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Move to Canada from Australia

Costs, visas & moving checklist

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Are you planning a move from Australia to Canada? It’s a big move, but with the right planning and information, it can be a smooth relocation. This guide will cover everything you need, from moving costs and documents to free removalist quotes.

Key takeaways:

  • Moving to Canada from Australia typically costs $12,000–$16,200 for a 3-bedroom home, with total costs also including flights, permits, insurance and temporary accommodation.
  • Your first steps should be checking your visa route, setting a realistic budget and comparing removal quotes early to avoid delays and extra costs.
  • Most moves take 6–11 weeks for shipping, so it helps to organise documents, healthcare, banking and packing well in advance.

How to move to Canada from Australia

Moving to Canada from Australia usually involves six main steps:

  1. Check which immigration or entry route applies to you, such as a work permit, study permit, visitor status, or permanent residence.
  2. Set a realistic budget for shipping, flights, accommodation, insurance, and arrival costs.
  3. Gather your important documents, including passports, civil records, and any immigration paperwork.
  4. Compare international removal companies and choose the right shipping method.
  5. Organise banking, healthcare, temporary accommodation, and utilities before departure.
  6. Prepare for arrival in Canada, including customs, transport, and settling-in tasks.

How much does it cost to move to Canada from Australia?

For an average 3-bedroom home move from Australia to Canada, you can expect to pay between $12,000 to $16,200.

The main factors affecting international removal costs are:

  • The volume of the goods you are shipping
  • Your departure and arrival locations
  • Whether you choose sea freight or air freight
  • The time of year (avoid peak season)
  • Extra costs like packing, storage, and insurance

If you want a more detailed estimate, the table below shows the average shipping costs from Australia to Canada by household size:

Property SizeTimeAverage Cost
1-bedroom house8 – 11 weeks$5,100 – $7,100
2-bedroom house6 – 8 weeks$6,900 – $9,300
3-bedroom house6 – 8 weeks$12,000 – $16,200
4-bedroom house6 – 8 weeks$12,900 – $17,300
5-bedroom house6 – 8 weeks$18,200 – $24,500

Note: These figures are just estimates. Updated in March 2026.

How much money do I need to move to Canada from Australia?

Shipping costs are only part of the budget needed for a full removal to Canada. You should plan for:

  • Flights
  • Visa, permit, or application costs
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Travel & health insurance
  • Pet transport costs (if applicable)

Your total budget will depend on your household size, destination city, and immigration route. Shipping may be the highest cost, but it is rarely the only one.

Top Removalists to Canada

Are you searching for removalists to Canada? Take a look at the 3 best international removal companies from Australia to Canada:

OSS World Wide Movers

Allied Pickfords

Palmers Relocation

Find a removalist for moving to Canada

The best way to receive accurate cost estimates is to request multiple quotes and compare them. Fill in the form below to receive up to five free moving quotes.

Moving to Canada?
Select the size of your household to receive free quotes for your move!

Do Australians need a visa to move to Canada?

Australians will need the correct immigration or entry permission to move to Canada, but the exact document depends on their circumstances. Depending on the purpose of the move, this may include an eTA, a study permit, a work permit, or a permanent residence pathway.

The most common visa options are:

  • Visitor entry document or eTA for eligible short-term travel
  • Study permit if you are moving to Canada to study
  • Work permit if you plan to work in Canada
  • Permanent residence route if you intend to live in Canada long term

Common visa and entry routes for Australians moving to Canada

PurposeLikely Route
Visiting CanadaeTA or visitor document, depending on eligibility
Studying in CanadaStudy permit
Working in CanadaWork permit
Moving long-termPermanent residence pathway

For more detailed information on applying for a visa, visit the Canadian immigration website and fill out the eligibility form.

How to move to Canada: A checklist

For a successful move to Canada from Australia, having a good checklist will ease the process and help keep you on track.

Important documents

Gather all key paperwork early and keep both digital and printed copies where possible.

You may need:

  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
  • University Degree(s) and qualification(s)
  • Work Permits or study permits
  • Rental agreements and employee documents (if applicable)

Choose a removalist

Take a look at the top international removalists in Australia for your move, request up to five free quotes to compare.

Start packing early

Start packing at least 1 month before your move to Canada from Australia. Starting early will leave you time to declutter and reduce last-minute stress. Check out our expert packing guide!

Open a bank account

Opening a bank account in Canada can make your integration much smoother. Local bank accounts often make handling bills, getting a phone, or other day-to-day activities easier.

Below are the major Canadian banks:

Sort out tax and superannuation

Your tax position may change when you move abroad. If you are moving from Australia to Canada, your Australian tax residency status may depend on whether your move is temporary or permanent. This can affect whether you still need to file an Australian tax return.

Your superannuation remains subject to Australian rules and is generally not something you can freely access just because you move overseas.

For more information on this situation, you can visit the Australian government’s page..

Arrange healthcare or health insurance

Healthcare access in Canada depends on your immigration status and where you live. In many cases, temporary residents may need private insurance, while permanent residents may become eligible for provincial healthcare coverage.

Bringing pets with you?

The requirements for bringing pets with you to Canada include:

  • An international health certificate
  • Vaccination records
  • Proof of rabies vaccination
  • Airline-approved travel arrangements and crates

Shipping a car to Canada

It is possible to ship a car from Australia to Canada, but it can be expensive and may not be the most cost-effective option.

If you do want to bring your car, check:

  • Whether the vehicle is eligible for import into Canada
  • Whether it meets local compliance requirements
  • The shipping and customs costs involved

Living in Canada as an Australian

Moving to Canada from Australia is not only about getting there. It is also about understanding what everyday life may look like once you arrive.

The cost of living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada is around 12% lower than in Australia, depending on which cities you are comparing.

MetricAustralian AverageCanadian Average
Monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in the city centre$2,177$1,876
Basic utilities$279$218
0.5L of draught beer$11.00$8.27
12 eggs$7.04$5.04
Cappuccino$5.51$5.45
Bottle of wine (mid-range)$20$18

Source: Numbeo

Which parts of Canada are the most expensive?

If you are moving to Canada on a budget, keep in mind that some cities and metro areas are significantly more expensive than others.

  • Vancouver, British Columbia
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • Victoria, British Columbia
  • Calgary, Alberta
  • Hamilton-Burlington, Ontario

Can Australians work in Canada?

Australians can work in Canada with the correct immigration permission. In most cases, this means a work permit or another approved route that allows employment.

If you are planning to work after relocating, it helps to research:

  • Whether your occupation is in demand
  • Whether your qualifications are recognised
  • Which immigration route applies to your situation

Job websites for finding work in Canada

If you are searching for work, these are the best job portals to start with:

Ready for your move to Canada?

We hope you feel well-informed about the steps required to move. If you are left with questions, please see our FAQs below.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move to Canada from Australia?

How much money do I need to move to Canada?

Do Australians need a visa to move to Canada?

Can an Australian work in Canada?

Is it worth moving to Canada from Australia?

How long does shipping from Australia to Canada take?