Immigrate to Canada from UK

As of October 2, 2026.

Yes, you can move to Canada from the UK. British citizens do not need a visa to visit, but staying long term means qualifying for a work permit or permanent residence. The three most common routes for people moving from the UK are the International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday, Express Entry, and a provincial nomination. Most people choose based on age, skills and whether they have a job offer.

What are the main ways to move to Canada from the UK?

Do British citizens need a visa for Canada?

Short answer: no visa, but you need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly in. IRCC lists British citizens as eTA-required. The eTA costs CAD 7, is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, and lets you make short stays of normally up to six months at a time. An eTA does not let you work or study. For that you need a work permit or study permit first.

How does the IEC working holiday work for British citizens?

If you are a British citizen aged 18 to 35 (inclusive), you can apply for a working holiday under International Experience Canada. IRCC says British citizens may take part twice: a first participation of 24 months and a second of 12 months, in any category. You need a valid UK passport with British citizenship, at least CAD 2,500 to cover your costs, health insurance for your whole stay, and a return ticket or enough funds to buy one. You cannot bring dependants. The UK also has Young Professionals and International Co-op categories, which need a signed job offer or placement.

The working holiday is a way to live in Canada, test a city and build Canadian work experience. It is not a permanent residence route by itself. You can read more on our working holiday guide.

How does Express Entry work from the UK?

Express Entry ranks candidates with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) on age, education, language results and work experience. IRCC then invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply. Use our CRS calculator to see your score, or read how the CRS score is built.

• Education: If you claim points for a UK degree, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization such as WES.
• Language: IELTS General Training or CELPIP for English. UK citizens still need to sit an approved test.
• Police certificate: UK police certificates come from ACRO. If yours says "No Live Trace", IRCC may ask for more details on a stepped-down record, which you can request from ACRO. You also need certificates from any other country where you lived.
• Proof of funds: Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades candidates must show settlement funds. IRCC's table (updated July 7, 2025) shows CAD 15,263 for one person and CAD 19,001 for two. Candidates invited under the Canadian Experience Class, and those with a valid job offer who are already authorized to work in Canada, do not need proof of funds. See our proof of funds guide.

Is 40 too old to move to Canada from the UK?

No. Canada has no maximum age for Express Entry, but age affects your CRS score. Candidates aged 20 to 29 get the maximum age points, the points fall after that, and they reach zero at age 45. Older candidates can still qualify by scoring more on language, education, Canadian work experience or a provincial nomination. IEC, however, is only open to ages 18 to 35.

How much money do you need to move to Canada from the UK?

It depends on the route. For Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program you need the settlement funds above. IEC needs at least CAD 2,500 plus health insurance. For any route, add the cost of flights, the first months of rent and, for permanent residence applicants, government fees and the medical exam. Your costs in your first province will change with housing prices, so check the province you are targeting.

What should you do first?

1. Check your age and decide whether IEC fits. If you are 35 or under, it lets you start working in Canada without a job offer.
2. Book an IELTS General Training or CELPIP test and start your ECA if you want Express Entry.
3. Request your ACRO police certificate once you are close to applying.
4. Run your numbers in the CRS calculator and compare with recent draws.

Not sure which route fits? Book a consultation with a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC).