How to move to Australia from Canada

Whether you’re looking to escape the cold or want to experience unique wildlife and surf culture, there are many exciting perks to moving to Australia from the Great White North. On the other hand, the process of moving can be overwhelming beyond packing up your entire life.

In this guide, we’ll go over the administrative essentials, what to take care of in Canada, and preparing for your new life in Australia. We’ll also introduce you to Wise, an international money account for holding multiple currencies including CAD and AUD, and transferring it internationally at the mid-market exchange rate.

What are the administrative essentials for moving to Australia from Canada?

Before you start packing your bags for the move, you’ll need to have the right residence permit or visa for your situation. Moving to Australia requires a specific permit based on your circumstances.Here’s a brief look at the different options:

When you eventually make the move to Australia,your tax obligations will change significantly compared to Canada’s, making it crucial to seek professional advice. It’s important to get as much help to assimilate as you can. Speaking to a tax professional can help you figure out and stay on top of your income tax and other tax liabilities in both countries if needed. This will also help you avoid double taxation, as Canada and Australia have a tax treaty, and stay compliant with the law.⁶

How long does the Australia visa/permit process take?

Processing times for visas can vary and will depend on the type of visa and whether it’s a permanent or temporary visa. According to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, the median times as of August 2024 are:

• 9–10 months for permanent visas
• Less than 1 day for visitor visas and working holidaymaker visas
• 53 days for student visas
• 42 days for temporary skilled visas

Things to take care of in Canada before moving to Australia

To prevent any hitches later on, you’ll want to be proactive about all the tasks you need to take care of in Canada before your move.

• Informing relevant authorities: Banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, government agencies, and other authorities need to know that you’re making a move. You’ll need to update your tax status and residency information, make sure you fulfill any legal obligations, and more.
• Closing bank accounts: If you’re making a permanent move, it’s not worth racking up fees by having your accounts open. Make sure you officially close your bank accounts so you can simplify your financial management and keep your provider in the know.
• Transferring funds to AUD account: Make your money usable by transferring your funds into a dedicated AUD account. From there, you’ll be able to better manage your money in your new home country.
• Forward future mail to Australian address: Notify Canada Post of your move so any mail gets redirected. Especially if you receive sensitive information in the mail, you should forward your mail to prevent identity theft or missed notifications.
• Obtain necessary medical records to continue any ongoing treatments: If you live with a health condition or take certain kinds of medications, you’ll want to research your options to avoid any potential disruptions in treatment. For example, Australia has a mixed system with both public and private options and a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to subsidize prescription medications.⁷
• Pet relocation: Got a furry or not-so-furry family member who’s relocating with you? Australia has strict import conditions for cats and dogs to safeguard their people and environment. For example, they need to be microchipped, have the proper vaccines, and undergo a quarantine period. With so many stipulations, you should do your due diligence and have the right documents and check to see which airlines allow you to fly comfortably with your pet.⁸
• Cancel any memberships or subscriptions in Canada: Subscription services and memberships, even if those companies exist in Australia too, often won’t be compatible when you move. These are often tied to Canadian bank accounts and use Canadian addresses and currency, so you want to avoid paying for services you don’t and can’t use.

Flight expenses for flying from Canada to Australia

Google Flights shows the following average flight costs for one-way trips.

Please note that amongst other factors, this information can vary depending on

• Date of booking and departure
• Route taken
• Personal requirements in terms of additional luggage and other provisions you might require from the airline.

Preparing for your stay in Australia before leaving Canada

Upon your arrival, you’ll need to settle into a new environment, which involves finding a place to live, finding out how to get around your new city, and familiarize yourself with everything from grocery stores to healthcare options.

Estimation of monthly expenses

Just like anywhere else in the world, the area you live in will determine your average monthly expenses. In Canada, the cost of living in Toronto is much higher than that of Peterborough, while in Australia, your estimated monthly expenses in Melbourne will be more affordable than in Sydney. Here’s a quick overview of the average cost of living in six of the country’s major cities:

The exchange rates were seen on the Wise currency converter on 15 October 2024 at 5:33 PM PDT.

Depending on your lifestyle, the cost of certain items might come as a shock, just like other aspects of Australian culture. Australians typically have a more laid-back approach in social scenarios than Canadians, and tipping culture is practically non-existent in Australia thanks to their built-in service fees, which can be a big plus for many.

You’ll also notice that people call:

• Flip-flops = Thongs
• Fries = Chips
• Candy = Lolly
• Cookie = Biscuit
• Sweater = Jumper
• Gas = Petrol

…among many other differences.

Get more out of your money with a Wise account in Australia

Although the Canadian dollar is quite similar to the Australian dollar compared to other currencies, these small differences can add up. That’s why Wise exists—to make currency conversions and international money transfers seamless for travelers, those relocating, or those who conduct business across borders.

Wise boasts a multi-currency account, where you can get local Australian dollar account details as well as 9 other local account details so you can spend, send, and receive money like a local. Every transfer is made with the mid-market exchange rate, with no markups and minimal transfer fees.^* You can send money in over 40 currencies, including CAD, AUS, NZD, and many more.

Transportation in Australia

Getting around in Australia is quite similar to getting around in Canada. Public transport systems in major cities like Brisbane and Sydney are well-established, letting you get around without a car. These are also bike-friendly cities, which is advantageous if you have your bike or want to rent one. For urgent trips or for late-night journeys, booking an Uber or getting a taxi is also an option. In more rural areas, however, it’s useful to have your car, especially as public transit will be limited or sparse.

Health insurance plans in Australia

If you aren’t receiving health insurance from an employer, it’s worth purchasing a health insurance plan to cover the costs of anything from routine medical treatments to unexpected hospital stays. Similarly to Canada, there are different health insurance coverage options and tiers that will cover more or less depending on the level of care you need and can afford.

In Australia, healthcare plans from Medibank and Bupa are the most popular, making up 50% of the private health insurance market.¹³ Customers can pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly, depending on their preferences, which is significantly different from Canadian plans that are usually priced monthly.

Final thoughts on moving to Australia from Canada

Besides all the excitement associated with a fresh start, moving countries involves a lot of proactive planning and thinking about your visa, monthly expenses, insurance, and more. Understanding how to move to Australia from Canada properly and brushing up on how things are done in Australia compared to Canada can make a big difference in your journey. This allows you to adapt more easily and stay compliant with the laws and cultural standards in place, making your transition much smoother.

Sources verified on 12 November 2024