Canada Immigration from Australia
RCIC-led guidance on immigrating to Canada from Australia — International Experience Canada, intra-company transfers, Express Entry and ECA requirements.
Australian applicants frequently begin with International Experience Canada (a working holiday route for eligible younger applicants) or an intra-company transfer before pursuing Express Entry for permanent residence. Australian degrees are widely respected but still require a formal Educational Credential Assessment for Express Entry points, and strong English test results typically support a competitive CRS score.
Key facts
| Common early routes | International Experience Canada (age-limited), intra-company transfers |
|---|---|
| PR route | Express Entry (FSW, CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs |
| Language testing | IELTS General Training or CELPIP — English strength often drives high CRS |
| Credentials | ECA still required for Australian degrees despite English-medium instruction |
| Common occupations | Mining engineering, tech, healthcare, trades, finance |
| Fees and processing times | Verify current figures with IRCC |
Who may qualify?
- Younger applicants eligible for International Experience Canada working holiday categories
- Intra-company transferees with Australian-based multinational employers
- Skilled professionals with an Australian degree assessed through a designated ECA body
- Applicants with strong IELTS or CELPIP results
- Family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Eligibility requirements
- Meeting IEC age and eligibility criteria, where relevant, including a valid pool invitation
- An approved language test within IRCC's accepted validity period
- An ECA for Australian education, even where instruction was in English
- Employment reference letters describing NOC-aligned duties and salary
- Medical exam, police clearance certificates and biometrics
How it works: step by step
- 1
Check IEC eligibility
Confirm age limits and category availability if considering a working holiday route.
- 2
Complete language testing
A high IELTS or CELPIP score is a common CRS strength for Australian applicants.
- 3
Obtain your ECA
Australian degrees still require formal assessment by a designated organization for Express Entry points.
- 4
Build Canadian or transferable work experience
Time under IEC or an intra-company transfer can support a later Express Entry application.
- 5
Apply through Express Entry or a PNP
Compare federal and provincial routes once eligible for permanent residence.
Expert insight
Australian applicants sometimes assume their degree and English fluency alone are enough for Express Entry. Points are only awarded once a designated ECA organization has formally assessed the credential.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.