Getting a Job in Canada from Australia

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. However, this country acknowledges the valuable contributions of immigrants to the economy by taking up job opportunities.

Can I get a job in Canada from Australia? The fantastic answer is, yes. In particular, for Australians between the ages of 18 and 35, getting a job in Canada from Australia is unrestricted. Moving to a new country can be disorganizing when adapting to their culture, customs, life, and daily activities. Nonetheless, 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, the country of Australia gets to live and work in Canada for 24 months, in a program called IEC. However, the International Experience Canada includes a working holiday visa.

Simply put, a working holiday is an extended vacation where you can work to support yourself financially during your vacation period. Dive in as we discuss the Canada work visa for Australians, the requirements, and working in Canada with the IEC work permit.

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. Even though most other countries get to stay in Canada for a one-year maximum, Australians are permitted for up to two years. Isn’t that nice?

Listed below are the three categories of IEC work permits that Australians between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for.

1. Working Holiday

This is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer and it’s valid for 24 months. Meanwhile, if you relocate to Canada from Australia on a working holiday permit, you are eligible to work in any kind of job for the duration of the visa.

2. Young Professional

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.

3. International Co-op

This is for students at Australian post-secondary institutions doing an internship in Canada. It is also valid for 24 months except if you’re participating for the second time, then 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. While the second time must be the International Co-op category. Furthermore, you can not do it interchangeably except only the way it’s stated above.

This program is not planned for people who wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada, but for people who would like to experience Canadian living for a temporary period.

Requirements

For Australians to be eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program and work in Canada, there are some requirements needed. Although, the requirements vary slightly for each category of work permit. Generally, Australians must meet the following requirements to qualify for a Canada working holiday permit.

1. Must be an Australian citizen.
2. Must have an Australian passport that will be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
3. Must be between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of filling out the application.
4. Must have financial proof worth a minimum of CAD 2,500 of accessible funds to cover your living expenses.
5. 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.
6. Must have a round-trip ticket or financial resources to buy a departure ticket for the end of your visit to Canada.
7. Must not be accompanied by 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 and your work permit application has been approved, you’ll then receive a letter that you’ll provide to the border officer when you arrive in Canada. You will then receive a work permit in exchange.

However, you must travel to Canada within 12 months once your visa is approved. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to Canada for the spring-summer season of 2024, the time to start your application is now.

Required Documents for a Working Holiday Visa

All the required documents are quite straightforward and the information in this article will help you to understand the process. You will need the following.

1. Valid international passport.
2. Family information document.
3. Updated resume/ CV.
4. Passport photograph, the IRCC standard.
5. Police Certificates. However, this must be prepared in advance.

Working in Canada from Australia 

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:

1. Working Hours and Pay

On average, the working hours of an employee in Canada is eight hours per day or 40 hours per week. Although this will depend on your 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.

2. Holidays

In this regard, Canada is somehow similar to the American work culture. Most times, starting holidays are either ten days or two weeks and will probably increase with 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.

3. Benefits

Just like in Australia, the healthcare sector in Canada is publicly funded. Health care services are provided by the provinces and coverage varies slightly between provinces. Although you will pay a small service fee in some provinces. On top of this, companies will provide additional coverage after the completion of a probationary period. This coverage is normally a percentage of the cost of medical expenses like prescriptions, ambulance, and check-ups.

Canada does not have an equivalent of the Australian ‘Super’. Instead, individuals are required to save for retirement on their own. Some companies will offer retirement savings matching. In this instance, your employer will help boost your retirement savings fund when you do (up to a certain limit each year).