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Immigrate to Canada from UK

Canada is home to beautiful coasts, glaciers, mountains, forests, and a wide variety of wildlife. Its landscape is truly amazing. In addition to its stunning natural surroundings, Canada is a popular destination for foreign nationals because to its high living standards, first-rate healthcare system, great educational system, thriving job market, and reputation as a safe place to live.

British nationals often choose Canada because of a number of reasons, one of them being that English is the official language of the nation.

You might choose to relocate to Canada through one of the numerous immigration routes offered.  British nationals are permitted entry into the country without a visa for up to six months as long as they have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and are visiting Canada for business or tourism, You will need to apply for one of the immigration options that allows you to stay if you plan to stay in Canada for a lengthy amount of time.

 

 

Textured "Move to Canada from UK" lettering with a maple leaf motif in the center.

PATHWAY TO CANADA IMMIGRATION FROM UK

When considering a move to Canada from the UK, the first step is to determine your eligibility for the application and the exact program for which you qualify. Canada provides a range of visa options based on your background. Some people may have several pathways for migration, whilst others may not. After verifying your eligibility, the next step is to identify the documents required for a temporary or permanent residency application and comprehend the application submission process.

UK nationals have several choices for emigrating to Canada, including permanent residence schemes, work visas, and study permits. Choosing the appropriate method for you will be determined by your expected length of stay in Canada, your qualifications, and your plans while there.

The following are the essential requirements for the main Canadian immigration programs.

UK TO CANADA TEMPORARY RESIDENCE OPTIONS

SPONSORSHIP CRITERIA

Canada visa page in a passport with issue date visible.

Canada is a top destination for British working holidaymakers, offering the International Experience Canada programme (IEC) for individuals aged 18 to 35. This programme allows you to live, work, and travel in the country for a maximum of two years. After your application is approved, you will typically enter a candidate pool, and from there, it’s a random selection process for successful applications.

Typically, certain requirements must be met for a chance at selection, such as having a minimum of $2,500 CAD in savings upon arrival to sustain you during your stay, along with a return ticket or the means to show you can afford one and evidence of health insurance.

When applying for the Young Professionals programme through the IEC, it’s essential to secure a valid job offer in Canada before your arrival. Learn more about IEC program

Express Entry is the selection system for Canadian immigration, designed to select skilled workers for immigration to Canada.

Canada Express Entry Visa is a completely electronic process involving the federal government, provincial governments, and Canadian employers.

➤ An applicant will need to register an “Expression of Interest” (EOI) to immigrate to Canada before filing an application for permanent residency under the Economic Class.

➤ The Expression of Interest is submitted online via the IRCC portal. An uploaded profile is created and enters a “pool” of applicants.

➤ On a monthly basis, a “draw” takes place to select the highest scoring profiles in the pool.

If you intend to work while in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit. Having a Canadian work permit enables you to work in the country for a specific duration. A work permit can be valid for up to 4 years.

Canadian work permits come in two main types: Open Work Permit and the Employer-Specific Work Permit. With an Open Work Permit, you have the flexibility to work for any Canadian employer, whereas an Employer-Specific Work Permit restricts you to working for a particular employer.

In order to qualify for a work permit, you must possess a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) number from your employer. It is important to have a clean criminal record, demonstrate financial stability, and show intention to return to the UK after your permit expires. Learn more about Canadian work permits

CANADA PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP PATHWAY

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Canadian Permanent Residence

In addition to the different temporary visa options, the Canadian government offers several routes for UK nationals to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Securing permanent residence allows you to reside, work, and pursue education in Canada without time constraints. If you are considering relocating to Canada from the UK on a permanent basis, there are various permanent residency options that you may qualify for.

The Express Entry system is responsible for managing permanent residency applications under various economic immigration programmes.

Family Sponsorship – Intended for individuals with eligible family members in Canada.

Business Immigration – This provides residency for individuals looking to operate a business in Canada

If you qualify for permanent residence (invitation required under the Express Entry route), you can apply by filling out the online form, submitting necessary documents, and paying the fee.

The primary applicant and any dependents should not have criminal or medical issues that would prevent them from entering Canada

 

Those who have established Canada as their permanent home may decide to pursue Canadian citizenship. As a Canadian citizen, you have numerous advantages such as voting in elections, increased job prospects, the ability to travel with a Canadian passport, and security in maintaining your residency status.

For UK nationals to qualify for Canadian citizenship, they must have permanent resident status, resided in Canada for a minimum of 3 out of the last 5 years, passed a citizenship test, and shown proficiency in English or French. To qualify, you may also be required to have filed taxes in Canada for a minimum of 3 years.

Individuals who are younger than 18 or older than 54 are not required to take the Canadian citizenship test or fulfil language requirements, but they must still meet all other citizenship criteria.

IMMIGRATE TO CANADA FROM UK : MORE OPTIONS

IMMIGRATE TO CANADA FROM UK : MORE OPTIONS

Canada provides various investment-based immigration programmes that can result in permanent resident status.

Here are:

The Quebec Immigration Investor Programme (QIIP) is designed for individuals with a personal net worth of $2 million and at least two years of management experience.
The Quebec Entrepreneur Programme is designed for foreign investors with a personal net worth of $10 million.
The Quebec Self-Employed Programmes target ambitious individuals with a moderate personal net worth who plan to establish and operate their business in Canada.
The Federal Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Programme is designed for individuals with a net worth of $1.6 million who are ready to invest a minimum of $800,000 for a period of five years.
Applying for the Federal Start-Up Visa Programme
For high net worth individuals looking to make a passive investment with no obligation and establish their business in Canada, the Investor Programme is a great option.

If you want to explore the Canadian business visa that best suits your needs, consider consulting with a professional for expert guidance.

Feel free contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in moving from the UK to Canada as an investor.

Apart from the family reunification and skilled worker emigration routes, there are other pathways available for immigrating from the UK to Canada and obtaining permanent residency.

Start-up visa. For individuals interested in launching their own business in Canada. To be eligible, you need a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organisation, and proof of sufficient funds to establish yourself in Canada.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot programme. For skilled foreign workers and international graduates interested in working and living in one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick.

For individuals who have received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory, there is the option to apply under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot programme. This opportunity is ideal for skilled workers looking to work and reside in a smaller community. The Rural and Northern Immigration pilot programme is community-driven and aims to extend the advantages of economic immigration to smaller communities.

Skilled workers selected by Quebec. For individuals with a Quebec Selection Certificate from the Government of Quebec who are interested in obtaining permanent residency in Quebec, carers are a viable option.

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot programme allows eligible individuals to obtain permanent residency in Canada

Programme for self-employed individuals. For individuals who work for themselves. To be considered, relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics is required. You must be prepared to make a substantial impact on the cultural or athletic scene in Canada

Agri-Food Pilot programme. An opportunity for skilled, non-seasonal workers in certain industries and occupations to obtain permanent residency. The programme will continue until May 2023.

Study Permit

A Study Permit is issued by the Canadian government which gives you permission to study in Canada for a temporary period.

Family Sponsorship

Canada Family Sponsorship program is available for eligible relatives of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Inadmissibility

Canada inadmissibility can arise when a immigration officer decides key issues exist which impact your visa application.

LIVING IN CANADA

For UK citizens seeking to move to Canada, the government prioritises skilled workers through its economic immigration programs, but there are other options available. Visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months without a visa, and those with Canadian citizen family members may be eligible for a Super Visa allowing extended stays of up to 5 years.

If you’re interested in permanent residency, you may receive an invitation to apply through the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program. Alternatively, moving to Canada before retirement, working and establishing residency, or starting or buying a business in Canada, are options for a permanent solution.

Canada has a universal healthcare system accessible to certain types of people including permanent residents, Canadian citizens, some foreign workers on work permits and some international students. If you are eligible then you can apply for public health insurance that will cover most healthcare services.

Not all temporary visa holders are eligible for public insurance and some temporary visa holders, such as those in Canada under the International Experience Canada Program are required to have private health insurance that covers them for their entire stay.

You can apply for a temporary international driving permit or exchange your UK licence – each province issues its own driving licence, so you should contact your provincial government.

If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA)

stability, and show intention to return to the UK after your permit expires. Learn more about Canadian work permits

The cost of moving to Canada from the UK varies depending on the immigration route that you are applying for and several other factors so it can be difficult to estimate exactly how much money you will need. However, the costs that you should consider include:

➤ The application fee for your immigration application, including processing fees
➤ The permanent residence fee (if you are applying for permanent residency)
➤ The settlement funds you may be required to prove that you have
➤ The cost of transportation to Canada
➤ Your cost of living
➤ The cost of medical insurance if you are required to have it
➤ The cost of hiring a legal representative to assist you with your application


If you plan to bring a dependent child or partner with you to Canada then you should also consider the costs associated with this including the additional application fees.

When relocating from the UK to Canada, the expenses can differ based on the visa category or stream you qualify for. For a working holiday visa (International Experience Canada programme) or a standard work permit, the fee is $172 CAD per person, plus $100 CAD for an open work permit, which is required for Working Holiday permits but not Young Professional and International Co-op (internship) permits.

When arriving through one of the skilled worker programmes, the main applicant’s fee is $1,365 CAD, with an additional $1,365 CAD if your spouse/partner is joining you. Each dependent child incurs a fee of $230 CAD.

When a Canadian family member sponsors you, the cost is $1,080 CAD for each adult applicant and $155 CAD for every dependent child. These fees do not cover the $515 CAD Right of Permanent Residence fee (RPFR), which is required upon approval of a permanent residence application, and there are also specific savings requirements (referred to as ‘settlement funds’) for when you arrive in Canada. If you do not secure a job before you arrive, you will need a significantly larger amount of settlement funds.

A young girl with blonde hair, who recently moved to Canada from the UK, holds a red autumn leaf to her face, revealing one blue eye, with a background of colorful foliage.

BOOK A CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTATION

Founded in 2003 by Canadian immigration law expert Balvinder Pahl LLb (Hons), Pahl & Associates has a wealth of experience in all areas of the Canadian immigration system. With a solid track record of successfully helping clients, Pahl & Associates prides itself on outstanding client care, professionalism and achieving the best outcome possible for each case. We are registered with The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants ( CICC ) and are authorised by the Canadian government in preparing and submitting visa applications on behalf of clients from any part of the world.

We have experience in a wide variety of visa routes that are best suited to individuals and families. Whether you are coming to join your family or a partner, to work in Canada or to study, we can support you during the full application process.

Whilst Pahl & Associates is based in London, UK and close to London Heathrow Airport. we can assist anyone remotely in the same manner as we would for our London-based clients. Through email, phone and video calls, you will receive the same level of care and professionalism for your case, while benefitting from the experience of a UK-based team.

Immigrate to Canada from UK

The first step in moving to Canada or applying for temporary residence is to meet with a Canadian Immigration Consultant in person or via Skype for an in-depth review of your planned application for Canadian permanent residency or a temporary visa. Pahl & Associates specialises with clients seeking to immigrate to Canada from the United Kingdom. Please fill out the form below, and we will call you to book a mutually convenient meeting. We have 20 years of experience dealing with Canadian immigration legislation. See our Google reviews and testimonials.

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