Every year, thousands of individuals from around the world migrate to Canada and Australia in search of better career prospects and a higher quality of life. These countries offer diverse job markets and abundant opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.
For those looking to relocate, understanding visa requirements, work permits, and job search strategies is essential. This guide provides detailed insights into securing work visas and finding entry-level jobs as an immigrant in Canada and Australia.
Also Read: $80,000-$100,000 Jobs for Educated and Non Educated & 2025 Canada’s Top Jobs Want You – Apply
Overview of Visa Options for Working in Australia
To legally work in Australia, you must obtain a visa that grants employment rights. The Australian government offers various visa options based on skills, employer sponsorship, and regional work needs. Below is a breakdown of the most common work visa categories and their requirements.
1. Skilled Worker Visas
These visas are designed for qualified professionals with in-demand skills in Australia. They provide permanent residency or long-term work rights.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – PR Visa
- For skilled workers without employer sponsorship
- Uses a points-based system (minimum 65 points required)
- No state nomination required
- Grants permanent residency (PR)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – PR Visa
- For skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory
- Must meet specific occupation shortages in the nominated state
- Uses a points-based system (higher scores improve chances)
- Grants permanent residency (PR)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – PR Visa
- For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer
- Requires at least 3 years of relevant work experience
- Provides direct PR after nomination and approval
2. Temporary Work Visas
These visas allow short-term employment in Australia, typically for up to 4 years.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – Up to 4 Years
- For skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer
- Available in Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement streams
- Allows visa extension or PR pathways after working in Australia
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) – Up to 3 Years
- For young adults aged 18-30 (35 for some countries)
- Allows short-term work (mainly hospitality, tourism, agriculture)
- Can be extended to 3 years by completing specified work
Seasonal Worker Program Visa – Up to 9 Months
- For workers from Pacific Island nations
- Designed for agriculture, tourism, and hospitality industries
- Limited stay with no PR pathway
3. Regional Work Visas
These visas encourage workers to live and work in regional areas, offering longer stays and pathways to PR.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) – Up to 5 Years
- For skilled workers sponsored by regional employers
- Provides pathway to PR after 3 years of regional work
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187) – PR Visa
- For skilled workers sponsored by an employer in a regional area
- Direct PR visa with employer sponsorship
How to Choose the Right Australian Work Visa
| Visa Type | Who It’s For? | Duration | PR Pathway? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Skilled workers (no sponsorship) | Permanent | Yes |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled workers (state-nominated) | Permanent | Yes |
| Subclass 186 | Skilled workers (employer-sponsored) | Permanent | Yes |
| Subclass 482 | Skilled workers (employer-sponsored) | Up to 4 years | Possible |
| Subclass 417 | Young travelers (18-30/35) | Up to 3 years | No |
| Subclass 494 | Skilled workers (regional employers) | Up to 5 years | Yes |
| Subclass 187 | Skilled workers (regional sponsorship) | Permanent | Yes |
Requirements for an Australian Work Visa
While requirements vary across visa subclasses, some key aspects need to be satisfied by most applicants:
- Occupation List Check – Your nominated occupation must be present on the relevant Skilled Occupation List to ensure it is in demand in Australia.
- Skills Assessment – For skilled visas, your qualifications and experience must be assessed positively by the relevant authority.
- Points Test – For independent skilled visas, you must meet the minimum points score for factors like age, English language skills, qualifications etc.
- Employer Nomination – For employer sponsored visas, you need a valid job offer and nomination from an Australian employer.
- Health and Character – All applicants must undergo health examinations and meet character requirements.
- Passport – A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your planned arrival date.
- English Proficiency – Most visas require proven English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL or other approved tests.
Also Read: Canada Federal Government Job with Visa Sponsorship 2025 – Apply Now!
Why Choose Canada or Australia for Work?
Both Canada and Australia have strong economies, welcoming immigration policies, and high living standards. Here’s why they are top destinations for job seekers:
Canada:
- High Demand for Skilled & Unskilled Workers – Growing industries in healthcare, construction, IT, and manufacturing
- Easy Immigration Pathways – Permanent residency options through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs
- Worker Benefits & High Wages – Minimum wage between $15 – $20 CAD per hour in most provinces
- Diverse & Inclusive Culture – A multicultural society with strong worker protections
Australia:
- Strong Job Market – High demand in healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and skilled trades
- Attractive Work Visas – Temporary and permanent work visa options for different skill levels
- Competitive Salaries – Minimum wage of $23.23 AUD per hour (one of the highest in the world)
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – Options to transition from work visas to PR through employer sponsorship.
Work Visa Options for Immigrants
Canada Work Visa Programs:
Express Entry Program (For Skilled Workers)
- Best for professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance
- Requires a points-based system (CRS score)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Allows provinces to invite skilled workers based on labor shortages
- Examples: Ontario PNP, British Columbia PNP, Alberta PNP
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Allows employers to hire foreign workers when no Canadians are available
- Suitable for unskilled labor jobs in hospitality, agriculture, and construction
Working Holiday Visa (IEC Program)
- For young adults (18-35) from eligible countries
- Allows temporary work for up to 24 months
Australia Work Visa Programs
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Permanent residency visa for skilled workers without employer sponsorship
- Uses a points-based system (similar to Canada’s Express Entry)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory
- Suitable for workers in high-demand occupations
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers
- Allows work for up to 4 years, with PR options after employment
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)
- For young adults (18-30 or 35) from eligible countries
- Allows short-term work (hospitality, tourism, farming, etc.) for 12-24 months
Best Entry-Level Jobs for Immigrants
Many immigrants start with entry-level jobs before moving into skilled professions. Here are some high-demand roles:
Canada Entry-Level Jobs & Salaries
- General Labor & Warehouse Work – $15 – $22 CAD/hour
- Housekeeping & Hotel Jobs – $15 – $20 CAD/hour
- Restaurant & Fast Food Jobs – $15 – $18 CAD/hour
- Farm Worker & Agriculture Jobs – $16 – $22 CAD/hour
- Construction & Skilled Trades – $20 – $35 CAD/hour
Australia Entry-Level Jobs & Salaries
- Retail & Customer Service – $22 – $27 AUD/hour
- Housekeeping & Cleaning Jobs – $23 – $28 AUD/hour
- Hospitality (Waiter, Barista, Kitchen Staff) – $23 – $30 AUD/hour
- Agricultural & Farm Work – $24 – $32 AUD/hour
- Laborers & Construction Helper – $26 – $35 AUD/hour
Also Read: Canadian Navy Job Recruitment & Visa Sponsorship Opportunities 2025
Cost of Living Comparison: Canada vs. Australia
Before moving, it’s essential to understand living costs in each country.
| Expense | Canada (Monthly, CAD) | Australia (Monthly, AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apt) | $1,500 – $2,500 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Groceries | $300 – $600 | $400 – $700 |
| Public Transport | $100 – $150 | $120 – $180 |
| Healthcare | Free (for PR) | Free (for PR) |
| Internet & Utilities | $150 – $250 | $200 – $300 |
Australia generally has higher wages but a slightly higher cost of living. Canada offers free healthcare for permanent residents, while Australia’s system requires Medicare registration.
Conclusion
Both Canada and Australia offer excellent job opportunities, immigration pathways, and quality of life. The best choice depends on your career goals, visa eligibility, and personal preferences.
Thinking about migrating? Let us know how we can assist you with job searches or visa applications in the comment section below!