Moving from Canada to Australia: The Complete Guide for Canadians

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for Canadians looking to live abroad. The lifestyle appeal is obvious - warm weather, beaches, an outdoor culture, and a relaxed pace of life. But making the move successfully requires understanding the visa pathways, the real cost of living, how the systems work, and what surprises await you when you arrive.

This guide is specifically for Canadians - and covers the things that are different from what you know.

Visa options for Canadians

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

The most popular entry point for Canadians under 35. The Working Holiday Visa allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months initially, with extensions available.

Eligibility: Canadian citizens aged 18-35 (inclusive)

Cost: AUD $635

Work rights: You can work for any employer, but cannot work for the same employer for more than six months

Extension to second year: Work for 88 days in specified regional work (agriculture, fruit picking, construction in regional areas) during your first year and you can apply for a second-year Working Holiday Visa

Extension to third year: Complete 179 days of specified work in your second year for a third-year visa

Apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Processing typically takes a few weeks.

Skilled Migration

For Canadians with in-demand qualifications and work experience looking to move permanently or on a longer-term basis.

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Points-based permanent residency without needing employer sponsorship. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation based on your points score. Highly competitive in most occupation categories.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): State or territory government nominates you in exchange for committing to live in that state for two years. Generally lower points requirement than 189.

Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage): Employer-sponsored temporary work visa (up to four years). Your employer must be an approved sponsor and your occupation must be on the relevant skills list.

Partner Visa

If you have an Australian partner (married or de facto), you can apply for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801 for onshore, 309/100 for offshore). Processing times are long - allow 18-36 months or more.

Student Visa

Canadians studying in Australia on a student visa (subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. Many use study as a pathway to longer-term residency.

Cost of living comparison: Canada vs. Australia

Both countries are expensive by global standards. At major city level, costs are broadly comparable, but there are meaningful differences.

Housing: Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive cities in the world for both buying and renting. Toronto and Vancouver are comparable. If you’re used to big-city Canadian prices, Australian big-city prices won’t shock you - but regional Australia is often better value than regional Canada.

Groceries: Australian grocery prices are generally slightly higher than Canada’s, though the gap has narrowed with Canadian inflation. Fresh produce in Australia benefits from year-round growing seasons - you’ll find far better quality and lower prices for fruit and vegetables than you’re used to in Canadian winters.

Alcohol: Significantly more expensive in Australia than Canada. Australian alcohol taxes are among the highest in the world. Expect to pay AUD $60-$80 for a case of beer that would cost CAD $35-$50 in Canada.

Petrol/fuel: Australia uses litres, priced in AUD. Prices fluctuate significantly by city and cycle weekly in most major cities (a deliberate retail practice). Generally cheaper than Canada in real terms.

Healthcare: Australia’s Medicare system is excellent. As a Canadian arriving on most working visas, you are covered by Medicare from day one under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) between Canada and Australia. This covers GP visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care. Dental and optical are not covered.

Healthcare: Medicare and the RHCA

For Canadians in Australia:

• You need to enrol in Medicare when you arrive. Bring your Canadian provincial health card and passport to a Medicare service centre
• You’re covered for GP visits (bulk-billed where available - no cost to you), emergency hospital treatment, and subsidised prescriptions under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• The RHCA covers temporary residents on most visa types - check your specific visa category at servicesaustralia.gov.au

Housing in Australia

Australia’s rental market is highly competitive, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Vacancy rates are low and competition for rentals is fierce.

What Canadians need to know:

• Rent is quoted per week, not per month (multiply by 52 and divide by 12 to get a monthly figure)
• Most leases are six or twelve months
• You’ll typically need to provide 100 points of ID, references, proof of income, and pay four weeks’ bond (deposit) plus two weeks’ rent in advance
• Without Australian rental history or income, getting approved can be harder. A letter from an employer, offer of employment, or bank statements showing healthy savings helps
• Short-term furnished apartments are a good bridge while you search for a long-term rental

Weather - the actual difference

This is the obvious one, but worth being specific about. Australia is hot. Parts of it are extremely hot.

• Sydney has mild winters (rarely below 10 degrees) and warm summers (25-35 degrees regularly, occasionally hotter)
• Melbourne is famously variable - “four seasons in one day” is a cliche because it’s true
• Brisbane and Queensland are warm year-round, with a wet season (November-April) bringing humidity and tropical storms
• Perth is hot and dry with spectacular summers and mild winters
• The concept of “summer” and “winter” is reversed from Canada - December and January are the hottest months

Driving in Australia

Australia drives on the left - same side as… wait, no. Canada drives on the right. Australia drives on the left, like the UK.

This is a genuine adjustment. Give yourself a week before driving in heavy traffic. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car. Your instinct to reach for the gear shift will initially go to the door.

Most Canadian licences can be exchanged for an Australian licence in most states without a test, though the process varies by state. Check with your specific state’s transport authority.

Things Canadians love about Australia

• The weather (if you like warmth)
• The outdoor lifestyle - beaches, hiking, the general culture of being outside
• The coffee culture. Australian coffee is world-class. You will miss it when you leave
• The food scene, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne
• The relaxed pace and work-life balance culture
• Proximity to Asia and the Pacific

Things Canadians find hard about Australia

• The cost of alcohol
• The distance from Canada, family, and friends. Australia is genuinely far
• The wildlife. Some of it is trying to kill you
• The heat for those not accustomed to it
• Slower internet speeds compared to major Canadian cities in some areas
• The healthcare system, while good, doesn’t have the breadth of provincial coverage Canadians are used to

The bottom line

Australia is an outstanding place to live and Canadians adapt to it quickly. The visa process is straightforward for younger Canadians via the working holiday route. Get your Medicare card sorted immediately on arrival to access the healthcare agreement. Prepare for the rental market to be competitive. And buy sunscreen in bulk.

Move Between helps Australians and Canadians navigate international relocation. Browse our guides, checklists, and visa resources to plan your move with confidence.