended
- Clean criminal record
Passport note: Your work permit cannot exceed your passport’s expiry date. If your New Zealand passport expires within the next 2 years, renew it before applying.
Fees:
- IEC application fee: CAD $184.75 — verify current fee at canada.ca before applying
- Biometrics: CAD $85 (valid 10 years once collected)
- Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100
Application: Apply through an online IRCC account at canada.ca. Processing typically takes up to 56 days after submitting all documents and biometrics.
Good to know: New Zealand citizens can travel to Canada visa-free with a simple eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, CAD $7) — but a work permit is required if you plan to work.
Express Entry — the path to permanent residency
Express Entry is Canada’s points-based system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It is the most direct route to settling permanently in Canada for New Zealanders with professional qualifications and work experience.
Express Entry covers three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with Canadian work experience — the natural next step 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 an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Many New Zealanders succeed by starting with IEC to gain Canadian work experience, then applying for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class — a well-trodden pathway.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each Canadian province runs its own immigration stream for workers in specific sectors and regions. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score — effectively guaranteeing an ITA for permanent residency.
Popular PNPs for New Zealanders include the BC PNP (British Columbia — tech, healthcare, skilled trades), Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), and Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) — particularly for engineers, trades and healthcare workers.
Student visa (Study Permit)
New Zealanders can study at any Canadian institution on a study permit. International students can work up to 24 hours per week during term. After graduation, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows up to 3 years of open work — building the Canadian experience needed for Express Entry’s CEC stream.
Canada offers various support services for international students, including orientation programs, academic assistance, and help with visa processing. After graduation, international students may also be eligible for post-graduation work permits, making it easier to gain Canadian work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Citizenship
After living in Canada for four years (including at least one year as a permanent resident) and meeting tax filing requirements, New Zealanders can apply for Canadian citizenship. New Zealand allows dual citizenship, so you keep your NZ passport.
Where to live in Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is the most popular landing spot for New Zealanders — and it’s easy to see why. The combination of mountains, ocean, mild winters (by Canadian standards) and a laid-back Pacific Northwest culture feels familiar. BC is also one of Canada’s top destinations for ski industry workers, with Whistler just 90 minutes north.
The tech sector is strong and growing, and BC has active healthcare and trades immigration programs. The catch: housing costs are among the highest in Canada. One-bedroom apartments average CAD $2,500–$3,200 per month in the city centre.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and economic engine. Finance, technology, healthcare and creative industries are all well represented. Toronto’s multicultural population makes it easy to settle in — and its sheer size means there’s almost always work.
One-bedroom apartments in inner Toronto average CAD $2,300–$2,800 per month, with more affordable options in the outer suburbs. Winters are cold with regular snowfall, but the city runs on regardless.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and has a job market built around energy, engineering, construction and trades. Alberta has no provincial income tax — the lowest overall tax burden of any major province. Banff National Park is 90 minutes from downtown.
Average one-bedroom rent: CAD $1,800–$2,200 per month. For New Zealanders who love the outdoors, Calgary is hard to beat.
Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is the classic New Zealand working holiday destination — a world-class ski and mountain bike resort town with a well-established antipodean community. Many Kiwis who come to Whistler for a season end up staying for years. The outdoor lifestyle, the community feel, and the ease of finding hospitality and resort work make it a natural first stop.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is Canada’s most distinctly European city — French language, café culture, creative industries and a lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver. English is widely spoken in Montreal, but French is the official language of Quebec. Learning French significantly improves job prospects and daily life.
Average one-bedroom rent: CAD $1,600–$2,000 per month.
Cost of living in Canada vs New Zealand
Costs vary by city. Some Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver) are more expensive than many NZ cities, while others are comparable or cheaper.
| City | Average 1BR rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | CAD $2,500–$3,200 | More expensive than Auckland |
| Toronto | CAD $2,300–$2,800 | Comparable to Auckland CBD |
| Calgary | CAD $1,800–$2,200 | More affordable than Auckland |
| Montreal | CAD $1,600–$2,000 | Significantly cheaper than Wellington or Auckland |
| Edmonton | CAD $1,400–$1,800 | Most affordable major city |
Key cost differences
Groceries and dining out in Canada are broadly comparable to New Zealand. Public transport in Canadian cities is generally cheaper and more comprehensive than in most New Zealand cities. Petrol is cheaper. Alcohol at liquor stores is significantly cheaper.
The biggest variable is province: Alberta has no provincial income tax, meaning take-home pay is higher than in Ontario or BC for the same gross salary.
Public transport in Canada
Canada’s major cities all have solid public transport networks. Each city runs its own system with its own transit card — here’s what you need to know in each city.
The basics
Get a reloadable transit smart card for your city as soon as you arrive. It’s cheaper per trip than paying cash and works across all buses, trains and ferries in that network. Alternatively, tap your contactless bank card or phone directly at any reader — this works in all major Canadian cities without needing a separate transit card.
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 leave New Zealand.
| City | Transit system | Card | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | TransLink (SkyTrain, bus, SeaBus) | Compass Card | From CAD $3.35 (1-Zone) |
| Toronto | TTC (subway, bus, streetcar) | PRESTO card | CAD $3.30 |
| Calgary | Calgary Transit (CTrain + bus) | Tap-to-pay (no card needed) | Flat fare |
| Montreal | STM (Metro + bus) | OPUS card | From CAD $3.75 |
| Edmonton | ETS (LRT + bus) | Arc Card | Flat fare |
Vancouver — Compass Card
Vancouver is most New Zealanders’ first city in Canada, and TransLink is an excellent system once you know how it works.
- Get a Compass Card at any SkyTrain station vending machine (CAD $6 refundable deposit) or online at compasscard.ca
- Zone-based fares: Metro Vancouver has three fare zones. All buses are 1-Zone at all times. SkyTrain fares depend on how many zones you cross. After 6:30pm weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays, all trips are 1-Zone
- 90-minute transfer: One fare covers unlimited travel on bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus within 90 minutes of tapping on
- Fares increased 5% from July 1, 2026 — check translink.ca for current prices
- No card needed: Tap contactless Visa, Mastercard, Interac debit, Apple Pay or Google Pay directly at any fare gate or bus reader
- Airport: The Canada Line SkyTrain runs directly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Tap your Compass Card or contactless payment at the airport station — same fare system
Toronto — PRESTO card
Toronto’s PRESTO card works on the TTC (subway, buses, streetcars) and GO Transit regional trains, plus eight other transit agencies across Greater Toronto.
- Get one at any TTC subway station fare machine or Shoppers Drug Mart
- Adult single fare: CAD $3.30. Transfers valid for 2 hours — change bus/streetcar/subway lines on the same fare
- Monthly fare capping from September 1, 2026: Once you’ve paid for 47 trips in a month, the rest of the month is free — replacing the old monthly pass
- Ontario One Fare: Free transfers between TTC and GO Transit regional services when tapping on and off with the same card
Calgary — tap-to-pay
Calgary Transit’s CTrain and buses accept contactless tap-to-pay directly — no dedicated transit card needed.
- Tap any Visa, Mastercard or Interac debit card at CTrain platform readers or on buses
- Flat fare throughout the city — no zones
- Free in the downtown core between City Hall and 8th Street SW stations
Montreal — OPUS card
Montreal’s STM Metro and bus network uses the OPUS card (CAD $6 for the card). One of Canada’s most affordable transit systems — a monthly pass is approximately CAD $94. Note that all station names, signs and announcements are in French.
General tips
- Drive on the right — traffic flows the opposite way to New Zealand, including pedestrian crossings and roundabouts
- Winter: Snow and cold affect bus schedules. Give yourself extra time November through March
- Google Maps and Apple Maps both work well for transit directions across all Canadian cities
- Uber and Lyft operate in all major cities and are reliable for trips outside transit coverage
- Bikeshare: Vancouver’s Mobi, Toronto’s Bike Share, and Montreal’s BIXI are all excellent for short trips in warmer months
Recommended for New Zealanders:
- RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) — has a New to Canada banking program; can be set up before arrival
- TD Bank — strong newcomer account offerings
- Scotiabank — active newcomer program
- BMO and CIBC — solid mainstream options
Most banks allow you to open an account before arriving with a New Zealand passport and proof of your work permit or visa. You’ll need a Canadian address — even a temporary hotel address works for most banks initially.
No Eftpos in Canada. Canada uses Interac debit — tap-and-go on Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit is the norm everywhere. Credit cards are widely used and many newcomers find a secured credit card useful for building a Canadian credit history from scratch.
No PIX, no Eftpos. International transfers between NZ and Canada require either a bank wire or an international money transfer service.
Healthcare in Canada
New Zealand and Canada do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. New Zealanders are not automatically eligible for Canadian public Medicare.
Provincial waiting periods:
- Ontario: 3 months
- British Columbia: 3 months
- Alberta: No waiting period — coverage begins on arrival for eligible work permit holders
- Quebec: 3 months
Action: Arrange private health insurance before you leave New Zealand for at least the first 3 months (longer if heading to Ontario, BC or Quebec). Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for IEC Working Holiday participants.
Tax in Canada
Social Insurance Number (SIN): Canada’s equivalent of New Zealand’s IRD number. Apply at any Service Canada centre immediately on arrival — you need it before starting work. Without a SIN, employers must deduct tax at the highest rate.
Tax year: January 1 to December 31. Tax returns filed by April 30 the following year.
RRSP: Canada’s equivalent of KiwiSaver — a Registered Retirement Savings Plan. Unlike KiwiSaver, employer contributions are not mandatory; RRSP is primarily self-directed. New Zealanders are not required to contribute to any Canadian retirement scheme.
Driver’s licence exchange
New Zealand has reciprocal driver’s licence exchange agreements with all major Canadian provinces. Most New Zealanders can exchange their NZ 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
| 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 |
| Saskatchewan | 90 days | Direct exchange |
What you need
- Your valid, original New Zealand driver’s licence
- Passport and work permit/visa
- Proof of provincial residency
- CAD $90–$130 exchange fee (varies by province)
You must surrender your NZ licence on exchange — it will not be returned. Apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) from the AA New Zealand before leaving if you plan to drive in multiple countries.
If you have held your licence for less than 2 years: You may be placed into a graduated licensing program requiring some road tests.
Note on driving side: New Zealand drives on the left; Canada drives on the right. Give yourself a few days to adjust before driving in a new city, especially at intersections and roundabouts.
Finding accommodation in Canada
Finding your first rental as a newcomer is the biggest practical challenge most Kiwis face — and the main reason is arriving with no Canadian credit history.
The credit history catch-22
Canadian landlords run credit checks before approving applications. With no Canadian credit history, you look like a risk even with solid savings. Solutions:
- Offer 2–3 months rent upfront in addition to the standard first and last month’s deposit
- Letter from your employer confirming your employment and salary
- Previous landlord reference from New Zealand
- Facebook groups for Kiwis in Vancouver/Toronto/Calgary often have sublets and rooms from people who understand the newcomer situation
Where to search
| Platform | Best for |
|---|---|
| PadMapper | Apartments and condos across Canada |
| Zumper | Apartments and houses; good filtering |
| Kijiji | Private landlord listings; popular in Ontario |
| Facebook Marketplace | Private rentals; more flexible on credit checks |
| Facebook groups | “Kiwis in Vancouver”, “New Zealanders in Canada” |
| Craigslist | Still active in Vancouver and Calgary |
What to expect
- First and last month’s rent upfront is standard — budget for this before you arrive
- Lease terms: 12-month leases are standard
- Most rentals are unfurnished — budget for furniture and basics
- Plan for 2–4 weeks in temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hostel) while you find a permanent place. Securing a rental from New Zealand before arriving is very difficult without Canadian references.
Building Canadian credit history
No Canadian credit history means difficulty getting a credit card, renting an apartment, or getting a phone plan on contract. Every newcomer hits this wall within the first week.
How to build credit from scratch
1. Secured credit card — do this first Requires a cash deposit (CAD $200–$500) which becomes your credit limit. Use it for small purchases, pay it off in full every month. Within 3–6 months you’ll have enough history for a regular credit card.
- Koho Prepaid Visa — free; credit building add-on available for CAD $7/month
- Home Trust Secured Visa — widely recommended for newcomers
- Tangerine (Scotiabank) — free secured card; no annual fee
- RBC Newcomer Banking — includes a credit card pathway from day one
2. Phone plan on contract Postpaid mobile plans are reported to credit bureaus. Budget carriers (Public Mobile, Koodo) are more flexible with newcomers than Rogers, Bell or Telus.
3. Bank account immediately Open a bank account in your first week — RBC, TD and Scotiabank all have dedicated newcomer packages.
4. Never miss a payment Set up automatic minimum payments on every account. One missed payment has an outsized negative impact on a thin credit file.
Weather — what to expect and what to buy
Canadian winters are significantly colder than anything most New Zealanders have experienced. The South Island in July does not prepare you for Montreal in January.
Average winter temperatures
| City | Average January low | Wind chill can feel like |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 3°C | Wet and cold; rarely below 0°C |
| Toronto | -8°C | -15°C to -25°C |
| Calgary | -12°C | -20°C to -30°C (dry cold) |
| Montreal | -14°C | -20°C to -30°C |
| Whistler | -4°C | Cold, heavy snowfall |
Vancouver is the exception — mild and wet in winter rather than freezing. Most other major cities require serious winter gear.
What to buy before winter hits
Buy in September or October — better availability and prices before peak demand.
Essential winter gear:
- Winter jacket: Down or synthetic insulated, rated to at least -20°C. Canada Goose and Moose Knuckles are premium Canadian brands. North Face, Columbia and MEC are solid mid-range. Budget CAD $150–$500.
- Winter boots: Waterproof, insulated, rated to at least -30°C. Sorel and Baffin are excellent Canadian brands. Budget CAD $150–$300.
- Thermal base layers: Merino wool (familiar to Kiwis) works well
- Gloves, scarf, toque (beanie): Budget CAD $50–$100
- Ice grips (YakTrax): Slip-on grips for your boots — CAD $30 and prevents falls on ice
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) is Canada’s version of Kathmandu — well-stocked, knowledgeable staff, good prices.
Grocery shopping in Canada
Canadian grocery prices have risen significantly in recent years. Knowing where to shop saves real money each week.
Budget vs expensive supermarkets
| Supermarket | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No Frills | Budget | Best value for everyday staples; Ontario focused |
| Food Basics | Budget | Good produce; Ontario |
| FreshCo | Budget | Western Canada and Ontario |
| Walmart Supercentre | Budget | Large range; competitive on packaged goods |
| Costco | Warehouse/bulk | Excellent value in bulk; membership CAD $65/year |
| Loblaws | Mid-to-premium | Convenient but more expensive |
| Sobeys | Mid | Solid mid-range |
| T&T Supermarket | Asian grocery | Excellent fresh produce and competitive prices |
| Save-On-Foods | Mid (BC/Alberta) | Popular in Western Canada |
PC Optimum loyalty program: Register for free at Loblaws, No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart — points add up quickly and redeem for free groceries.
Practical steps when you arrive
- Get your SIN — Service Canada centre, with passport and work permit
- Open a bank account — RBC or TD newcomer accounts are easiest
- Get a SIM card — Rogers, Bell or Telus for best coverage; Public Mobile or Koodo for budget options
- Register for provincial health — even during the waiting period, register immediately
- Exchange your driver’s licence — most provinces allow NZ licence holders to exchange without a full test within a grace period
- Register with the New Zealand High Commission — safetravel.govt.nz for emergencies
Fun facts: New Zealand and Canada
- New Zealand and Canada are roughly the same size — Canada is the second largest country in the world at 9.98 million km², New Zealand a compact 268,000 km². But the landscapes rhyme: mountains, fjords, glaciers, native forests and dramatic coastlines define both.
- Both countries have deeply meaningful indigenous cultures. Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and New Zealand’s Māori — both are navigating complex histories of colonisation and working toward meaningful recognition and reconciliation.
- Skiing connects the two countries. Thousands of Kiwis make the annual pilgrimage to Whistler, Banff and Lake Louise — all of which regularly feature alongside Queenstown and Wānaka in global ski resort rankings.
- The All Blacks have played in Canada — and the two rugby nations have met at multiple Rugby World Cups. Canadian rugby fans know the All Blacks well. The haka at a stadium in Vancouver is a memorable experience.
- New Zealand and Canada are both constitutional monarchies under the same Crown, both Commonwealth members, both with Westminster parliamentary systems. Bureaucratic processes, legal rights and employment standards feel recognisably familiar to Kiwis crossing the Pacific.
Emergency contacts and essential services
Emergency
- 111 becomes 911 in Canada — Police, fire, ambulance across all provinces. This is one of the first things to internalise after arrival.
Health information lines
| Province | Health line | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) | 24/7 |
| Ontario | 811 (Health811) | 24/7 |
| Alberta | 811 (Health Link) | 24/7 |
| Quebec | 811 (Info-Santé) | 24/7 |
Health lines connect you with a registered nurse who can advise whether you need to visit a hospital, clinic, or can treat yourself — saving unnecessary emergency department visits during the provincial Medicare waiting period.
New Zealand High Commission in Canada
- Ottawa (High Commission): +1 613-238-5991
- Register your trip at safetravel.govt.nz before you leave New Zealand
Other useful contacts
- Service Canada: 1-800-622-6232 — SIN applications and government services
- Canada Revenue Agency: 1-800-959-8281 — tax enquiries
- IRCC (Immigration): 1-888-242-2100 — work permit and visa enquiries
Sending money home from Canada to New Zealand
Many Kiwis in Canada send money home regularly — managing mortgage repayments in New Zealand, supporting family, or building savings in NZD ahead of returning home. OrbitRemit supports fast, affordable NZD to CAD and CAD to NZD transfers.
- NZD to CAD: Flat $4 fee per transfer (fee-free above NZD $10,000)
- CAD to NZD: Check current rates and fees at orbitremit.com
- Over 85% of transfers arrive within 2 hours
- Rate fixed at the time of confirmation
- No deduction at the receiving end
- Supervised by the DIA in New Zealand (FSP7721)
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 34,000 reviews
FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)
Can New Zealanders get a working holiday visa for Canada?
Yes. New Zealanders 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 23 months. The IEC fee is CAD $184.75 plus biometrics (CAD $85) and open work permit holder fee (CAD $100).
Do New Zealanders need a visa to visit Canada?
No. New Zealand 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 many IEC working holiday spots are available for New Zealanders in 2026?
2,500 spots are available for New Zealand citizens in the 2026 IEC season. The pool remains open throughout the season, making it relatively straightforward to secure a spot.
Is Canada cheaper than New Zealand?
It depends on the city. Vancouver and Toronto are comparable to or more expensive than Auckland for housing. Cities like Calgary, Montreal and Edmonton are significantly cheaper. Alberta’s lack of provincial income tax also increases take-home pay compared to New Zealand.
Do I need health insurance for Canada?
Yes. New Zealand does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Canada. Most provinces have a 3-month waiting period before public Medicare begins. Private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for IEC Working Holiday permits.
Can I drive in Canada on a New Zealand licence?
Yes, initially. Most provinces allow New Zealand licence holders to drive on their NZ licence for a grace period (typically 60–90 days) before requiring a provincial exchange. Exchange processes vary by province — check your specific province before arriving.
How do I send money from Canada to New Zealand?
OrbitRemit supports fast, affordable transfers from NZD to CAD and CAD to NZD. Visit orbitremit.com/canada for current rates.
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) | Stepwest — IEC New Zealand Guide 2026 | moving2canada.com — Moving to Canada from NZ | wise.com/nz — Moving to Canada from NZ | IEC Cost Guide 2026 (moving2canada.com) | globalworkandtravel.com — Canada Working Holiday Guide
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) | Stepwest — IEC New Zealand Guide 2026 | moving2canada.com — Moving to Canada from NZ | wise.com/nz — Moving to Canada from NZ | IEC Cost Guide 2026 (moving2canada.com) | globalworkandtravel.com — Canada Working Holiday Guide
