Ours is a proud multicultural city, with more than one-quarter of Canberrans born overseas.
One in four of us speaks a language other than English, 15,000 international students from over 100 countries choose to study here, and we’re home to more than 100 embassies and diplomatic missions.
We want to help you make Canberra your home
We offer support to people from all cultures. We’re part of the Welcoming Cities Network and a refugee welcome zone. As a city, we are dedicated to cultivating a culture of welcome and advancing an Australia where people of all backgrounds have equal opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive.
When you come to Canberra, you’ll be joining an inclusive and accepting community. Our Multicultural Hub supports migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the ACT and region to access the resources they need to settle quickly into our city, and to feel connected to their community. It also offers a range of services to support women, youth and aged care.
Working in Canberra
Our economy is resilient and established, and we have a strong employment market.
Yes, there are plenty of public sector positions, but with two in every three jobs in Canberra in the private sector, there is a raft of opportunities across business and hospitality, education, medicine, science, trades and more.
Find out about your visa options
Overseas citizens need a visa to live and work in Australia.
Find out about other visas that allow for short- and long-term work rights on the Department of Home Affairs website.
If you have skills listed on the ACT Critical Skills List, you may be eligible for the ACT Skilled Migration Program which can help you live and work in Canberra.
Using a migration agent
Migrating to Australia can be complex. A Registered Migration Agent can guide you through the process. They are the only people who can legally give immigration help.
After your visa is granted
The Department of Home Affairs provides information for all new arrivals, including skilled migrants, family migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants on key settlement topics, such as employment, health and housing to help them settle in Australia.
Settle in Canberra
The to-do list can seem never-ending when you move to a new city. We’ve taken the guesswork away with this handy list of things you need to do when you move to Canberra.
It includes tips on how to:
- Get an ACT driver licence
- Update your Medicare details
- Update your details with Access Canberra
- Update your details on the electoral roll
- Get familiar with the recycling and waste system
- Enrol your child in school
- Register your pet
- Get a MyWay card
- Find where to go for health care
- Join the library
- Find disability support
- Connect with Canberra’s multicultural community.
Published date: 11 Dec 2024
