Australia and Canada have long been close allies and friends. We have shared values and culture. In fact, our ties go back several hundred years through the Commonwealth. So, can Australians work in Canada? The great news is, yes! In fact, for Australians between 18 and 35, moving to Canada from Australia is very accessible under International Experience Canada (IEC). If you need more convincing, check out our blog comparing living and working in Canada vs. Australia. Next, read on to see how Australians can work in Canada…
Year-round
6-24 Months
From $1,390
Australians can work in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, a Government of Canada initiative that provides temporary work permits to youth from more than 35 countries, allowing them to work and travel in Canada.
Age limit: 18 to 35
Duration: Up to 24 months – most IEC countries only get 12 months, so this is a big benefit!
Quota: Limited, but if you apply early chances are high of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for any work permit category.
| Permit Type | Who It is For | Key Benefit | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Open to all eligible applicants | Work for any employer | Up to 24 months |
| Young Professionals | Applicants with a skilled job offer (TEER 0-3) | Career-focused work experience | Up to 24 months |
| International Co-op | Students with required internships | Work in your field of study | Up to 24 months* |
* Second participation under IEC must be only under International Co-Op Category and up to 12 months.
One IEC work permit participation must be either:
The second and final participation must be: International Co-op. You cannot do both a Working Holiday and Young Professionals permit under International Experience Canada (IEC).
“If you move to Canada from Australia on a working holiday permit, you may work in Canada for any employer for any length of time, up to the maximum 24-month duration of the visa.”
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid Australian passport for the full duration of your stay. |
| Age | 18 to 35 years old at the time of application. |
| Proof of funds | Minimum CAD $2,500 on arrival. |
| Health insurance | Must cover your entire stay in Canada. More Details about your IEC Health Insurance here |
| Return travel | Proof of a return ticket or additional funds to purchase one. |
Some IEC work permit categories have extra conditions:
Young Professionals
International Co-op (Internship)
For Young Professionals and International Co-op permits, your employer must:
Even if you meet all requirements:
Most full-time roles in Canada follow:
Unlike Australia: There is no extra pay for weekends in most industries.
Canada offers less paid vacation than Australia at entry level:
| Country | Starting Paid Vacation |
|---|---|
| Canada | From 10 days (2 weeks) |
| Australia | 20 days (4 weeks) |
Canada has a public healthcare system, but:
Employer benefits may include:
That said, industries like tourism and hospitality (where most IEC participants work) are typically more relaxed and social.
The process to legally work in Canada starts while you are still in Australia, and it is more straightforward than most people expect. Here is a breakdown of how it works:
You will start by creating an online IEC profile through your IRCC secure account.
This places you in the candidate pool for your chosen work permit category. Most Australians apply under the Working Holiday category, as it is the most flexible option and allows you to work for almost any employer anywhere in Canada during the validity of your permit.
Once selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your account. From there, you will have 10 days to accept your ITA, plus 20 days to submit your work permit application, so it is important to be ready with your documents.
You will complete your application online, upload your documents, and pay the required fees*:
*Please note that all International Experience Canada (IEC) fees are determined by the Government of Canada and may change at any time.
You will be asked to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Australia to provide fingerprints and a photo. Biometrics in Australia can be completed in any of the following cities.
After you complete biometrics, most applications are processed within 8 weeks. If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter or Letter of Introduction (LOI)
You will have up to 12 months from the date of approval to enter Canada. This gives you flexibility to plan your trip, whether you are aiming for a summer season or a winter season.
When you arrive in Canada, you will present your Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction (approval letter) to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. The officer will then issue your official work permit upon arrival.
Your work permit validity will begin on the day it is issued and can be granted for up to 24 months, provided you have health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay. Once your work permit is issued, you’re officially ready to start working and enjoying your Canadian adventure!
Planning to work a ski season? Apply 4-6 months in advance to give yourself the best chance of having your Working Holiday visa approved before Canadian employers begin hiring for the winter season.
To apply for an IEC Working Holiday permit, you must prepare several key documents in advance. Here’s what you will be asked to provide:
| Document | Why It’s Required |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must cover your full stay in Canada |
| Family information Form | Personal & Family Information |
| Resume (CV) | Overview of your work and education history |
| Digital photo | Must meet IRCC photo specifications |
| Police certificates | Proof of good character and admissibility |
Police certificates are one of the most common reasons for processing delays. Australia offers several different police check options, and selecting the wrong one may result in your application being delayed or rejected. Make sure you request the correct police certificate from the start to avoid unnecessary complications. For more details: How to get a police certificate – Australia
If you have lived for 6 months or more in:
If you have lived in another country for 6 months or more, you will also need a police certificate from that country. These can take time, so it is best to apply for them as early as possible.
As part of your application, you will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints + photo). In Australia, this can be done at Visa Application Centers in:
Important: Appointments must be booked in advance; walk-ins are not allowed.
After completing your biometrics, most IEC applications are processed within 4 to 8 weeks. Processing times can vary depending on:
“We will help you secure a job before you arrive in Canada, so you can start earning money sooner. Having work arranged in advance makes it easier to find accommodation, settle into your new community, and focus on enjoying your Canadian experience from day one!”
Now that you know you can work in Canada, the next question is: how do you get a job? There are three main ways Australians typically find work, and each comes with trade-offs.
This is the most challenging option, but it can work in the right situation. Why it is tricky:
This is the most common route and often the most flexible. Once you are in Canada with your work permit, employers are much more likely to hire you quickly.
However, you will need to plan for upfront costs:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (2-4 weeks) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Food & transport | $300 – $600 |
| Misc. expenses | $300+ |
In total, you should budget at least $2,500 CAD while job hunting. One thing to keep in mind: Finding housing can be harder without a job, as landlords often prioritize applicants with stable income.
This option involves an upfront investment, but it removes a lot of uncertainty. Instead of landing in Canada and starting from nothing, you will arrive with:
The biggest advantage? You start earning sooner. And honestly, that makes a significant difference.
The first few weeks in Canada go by fast. Spending that time job hunting (and spending money) instead of working can take away from the experience.
Starting with a job means:
24 months sounds like a long time, but it goes faster than you think!
If you are aiming for a ski resort or seasonal job, timing matters a lot. Popular destinations hire in advance for both summer and winter seasons.
| Season | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Summer | Until March – April |
| Winter | Until June – July |
The earlier you apply:
If you are applying late, do not stress, you still have options. Plus, many participants start with a summer role and stay on for the winter season.
To enter Canada under IEC, you must show:
If you do not have a return ticket, officers may expect you to show around CAD $4,000 total to cover both.
Australians must have a valid eTA to fly to Canada.
Important: No eTA = no boarding. Airlines will not let you fly without it.
This is often overlooked and can cause last-minute travel issues, so if you are flying via another country (which is common), make sure to check:
Now that you know that Australians can work in Canada, it’s time you hopscotched over! Interested in hearing more about how we can help you move to Canada from Australia on our Working Holiday Programs? Fill in the form and one of our team will be in touch to answer all your questions.
Yes, there is a reciprocal agreement between the two countries making this process possible. Eligible applicants aged 18 to 35, can apply through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Upon arrival to Canada, you can live and work in Canada for up to 24 months.
For a working holiday to Canada from Australia, saving around AU$ 4,000 is advisable to cover initial expenses and provide a buffer until you start working. However, exact costs can vary based on factors like duration of stay and lifestyle choices. Researching the cost of living in your chosen Canadian destination is crucial for budgeting effectively.
Up To 2 Years – If you choose to relocate to Canada from Australia with a working holiday visa, you have the freedom to work for any employer and for any duration within the permitted 24-month validity period.
No, you typically do not need a job offer for a working holiday in Canada. The Working Holiday Visa under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows individuals to live and work in Canada for a specified period without requiring a job offer beforehand. However, with the help of Stepwest we can guarantee a resort job before you arrive in Canada to take all the stress away from finding a job once you arrive.
Yes, Australian citizens can live and work in Canada through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for one of the available work permit categories.
There is no minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian Working Holiday Visa. However, upon arrival in Canada, you must show proof of at least CAD $2,500 in available funds, plus additional funds to purchase a return flight if you do not already have one.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old when they receive their Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Many Australians choose to spend their Working Holiday in Canada in iconic mountain towns such as Whistler and Banff, where seasonal jobs in hospitality and tourism are in high demand. Through Stepwest’s Canada Resort Jobs Program, you can secure a resort job and staff accommodation before arriving, making your move to Canada easier and more stress-free.
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