How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa from Australia
How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa from Australia – Complete Guide
Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled workers, professionals, students, and temporary foreign workers worldwide. With a strong economy, high standard of living, and immigrant-friendly policies, Canada attracts thousands of applicants every year from Australia.
If you are currently living in Australia—whether as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, student, or temporary visa holder—you can apply for a Canada Work Visa from Australia without returning to your home country.
This comprehensive guide explains Canada work visa types, eligibility, documents, application steps, processing time, costs, and common mistakes, helping you apply with confidence.
Why Work in Canada from Australia?
Many residents in Australia explore Canada for better global exposure and long-term immigration opportunities. Some key reasons include:
Strong demand for skilled workers
Higher wages in healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades
Pathway to Canada Permanent Residence (PR)
Excellent work-life balance
Free healthcare and social benefits (for PR holders)
Multicultural and immigrant-friendly society
Can You Apply for a Canada Work Visa from Australia?
Yes. Canada allows applications from outside Canada, including Australia. You can apply online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) while residing in Australia.
You do not need Australian citizenship. Applicants may include:
Australian citizens
Australian Permanent Residents
Temporary visa holders (student, work, dependent visas)
Types of Canada Work Visas You Can Apply for from Australia
1. Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit
This visa is tied to:
One employer
One job role
One location
Most applicants apply under this category.
Requires:
Valid job offer
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) in most cases
2. LMIA-Based Work Permit
An LMIA confirms that:
No Canadian citizen or PR is available for the role
Hiring a foreign worker will not impact the Canadian labour market negatively
The employer applies for LMIA, not the applicant.
3. LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
Some jobs are exempt from LMIA under international agreements or special programs.
Common LMIA-exempt categories:
Intra-Company Transfers
International Experience Canada (IEC)
CUSMA / NAFTA professionals
Francophone Mobility Program
4. Open Work Permit
Allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
Available mainly for:
Spouses of skilled workers or international students
International graduates
Certain PR applicants
5. International Experience Canada (IEC)
If you are an Australian citizen aged 18–35, you may qualify for:
Working Holiday Visa
Young Professionals Program
This is one of the easiest Canada work visas for Australians.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Work Visa from Australia
To apply successfully, you must:
Have a valid job offer (for most streams)
Meet skill and experience requirements
Show proof of funds
Clear medical examination (if required)
Provide police clearance certificates
Prove intent to leave Canada after work permit expiry (if temporary)
Documents Required for Canada Work Visa
Here is a standard checklist:
Valid passport
Job offer letter
LMIA approval (if applicable)
Employment contract
Resume / CV
Educational certificates
Work experience letters
Proof of funds
Police clearance certificate
Medical exam confirmation
Digital photo
Marriage certificate (if spouse included)
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Canada Work Visa from Australia
Step 1: Secure a Canadian Job Offer
Find jobs through:
Job Bank Canada
LinkedIn
Indeed Canada
Employer websites
Canadian recruitment agencies
Step 2: Employer Applies for LMIA (If Required)
Your employer submits an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Processing time: 2–12 weeks
Step 3: Create IRCC Online Account
Apply online via the official IRCC portal while residing in Australia.
Step 4: Submit Work Permit Application
Upload documents, complete forms, and pay fees.
Step 5: Biometrics Appointment
Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth).
Step 6: Medical Examination
Required for healthcare, childcare, or long-term work permits.
Step 7: Wait for Decision
Processing time varies by visa type.
Step 8: Receive Port of Entry Letter
You will receive a POE Letter, not the actual permit.
Step 9: Travel to Canada
The work permit is issued at the Canadian port of entry.
Canada Work Visa Processing Time from Australia
Visa Type | Average Processing Time |
LMIA-based Work Permit | 8–16 weeks |
LMIA-exempt Work Permit | 4–10 weeks |
IEC Work Visa | 6–12 weeks |
Processing times depend on application quality and background checks.
Cost of Canada Work Visa
Work Permit Fee: CAD 155
Open Work Permit Fee: CAD 100
Biometrics Fee: CAD 85
Medical Exam: AUD 300–500 (approx.)
LMIA Fee (Employer): CAD 1,000
Can You Include Family Members?
Yes. You may include:
Spouse (eligible for open work permit)
Dependent children (study permits)
This makes Canada an attractive destination for families.
Pathway from Work Visa to Canada PR
A Canada work permit can lead to PR through:
Express Entry (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Atlantic Immigration Program
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
Canadian work experience significantly improves CRS score.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting incomplete documents
Applying without LMIA when required
Fake job offers
Weak proof of funds
Incorrect NOC code selection
Professional guidance reduces rejection risks.
Why Choose Immigration Pointer?
Immigration Pointer provides:
End-to-end Canada work visa assistance
Job offer guidance
LMIA and employer coordination
Family visa support
PR pathway planning
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for a Canada work visa while living in Australia?
Yes, Canada allows work visa applications from Australia through the online IRCC portal.
2. Do I need Australian PR to apply for Canada work visa?
No, you can apply even if you hold a temporary Australian visa.
3. Is IELTS required for Canada work visa?
Not mandatory for most work permits, but employers may request it.
4. How long does Canada work visa processing take from Australia?
Typically 8–16 weeks, depending on visa type and background checks.
5. Can my spouse work in Canada?
Yes, your spouse may qualify for an open work permit.
6. What is LMIA and who applies for it?
LMIA is employer approval; the Canadian employer applies, not the worker.
7. Can a Canada work visa lead to PR?
Yes, Canadian work experience increases eligibility for PR programs.
8. Is a job offer mandatory?
Yes, for most Canada work visa categories.
9. Can international students in Australia apply for Canada work visa?
Yes, provided they meet eligibility and have a job offer.
10. What happens if my work visa is refused?
You may reapply after correcting refusal reasons or explore alternative pathways.
