Relocating from UK/ Canada
Relocation steps & details
Here’s a clear, practical relocation guide you can drop straight into a recruitment site or use with candidates.
We’ve split it by destination (Australia vs NZ) and then layered in differences for UK, Canadian, and Asian workers.
Relocating to Brisbane / Gold Coast – Australia
1. Choose the right visa
For construction workers, the main options are:
Working Holiday Visa (best for UK & Canadians)
Age: typically 18–30 (or 35 depending on country)
Lets you work short-term in construction
No job required before arrival
Skilled / Sponsored Visa
Employer sponsorship (common for qualified trades)
Requires experience + sometimes qualifications
Leads to longer-term work or residency
Note: Skilled migration often requires qualifications + experience aligned to Australia’s occupation lists (e.g. carpenters, plumbers, plant operators).
2. Secure employment (before or after arrival)
– Labour hire + recruitment agencies dominate construction hiring
– Many workers land first, then get placed within 1–2 weeks
– Tickets (White Card, etc.) often required
Relocating to Brisbane / Gold Coast – Australia
3. Get required construction tickets
Before working on-site:
White Card (mandatory safety induction)
Trade licences (for qualified roles)
Site-specific inductions
4. Set up essentials on arrival
Australian bank account
Tax File Number (TFN)
SIM card
Temporary accommodation (Airbnb / hostel first 1–2 weeks)
5. Find accommodation
Brisbane = easier + cheaper
Gold Coast = more competitive (tourism pressure)
6. Start work
Most construction roles are: Residential builds
High-rise / commercial
Civil infrastructure (roads, subdivisions)
Main differences
For Australia;
UK & Canadians: easiest pathway (Working Holiday → employer sponsorship)
Asian workers: usually require sponsored visa upfront (harder without employer)
Relocating to Queenstown, New Zealand
1. Choose the right visa
– Working Holiday Visa (UK, Canada, many countries)
Usually 12 months
UK can stay up to 3 years, Canada up to 23 months
No job required before arrival
– Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Requires a job offer from an approved employer
Common for skilled trades and long-term roles
– Skilled residence pathway
For experienced trades or supervisors
Can lead to permanent residency
You must have a visa to work unless you’re a NZ/Australian citizen
2. Job search (construction-specific)
Queenstown demand is high (tourism + housing shortage)
Roles include: Residential housing
High-end architectural builds
Civil & infrastructure
3. Get site-ready
Site Safe passport (common requirement)
Basic PPE
Some roles require tool ownership
Relocating to Queenstown, New Zealand
4. Set up in NZ
IRD number (tax)
NZ bank account
Phone + transport (car often needed in Queenstown)
5. Accommodation (biggest challenge)
Queenstown has a housing shortage
Workers often: Flat-share
Stay temporarily then move
Employers sometimes assist
6. Start work
Strong demand = quick placement (often within days)
Pay varies by skill level and experience
Main differences
Key differences – New Zealand
UK & Canadians: very easy entry via working holiday visas
Asian workers: typically need job offer + AEWV visa first
NZ is more flexible for short-term entry vs Australia
Typical Relocation Timeline – NZ & Aus
4–8 weeks
– Apply for visa
– Prepare CV (NZ/AUS format)
– Contact recruiters/ Aye Build
2–4 weeks
– Book flights
– Arrange initial accommodation
– Line up interviews
Week 1 on arrival
– Bank account
– Tax number
– Phone setup
Week 1–2
– Start work (often quickly in construction)
Relocation
| Factor | Australia (Brisbane/GC) | New Zealand (Queenstown) |
| Pay | Higher | Slightly Lower |
| Cost of living | Moderate | Higher |
| Visa difficulty | Harder long-term | Easier entry |
| Job demand | High | Very High |
| Lifestyle | City + beaches | Alpine + Lifestyle |
Applications
Applications – If you’re ready to get stuck in, send through your details:
Email: jobs@ayebuild.com.au
Phone: 04 242 35995
Aye Build Pty Ltd — good crews, solid work, no nonsense.
F.A.Q.
Common questions about our services
Queensland Australia – Brisbane and Gold Coastu003cbru003eCentral Otago New Zealand – Queenstown, Cromwell, Wanaka, Alexandra
All our staff are experienced, knowledgable, licensed builders.