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United Kingdom to Canada
Immigrate to Canada from UK
British citizens enjoy multiple pathways to Canada. The IEC Working Holiday, Express Entry, and Commonwealth connections make Canada accessible for UK nationals.
British Community
600,000+ UK-born Canadians
Major Cities
Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
Express Entry
6 months processing
Overview
Immigrating to Canada from United Kingdom
British immigrants have a long history in Canada, with strong cultural and linguistic connections. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers young Brits a popular entry point.
Express Entry is straightforward for British applicants with native English proficiency. Many UK professionals find Canada attractive for career opportunities and quality of life.
The Working Holiday visa allows British citizens aged 18-30 to work in Canada for up to 2 years, often serving as a stepping stone to permanent residence.
British Community in Canada
Easy cultural transition with shared language and many British traditions. Active British expat communities in major cities.
Free Assessment
Find out your eligibility for Canadian immigration. Our consultants have helped many British clients.
Book ConsultationRCIC License: R515110
Immigration Pathways
Popular Pathways for British Immigrants
Explore the most common routes to Canadian permanent residence from United Kingdom.
International Experience Canada
8-12 weeksWorking Holiday visa for ages 18-30. Live and work in Canada for up to 2 years.
British citizen aged 18-30
Valid passport
Proof of funds (CAD 2,500)
Health insurance
Express Entry
6 monthsPermanent residence for skilled workers. British applicants have strong English advantage.
Language proficiency
1+ year skilled work experience
ECA for education
Competitive CRS score
Intra-Company Transfer
2-8 weeksTransfer from UK offices of multinational companies to Canada.
1+ year with company
Executive, managerial, or specialized role
Canadian affiliate exists
No LMIA required
Provincial Nominee Programs
12-18 monthsGet nominated by a province based on skills and connections.
Meet provincial criteria
Express Entry or base stream
Some require job offers
Settlement intent
Document Checklist
Required Documents from United Kingdom
Documents you'll need to prepare for your Canadian immigration application.
British Passport
Valid UK passport.
Educational Documents
UK degrees, A-levels. WES or other ECA required.
Police Certificate
ACRO police certificate for UK. Additional certificates for other countries lived in.
Language Test
IELTS or CELPIP. Native speakers typically score high.
Work Experience
Reference letters from UK employers.
Proof of Funds
Bank statements showing settlement capability.
Language Requirements
Language Testing for British Applicants
IELTS General Training or CELPIP.
Tips for Success
Native English speakers from the UK typically achieve CLB 10+ easily. Language testing is required for Express Entry but should not be challenging.
Processing Times
IEC Working Holiday8-12 weeks
Express Entry6 months
ICT2-8 weeks
PNP12-18 months
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigrating from United Kingdom to Canada
What is the IEC Working Holiday?
The International Experience Canada Working Holiday allows British citizens aged 18-30 to work in Canada for up to 2 years. It is an open work permit with no job offer required.
Can I extend my Working Holiday to PR?
The Working Holiday itself cannot be extended, but you can build Canadian work experience to qualify for Express Entry or provincial programs while in Canada.
Do British degrees need assessment?
Yes, for Express Entry you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through WES or another designated organization. The process is straightforward for UK qualifications.
How does Canadian life compare to UK?
Canada has similar culture but larger cities are more spread out. Weather is generally colder. Housing costs vary; some cities are expensive. Healthcare is universal but works differently than NHS.
Can I sponsor family after getting PR?
Yes, as a permanent resident you can sponsor your spouse and dependent children. Parent and grandparent sponsorship is also available but more limited.
Ready to Start Your Canadian Immigration?
Our RCIC-licensed consultants have helped many British clients achieve their Canadian dreams. Book a consultation to discuss your options.