Canada is a country known for its stunning natural beauty and high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for immigrants. Getting a job in Canada from Australia is convenient because Canada welcomes immigrants from all around the world.
The country acknowledges the valuable contributions of immigrants to the economy by taking up job opportunities. Australians between the ages of 18 and 35 find it easy to get a job in Canada unrestricted.
Moving to a new country can be disorganized when adapting to its culture, customs, life, and daily activities. However, relocating to Canada from Australia can be a positive, life-changing experience. In this article, we have provided a comprehensive outline of the possibilities of getting a job in Canada from Australia.
What is a Working Holiday?
The Canadian government has created a youth mobility agreement with about 35 countries, which allows young people to live and work in Canada for 12 to 24 months. Luckily, Australians get to live and work in Canada for 24 months in a program called IEC.
The International Experience Canada includes a working holiday visa. Simply put, a working holiday is an extended vacation during which you can work to support yourself financially.
Dive in as we discuss the Canada work visa for Australians, its requirements, and working in Canada with the IEC work permit.
Required Documents for a Working Holiday Visa
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A completed online application
- The visa application fee
- A certified copy of your passport, valid for at least 12 months
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Evidence of your financial status, such as recent bank statements or credit card statement
Canada Work Visa for Australians
Work permits for Canada are distributed to Australians through the IEC program. For every other country, Canada gives a limited number of participants each year, but Australians received an infinite number in the IEC annual program.
Most countries get to stay in Canada for a one-year maximum, Australians are permitted for up to two years. Listed below are the three categories of IEC work permits that Australians between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for.
Working Holiday: This is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer and is valid for 24 months. If you relocate to Canada from Australia on a working holiday permit, you are eligible to work in any job for the duration of the visa.
Young Professional: This is valid if you secure an employment offer that falls under the Canada NOC Skill type 0, level A or B, which is valid for 24 months.
International Co-op: This is for students at Australian post-secondary institutions doing an internship in Canada. It is valid for 24 months, except if you’re participating for the second time, in which case it’s valid for just 12 months. However, Australians are eligible to participate in IEC a maximum of two times. The first time can either be the Working Holiday or Young Professional category. At the same time, the second time must be the International Co-op category. Furthermore, you can only do it in the way it’s stated above. This program is not intended for people who wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada but for people who would like to experience Canadian life for a temporary period.
Requirements for Australians Under the International Experience Canada
Some requirements are needed for Australians to be eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program and work in Canada. The requirements vary slightly for each category of work permit; Australians must generally meet the following requirements to qualify for a Canada working holiday permit.
- Must be an Australian citizen.
- It would be best if you had an Australian passport that would be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of filling out the application.
- You must have financial proof worth a minimum of CAD 2,500 of accessible funds to cover your living expenses.
- You must also purchase health insurance for the duration of your stay. In addition, you may have to show evidence of the insurance when you enter Canada.
- You must have a round-trip ticket or financial resources to buy a departure ticket for the end of your visit to Canada.
- Must be kept from any dependents.
Furthermore, the processing time for a working holiday visa is between 8 and 12 weeks.
Working in Canada with an IEC Work Permit
The process to officially work and live in Canada starts when you are still in Australia. The simplified version of applying for a working holiday visa is to make an online profile with IEC. Then, submit your work permit application online.
After submitting your work permit application and having it approved, you’ll receive a letter that you’ll provide to the border officer when you arrive in Canada. In exchange, you will receive a work permit.
Once your visa is approved, you must travel to Canada within 12 months. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to Canada for the spring-summer season of 2025, the time to start your application is now.
What is the Work Culture in Canada Like?
The work culture in Australia and Canada is almost the same, with a few minor differences. Work-life balance plays an important role, especially on the West Coast of Canada. However, there are some factors where Canada’s work culture is closer to that of our American neighbors. These factors include:
Working Hours and Pay
On average, an employee in Canada works eight hours per day or 40 hours per week, although this will depend on their job. Lunch breaks take about 30 minutes to one hour maximum.
Payday is most commonly bi-monthly. There is a statutory holiday (public holiday) pay increase equal to 1.5 times your standard wage. However, unlike in Australia, weekend pay increases do not exist in Canada.
Holidays
In this regard, Canada’s work culture is similar to the American one. Starting holidays are usually either ten days or two weeks and will increase as you progress in service. However, to attract the top shots, most companies will offer three or even four weeks of starting vacation.
In some cases, companies will close over the Christmas holidays. Eventually, starting holidays will depend on your job and industry.
Benefits of Working in Canada for Australians
There are several benefits to working in Canada for Australians, including:
- Universal healthcare: All residents of Canada, including those with a work visa, are entitled to free medical care.
- Access to social services: Permanent residents have access to Canada’s social services.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): This is a compulsory savings plan for all employees with a valid work visa in Canada. Both the employee and employer contribute to the pension.
- Freedom to move: Permanent residents have the freedom to move to another province and pursue a new job or opportunity.
- Working Holiday Visa: Australian citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for a Canadian working holiday visa to live and work in Canada for up to two years.
- Multicultural environment: Canada has an inclusive immigration policy and multicultural environment.
Australia and Canada have a long history of friendship and shared values and culture. This relationship has led to many opportunities for immigration, study, and work between the two countries.