Moving to Australia from Canada: The Complete Guide

Do you prioritize a lower cost of living and a friendly atmosphere?  Then Australia is a great choice for you.

Snow-covered roads, houses, trees, buildings, and surroundings sometimes do not cut if you are not a fan of cold weather. People often search for alternative solutions and decide to move to warmer places.

A relaxed, affordable lifestyle, sunny beaches work opportunities, and working holidays compel Canadians to want to move to Australia. 

Wait, before jumping to conclusions, it would be great to consider a few things before moving to Australia from Canada. Come work with us as we take you through the complete guide on how to make the move.

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Visa Requirements

Everybody planning on immigrating to Australia needs a valid visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving their home country. You need to do the following while moving to Australia from Canada.

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Determining your eligibility 

When relocating to Australia from Canada, you need to determine your eligibility for the type of visa you need. Do you want to work, school or visit? Then research to know the right type of visa you need and then find out if you have all it takes to qualify for it.

Required documents

When you apply for a visa to Australia, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Passport.
• Australian Visa Form.
• Paid Visa Fee.
• One Identity Picture.
• National Identity Card.
• Police Certificate.
• Family Certificates
• Evidence of Financial Means.
• Health Insurance.
• Authorized Recipient Form.
• Evidence of Temporary Stay
• Detailed Itinerary.
• Accommodation Reservations.
• Employer Permission Letter.
• Invitation Letter.

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English language requirements

The Australian government accepts scores from the following tests: International English Language System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE), and Cambridge English (CAE):

Skills assessment (if needed)

One of the visa requirements for Canadians in Australia is skills assessment.

These are some of the authorities that can assess your skills.

• Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) 
• Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) 
• Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) 
• Australian Computer Society (ACS)

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Expression of Interest (EOI)

When you have successfully received the required documents while moving to Australia from Canada, you can submit your expression of Interest to the government (EOI).

Invitation to Apply (ITA)  

The waiting time needed for receiving an Invitation to apply for Australia PR can be from 1 month to 12 months. After submitting your expression of interest, wait to be invited to apply.

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Health and character assessments

As Canadians moving to Australia you need to take the following tests.

• Routine medical examination.
• A latent tuberculosis test.
• Chest X-Ray
• HIV test.
• Latent tuberculosis test.
• Syphilis test

Submitting your visa application

Submit your visa application when you have fulfilled all requirements

Waiting for a decision

You will need to wait for 6.5 months to 8 months to get a response for your permanent residence (PR)

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Preparing for your Move

Now you have gotten the PR, what next? Here are some tips for moving to Australia from Canada

Finding accommodation

You need to find suitable accommodation that befits your family size. Research some of the best places to live in Australia for Canadians

Setting up utilities and internet  

This is an essential step. After getting a place to stay, you need access to the internet and utilities. Contact the right agencies to get what you need.

Getting a driver’s license

You cannot do without driving while living in Australia as a Canadian expat. Go through the steps needed to get one.

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Opening a bank account

After moving to Australia from Canada, take the following steps to get a bank account.

• Go to the bank’s website to check the details of the account and your eligibility.
• Click ‘Open account’
• Complete the short application form.
• Upload your ID documents as requested

Registering with authorities upon arrival

Do this as soon as you arrive in the country. It will ensure you have a seamless stay in the country. Allow us to make your transition easier by working with us.

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Cost of Living in Australia

The current cost of living in Australia is roughly AU $4,312 per month for a single person or AU $7,786 per month for a family of four. 

Housing costs  

According to a report by Domain, the average weekly rent for a house in Australia is AUD 480 ($360), while the average weekly rent for a unit is AUD 420 ($315). If you’re looking to buy a property, the average house price in Australia is AUD 900,000 ($675,000), which varies depending on location. The housing options in Australia for Canadians are based on your income.

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Groceries and utilities

This is a breakdown for both groceries and utilities.

• You need about $150  per week for groceries.
• As for utilities, check out the breakdown (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $200 per month
• Internet $70 per month
• Mobile communication is about $30 per month

Transportation  

You need between $90 to $220 for a monthly transportation pass.

Healthcare

The healthcare in Australia for Canadian immigrants is affordable to an extent. Essential and urgent hospital treatment is free. There is a charge to visit GPs and receive prescriptions. Australia’s universal health insurance scheme is called Medicare. You can enroll with Medicare through Services Australia.

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Other living expenses

There are other living expenses you can incur as an expatriate while living in Australia. Eating out, clothing, gifts, and the like. You would need an estimate of $300 -$600 monthly.

Employment in Australia  

The job market in Australia for Canadians is ripe. The ability for you to quickly find a job in Australia depends on economic factors, qualifications and skills, and the type of work you are looking for.

Job market overview

The most sought-after professions in Australia for immigrants include:

Registered Nurses, Software Programmers, Electricians, Carpenters, Construction Project Managers, Mechanical Engineers, Accountants, Architects, Medical Practitioners, and Teachers. These jobs are in high demand. Finding a job in Australia as a Canadian is easy if you have the necessary skill set.

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Popular industries

Some popular industries are:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Mining
• Healthcare
• Retail trade
• Financial Services
• Administrative and support services
• Hospitality
• Tourism

Job hunting tips

While moving to Australia from Canada, bear in mind that the job search might be a bit different from where you are coming from. Here are some tips to help you:

• Do your homework and research the industries that you want to work with. 
• Make a hit list of the companies in your vicinity
• Arrange your documents and compile your CV
• Submit your CV to the companies listed.
• Prepare for interview
• Most importantly remain flexible to the type of work you would accept.

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Working culture 

Australian work culture is one of the best of its kind, especially regarding being inclusive and just. Any kind of discrimination in the workplace is strictly discouraged. All employees are perceived as equal despite their gender, race, sexuality, and ethnicity.

Australians don’t shy away from difficult tasks and prefer those who tackle challenges with a positive can-do attitude. Overall the work culture is great and welcoming.

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Popular Cities to Live in Australia

Choosing which Australian city to study and work in is a major decision. Here are some top cities you can choose from.

Sydney

Sydney is the capital city of the state of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Greater Sydney consists of 658 suburbs, spread across 33 local government areas.

Sydney is most famous for: 

• Sydney Harbour Bridge. 
• Sydney Opera House. 
• Amazing zoos (Taronga & Sydney Zoo) 
• iconic Beaches (Bondi, Coogee, and more)

 Melbourne  

This is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in Australia, after Sydney. 

Melbourne, apart from being crowned the “World’s Most Liveable City” for seven years in a row, is Australia’s cultural melting pot: a place where stunning architecture and a vibrant arts scene combine to put on a constant performance to rival that of New York or Paris.

Brisbane

This is the capital of the state of Queensland and the third-most populous city in Australia and Oceania, with a population of approximately 2.6 million. The river city is home to some of the country’s best sweet and savory treats. These include traditional Aussie favorites.

Perth

is the capital city of Western Australia. It is the fourth most populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth. Perth is famous for its climate.

Summers in Perth are hot and dry, with average temperatures of 31°C in the hottest month of February. In winter, the weather is cool and can be wet at times between May and September. This might be a welcome change for someone moving to Australia from Canada 

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Adelaide

It is the capital and largest city of South Australia, and the fifth-most populous city in Australia.

Adelaide is a gateway to some of Australia’s best wine country and is home to Australia’s official best restaurant, hotel, wine, gin, and beach.

Adjusting to Life in Australia

It might take a little while to adjust to life in Australia while relocating to Australia from Canada.

Cultural differences from Canada

Culturally, Australians tend to be more casual and more carefree Canadians, who tend to be more cautious and intense in their orientation. Australians tend to be more irreverent and dismissive of authority than Canadians who are generally compliant and respectful.

Climate and seasonal differences

Canadians get to enjoy all four seasons, which is pretty neat. Winters can be pretty chilly, with lots of snow and freezing temps, especially up north. But then there are the warm summers to look forward to.

Meanwhile, in Australia, things are a bit different. Their climate tends to be more mild, with winters that aren’t too harsh and summers that stretch on for ages, nice and warm. It’s a different vibe from Canada’s winter.

Leisure activities for local

Australians do the following for leisure.

• Football
• Cricket
• Surfing
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Gambling
• Cooking

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Conclusion 

Moving to Australia from Canada is a decision that needs to be taken with care. If you plan on relocating to Australia from Canada, You need to do enough research to be sure it is something you want to do. This article has covered almost all you need to know to make your move stress-free. Do you still need an additional guide? Book a free consultation with us now!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can Canadian citizens move to Australia?

Yes, they can. When looking to immigrate to Australia from Canada, there are several visa and citizenship options available, ranging from temporary visas for work or study to more permanent options. All you need do is make your choice and then follow the steps to get the visa needed.

Is Australia better than Canada to live?

If you prioritize a lower cost of living and a friendly atmosphere, Australia might be the better choice. However, if you value vibrant cities and don’t mind the colder climate, remaining in Canada is your sure bet.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Australia?

Single applicants expect to budget money at around $7,000 to $10,000. It does all depend though on your lifestyle requirements.

Can Canadian PR move to Australia permanently?

Yes, you can if you are a holder of a Canadian PR. If eligible, you will be able to apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa

Where can I earn more money, Canada or Australia?

You can earn more money in Australia than in Canada. Australia’s average labor growth exceeds Canada’s by 0.4 percentage points