Moving to Canada from New Zealand
IEC Working Holiday, Express Entry and the practical steps Kiwis need to take when relocating to Canada.
New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the IEC Working Holiday pool, with around 2,250 places available each year. For those outside the age range or looking to stay permanently, Express Entry and provincial nominee programmes are the main routes.
This is general information, not migration advice. Visa requirements and eligibility depend on your individual circumstances, and rules change. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a regulated immigration consultant.
The time difference, climate shock and administrative order are all bigger adjustments than most Kiwis expect. These guides cover the visa options, banking setup, healthcare enrolment and cost of living so you can plan properly before you fly.
Want the whole move mapped out for you, not just this piece of it? The Ultimate Relocation Guide is a paid, step-by-step guide (from AUD $59) covering visas, money, housing and your first 90 days for your exact move.
Guides for this move
7 September 2026
Sponsoring Your Parents to Canada: What New Zealanders Need to Know
Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program is currently closed to new applicants. Here's the honest state of play for New Zealanders, plus the Super Visa route that's still open.
7 September 2026
Spousal Sponsorship to Canada: What New Zealanders Need to Know
A practical guide to bringing a partner to Canada from New Zealand: eligibility, real costs, processing time and what to plan for.
26 August 2026
Vancouver, Toronto or Calgary: Best Cities for Kiwi Movers to Canada
Comparing Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary for New Zealanders considering Canada, on cost, climate, flights home and job markets.
26 August 2026
Tax in Canada: What New Zealanders Need to Know in Their First Year
Filing taxes in Canada for the first time is confusing when you're used to the New Zealand system. Here's how Canadian tax works, what you need to file, and the key differences.
26 August 2026
Getting a SIM Card and Mobile Plan in Canada: A Guide for New Zealand Arrivals
Canadian mobile plans are pricier than what you're used to at home. Here's how New Zealand arrivals get connected fast without overpaying.
26 August 2026
Culture Shock: What Kiwis Don't Expect About Life in Canada
Canada looks familiar on paper. Here's what New Zealanders are genuinely caught off guard by after the move, from winter to tipping to the sheer size of the place.
26 August 2026
Bringing a Pet from New Zealand to Canada: CFIA Requirements and Costs
New Zealand's rabies-free status makes bringing a dog or cat to Canada straightforward. Here's what CFIA requires, what it costs, and where people trip up.
26 August 2026
Getting Your Social Insurance Number in Canada: What New Zealanders Need to Know
Your SIN is Canada's equivalent of an IRD number, and you need it before you can work, file tax or access most services. Here's how New Zealanders get one quickly.
26 August 2026
KiwiSaver, RRSP and TFSA: What Happens to Your Retirement Savings When You Move to Canada
Unlike the trans-Tasman arrangement with Australia, there's no direct KiwiSaver-to-Canada transfer. Here's what happens to your KiwiSaver, and how RRSPs and TFSAs work once you arrive.
26 August 2026
Moving Money from New Zealand to Canada: The Cheapest and Fastest Ways
Bank transfers between New Zealand and Canada are slow and expensive. Here's how to move large sums and day-to-day money cheaply, safely, and without losing money to poor exchange rates.
12 August 2026
Cost of Living in Canada vs New Zealand: What Kiwis Actually Pay After Moving
A real comparison of living costs between Canada and New Zealand. Rent, groceries, transport, utilities, salaries, and where your money goes further as a Kiwi.
12 August 2026
Shipping Your Life from New Zealand to Canada: Costs, Customs, and What to Know
How to ship your belongings from New Zealand to Canada. Container options, costs in NZD, transit times, customs rules, what to leave behind, and tips for a smooth move.
12 August 2026
Renting in Canada as a Kiwi: Finding a Place, Costs, and Tenant Rights
How to find rental accommodation in Canada as a New Zealander. Search platforms, rent by city, how the process works, tenant rights, and what's different from renting in NZ.
12 August 2026
Working in Canada as a Kiwi: Jobs, Salaries, and What to Expect
How to find work in Canada as a New Zealander. Visa options, in-demand jobs, salary expectations, workplace culture differences, and getting your qualifications recognised.
12 August 2026
Healthcare in Canada for New Zealanders: Medicare, Doctors, and What You Need to Know
How Canadian healthcare works for Kiwis. Provincial health insurance, finding a doctor, wait times, prescriptions, dental, and what's different from New Zealand's system.
12 August 2026
Banking in Canada for New Zealanders: Accounts, Transfers, and Getting Set Up
How to open a Canadian bank account as a Kiwi, move money between NZD and CAD, build a credit history from scratch, and manage your finances across both countries.
12 August 2026
Moving from New Zealand to Canada: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything Kiwis need to know about moving to Canada in 2026, from visas and healthcare to surviving your first real winter. Straight-talking advice with verified facts.