Before you board your flight to Australia from Canada, you’ll need to have the correct documentation. Whether your travel is for a vacation, working holiday, or business, there’s a good chance you’ll need a visa for Australia.
Canadians Visiting Australia
When travelling the world and visiting foreign countries, there are times when you’ll need to obtain an endorsement in your Canadian passport (visa) from the country’s immigration or home affairs office. Sometimes that visa is granted upon arrival to the country, and sometimes you must apply for it before you fly.
Every country has its own rules and requirements to enter, so always be sure to do your research while planning your next trip.
Australia is one of the countries where Canadians need a visa to enter. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying a day, 7 days, or 60 days, everyone who enters the country must have a pre-arranged visa. Knowing which visa to get before heading to Australia depends on the type of travel you’re planning on doing in the country.
Australia Tourist Visa for Canadians
Taking a trip to Australia means you’ll need a tourist visa. So before boarding that flight to Sydney or elsewhere, Canadians need to apply for an Australia tourist visa. This visitor visa (subclass 600) is best for longer stays and for citizens of countries not eligible to apply for an ETA visa.
Information about visitor visa subclass 600
- Your intention is for visiting Australia purposes only
- Must apply from outside Australia
- If approved, your Canadian passport will be digitally linked to your visa
- Proof of money to support yourself during your stay
- Must meet health and character requirements
- Must have personal health insurance
- Stay up to 12 months
- Must leave before the expiry date
- Fee = AUD $145
- Allow at least 30 days for processing
What is an ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authority and it’s the easiest visitor visa to Australia for Canadians to get. This one can be obtained quickly online (but do not leave it until you’re at the airport to apply as you might miss your flight!). Be organized and apply early.
About the ETA visa
- You must hold an eligible passport (Canada, USA, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea)
- Valid for up to 12 months
- Stay for 3 months per visit (you can leave and come back on the same ETA until it expires)
- You must not have been sentenced to 12 months or more of jail time
- You cannot work
- Fee = AUD $20
- Apply for the ETA now
Working Holiday Visa for Australia
Thinking about an extended holiday? Canadians can apply for a working holiday visa (subclass 417), which allows you to live and work in Australia for 12 months. This working holiday visa also gives you the potential to live and work for an additional 2 years if you meet the requirements set out by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Need to know about visa subclass 417:
- Canadians 18-35 years old may apply
- 12-month stay
- Allows you to live and work in Australia
- Work must be short term – no permanent jobs
- You can apply for a second year working holiday visa, then a third (conditions apply)
- Must meet character and health criteria
- Have money for your initial stay (about $5000) and an onward ticket or the funds to purchase
- You must apply from outside Australia
- Dependants must not accompany you on your working holiday
- Have never been refused a visa to Australia
- Application fee = AUD $485
- Allow 2 months minimum for application processing
Visa in Australia: Frequently Asked Questions
The only people who don’t need a visa for Australia are Australian citizens with an Australian passport and New Zealand passport holders. New Zealanders are granted an automatic Special Category subclass 444 visa upon entry to Australia, which allows them to live and work.
If you’re planning to visit Australia for a work conference, you may apply for an ETA or tourist visa. These visitor visas allow you to attend conferences and make business enquires, but you cannot work or conduct business transactions. If you do want to conduct business outside of basic networking and conferences, there are many different visas available.
If you’re a dual citizen with a Canadian and Australian or New Zealand passport, you will not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia. But you will need to disclose this information and submit both passports upon check-in for your flight. When leaving Canada, you will depart on your Canadian passport, and enter Australia on your Australian or NZ passport.
Insider tip: If you’re a dual citizen with Canada and Australia or New Zealand, allow extra time at check-in before flying to Australia.
Plan Your Trip to Australia
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