How to Get a Job in Canada from Australia

For many, the goal is simple: spend a year or two living overseas, exploring a new country, and gaining valuable international work experience along the way.

The good news is that Canadians love Australians (and vice versa, right? … right!?). You’ll find Aussies working in ski towns, construction sites, restaurants, offices, breweries, marketing agencies, and just about everywhere in between.

The challenge is that Canada’s job market has become more competitive in recent years. Employers are receiving more applications than they were a few years ago, which means job seekers need to be a little more strategic.

If you’re planning to move from Australia to Canada, here’s how to give yourself the best chance of finding work.

Step 1: Get Your Canadian Work Authorization First

If you’re searching for jobs from Australia, it can be tempting to start sending applications right away. But – you’re better off securing your Canadian work authorization first.

Canadian employers can receive dozens, or even hundreds, of applications for a single position. One of the quickest ways they narrow down candidates is by focusing on people who already have the legal right to work in Canada. If you don’t have approval to work in Canada – you’re not getting an interview!

Thankfully, for Australians, there’s a simple solution: the IEC Working Holiday program.

Through the IEC Working Holiday program, eligible Australians aged 18-35 can receive an open work permit for up to 24 months. An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada, without needing a job offer in advance.

Once you’ve applied for your IEC work permit and received your Letter of Introduction (LOI), you can tell employers that you’ve been approved for a Canadian work permit and have a clear pathway to starting work in Canada.

That immediately puts you in a much stronger position than someone who is still researching their options or hoping an employer will sponsor them. Before you begin your serious job search, focus on getting your IEC approval in place.

Note: IEC is a lottery-based program. The earlier you enter the pools, the more draws you’ll be considered for, and the higher your chances of getting an invitation.

Step 2: Decide Where You Want to Live

Canada is a big country, and job opportunities can vary significantly from one city or region to another.

Some Australians come to Canada with specific activities in mind, seeking jobs at popular skiing destinations like Whistler or Banff. Others come wanting to explore Canada’s biggest cities: Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. Some Aussies prefer smaller communities where competition for jobs might be lower and housing might be more affordable.

Before applying for jobs, spend some time researching where you’d like to live. Consider the type of work you’re looking for, the cost of living, public transportation, weather, and lifestyle.

Want help deciding where to live? Check out our destination guides to read up on the most popular newcomer destinations.

Having a specific destination in mind will also make your applications stronger. Employers are often more receptive to candidates who can explain exactly when and where they plan to arrive.

Should you include a Canadian address in your job application?

No, if you’re not living in Canada, you should not list a Canadian address on your resume or cover letter. Instead, explain your plans briefly in your cover letter. Let the employer know that you have approval for a work permit, when you plan to arrive, and where you plan to live.

Step 3: Adapt Your Resume for the Canadian Job Market

Australian resumes and Canadian resumes are similar in many ways, but there are a few differences worth paying attention to.

Canadian employers generally prefer short, result-driven resumes that focus on relevant skills, accomplishments, and work experience. Personal details such as age, marital status, or photographs are typically left off applications.

Follow the steps in our Canadian-style resume guide to make sure your resume is up to the right standard.

Next, tailor your resume to each job application. Yes, it takes more time. But a resume that responds to the specific needs of each position is much more likely to land you an interview than a generic resume sent to 50 different positions.

Step 4: Start Applying Before You Arrive

While many IEC participants find work after landing in Canada, there is no rule saying you need to wait until you arrive. In fact, if you’ve already received your IEC approval and know when you’ll be arriving, it’s worth starting your job search before you leave Australia.

Begin with online job boards, company websites, LinkedIn, recruiters, and professional networks. Many employers are comfortable interviewing candidates remotely, particularly if they know the candidate already has authorization to work in Canada.

When applying, be upfront about your timeline by including your expected arrival date in your cover letter or application materials.

An employer who knows you’ll be arriving in Calgary on October 1 may be willing to schedule an interview. An employer who sees an applicant living in Australia with no clear plans may simply move on to the next resume. The more specific you can be about your plans, the easier it becomes for employers to picture you joining their team.

Looking for Work Before You Arrive?

One option worth considering is Young Guns Container Crew.

Founded by Australians, Young Guns understands the IEC process and regularly works with Australians who are planning a move to Canada. Moving2Canada has partnered with Young Guns for nearly a decade, with nothing but positive feedback!

Unlike many employers who prefer candidates already in the country, Young Guns may be willing to connect with applicants before arrival, particularly if they already have Canadian work authorization and a confirmed arrival date.

If you’ve received your IEC approval and are starting your Canadian job search, Young Guns can be a useful place to begin. Learn more about Young Guns here.

Step 5: Be Creative and Proactive

It’s a crowded jobs market. Finding creative ways to stand out can help you land a job, even when you apply from abroad.

If there’s a company you’d genuinely like to work for, consider reaching out even if they aren’t actively hiring. Make a list of businesses that align with your interests, skills, or career goals. Introduce yourself, explain why you’d like to work with them, and let them know that you already have Canadian work authorization through IEC or are in the final stages of obtaining it.

Depending on your industry, you can also think beyond the traditional resume and cover letter. A short video introduction, a personal website, a digital portfolio, or examples of previous work can help you stand out from other candidates. For creative roles, these extra touches can leave a stronger impression than a generic application.

Step 6: Keep Searching After You Arrive

While it’s possible to find a job before you arrive in Canada, many people only manage to find work after they arrive.

Once you’re in Canada you can be available for in-person interviews and networking events. You’ll also have a local phone number and local address which puts a lot of Canadian employers at ease.

Popular Jobs for Australians in Canada on an IEC Working Holiday

Australians work in a wide range of industries across Canada. Some of the most common opportunities include:

• Hospitality and tourism
• Construction and skilled trades
• Ski resorts and seasonal tourism
• Sales and customer service
• Warehousing and logistics
• Administration and office support
• Marketing and communications

Your options will depend on your experience, qualifications, location, and the current labour market, but Canadians generally view Australian work experience positively.

Moving to Canada through IEC gives Australians a major advantage because you don’t need an employer to sponsor your work permit.

Take advantage of that flexibility: get your work permit confirmation, start your job search early, be clear about your arrival plans, and don’t be afraid to reach out directly to employers you’d genuinely like to work for.

A little preparation before you leave Australia can make your first few weeks in Canada much smoother and help you spend less time job hunting and more time enjoying the experience.