Move to Canada from UK: Temporary or Permanently

Why People Make the Move to Canada from UK

Canada has long been a top destination for British citizens — both current UK residents considering relocation and UK-born professionals abroad. According to Office for National Statistics data, an estimated 531,584 UK-born residents were living in Canada during 2019.

Also, according to the 2021 census, more than 10 million residents in Canada reported “British” as their single or part of their multiple ethnic origin.

So why is Canada such a magnet for British movers? The country offers a compelling blend of economic stability, strong public services, and a high standard of living. But it’s not just about work or infrastructure — Canada gives you diverse landscapes (from the peaks of British Columbia to the riverside charm of Montreal), vibrant cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and a multicultural society that often feels more inclusive and welcoming than many expect.

Moving Temporarily: Work & Study

Not everyone looking to move to Canada starts with permanent residency — many begin with a temporary resident status via work permits or study permits. These paths can often serve as stepping stones toward PR, and they also provide flexibility and a way to test life in Canada before fully committing.

1. Work Permits

Work permits provide access to the Canadian job market, which can help you get immediate income after landing in Canada, and the possibility to look for a job from your country of origin or right after landing. Starting by obtaining a Work Permit allows you to gain Canadian work experience (which can boost your chances under Express Entry / CEC), and a foot in the door to receive an ITA.

Several programs enable UK nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis. Among the most popular are:

• International Experience Canada (IEC) — A favourite option for young Brits aged 18–35, the IEC program offers categories like Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. It allows you to gain Canadian work experience and travel at the same time. Some of them will grant an open work permit, while others will need a valid job offer.
  

  Under the IEC program, some work permits are open, meaning you don’t need a valid job offer and can work for most employers in Canada. Others are employer-specific and require a valid job offer, and in some cases, additional steps like an LMIA or employer compliance verification. Be sure to review the details of each IEC category to find out which type of work permit you may be eligible for.

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) — Designed to fill labour shortages, this program lets Canadian employers hire foreign workers when no Canadian is available. It can be a pathway to longer-term opportunities.
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) — For employees of multinational companies with operations in both the UK and Canada, this program allows temporary relocation to a Canadian branch without the need for a labour market test.

These are only a few of the most common routes. There are many more options depending on your background, profession, and goals. For a complete overview, read our dedicated guide: How to work in Canada from the UK.

2. Study Permits

Studying in Canada is one of the most rewarding ways for British citizens to experience life abroad. A study permit allows you to enrol in a recognized Canadian institution, from universities to vocational colleges, while living in Canada for the duration of your program.

Some key benefits for UK nationals include:

• High-quality education: World-ranked universities and colleges, with globally recognized degrees and diplomas.
• Work while you study: Study permits allow eligible students to work part-time during semesters and full-time during breaks — helping you gain Canadian experience and cover living costs.
• Pathway to PR: After graduation, many students qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which can later lead to permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class or other immigration programs.
• Cultural and personal growth: Immersing yourself in Canada’s multicultural environment can help build networks, strengthen English or French skills, and expand career opportunities.

If you’d like to explore all the details — from eligibility and top institutions to step-by-step application advice — check our dedicated guide: How to study and work in Canada

Moving Permanently: Canadian PR for UK Nationals

For many UK citizens, obtaining a Permanent Resident status is the end goal. Canada’s permanent residency (PR) programs are designed to attract skilled immigrants, entrepreneurs, and others who can contribute over the long term. These programs often offer a path to citizenship, access to social benefits, and freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada. Because People from the UK are typically English speakers (a major advantage in Canada’s immigration points systems), many find that they already meet or nearly meet key eligibility thresholds.

Here are some of the most important Canadian immigration programs or pathways that are often good options for British nationals:

1. Express Entry System

This is the most popular of all the economic immigration programs in Canada for skilled workers immigration. Under Express Entry, you can apply for one of the three main categories:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) — for those with skilled work experience, education, language ability, etc.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — for skilled trades workers (e.g. electricians, plumbers) who meet criteria, including job offers or a national certificate.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — for applicants who already have skilled Canadian work experience (on a temporary work permit) and want to transition to permanent residency.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provinces and territories run their own immigration programs—called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)—to address local economic and labour market needs. These programs can help align your temporary or permanent immigration plans with a province’s priorities, and significantly improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident.

If you want to live and work in a specific province, applying through a PNP can be an effective pathway to permanent residence (PR). Many provinces offer direct (non–Express Entry) streams, which have their own eligibility criteria and allow you to apply for PR through the province itself.

Other PNP streams are linked to Express Entry. If you qualify for Express Entry, a provincial nomination can add up to 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score—dramatically increasing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.

3. Family Sponsorship

If you have a close relative (spouse, common-law partner or child) who is a Canadian citizen or PR, they might sponsor your PR application under family-class immigration. Learn more here about how to sponsor a family member.

4. Business / Entrepreneur Programs

There are options for those who intend to start or invest in a business in Canada. These are more niche and have stricter requirements (capital, business plan, local investment). Check all the requirements in our dedicated page for Business Immigration.

General Eligibility & Requirements to Move to Canada from the UK

Does a UK national need a visa to enter Canada?

No, a UK citizen does not need a Canadian visa for short visits, but you will need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), which you can apply for online. You must get this before you fly to Canada. If you are arriving by land or sea, you do not need an eTA, but you must have other acceptable travel documents.

Other requirements before moving to Canada

Before you begin an application to any of the programs or paths we have mentioned, there are some common eligibility criteria and documentation requirements you’ll typically need to meet and prepare in advance since some of them could take weeks or even months.

These vary by program, but here’s what many citizens of the UK should prepare for:

These are general expectations. Each immigration path or program (Express Entry, PNP, IEC, etc.) has its own additional rules, thresholds, and documentation checklist. Be sure to check the full criteria for each specific path in the dedicated pages we have created for each of them.

Cost of Living in Canada

Understanding the costs of living in Canada compared to the UK helps you set realistic expectations and plan your finances smartly. Canada’s cost of living varies significantly by province and city, so where you land matters a lot.

If you are looking for an in-depth guide, in our recent article How Much Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Canada, we break down salary requirements, city-by-city costs, and how newcomers’ wages often compare.

But if you want a high-level snapshot, here is what you should consider:

• Housing & utilities: Many Canadians spend 35–50% of their income on rent or mortgage plus utilities.
• City variation: Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive for rent, groceries, and transportation. Smaller cities or towns tend to have much lower costs.
• Groceries, transit & daily expenses: These fluctuate by region; imported goods may cost more in remote areas.
• Healthcare & insurance: Basic public healthcare is covered for PRs in many provinces (after waiting periods), but supplementary services (dental, vision) might need private insurance.
• Taxes & other costs: Income tax, provincial taxes, sales tax (GST/HST), and costs of owning/insuring vehicles also impact your budget.

You might also find these articles helpful to get an idea about how much it would  cost for you to live in Canada:
– This Is What The Real Cost of Living in Toronto Looks Like
– The Most Affordable Cities to Live in Canada

Preparation to Make the Move to Canada

Beyond immigration requirements, there are other practical steps you should take before boarding the plane:

• Open a Canadian bank account: Many banks allow you to start the process online from the UK. This helps you transfer savings securely and avoid costly international fees. Check here for the guide we have created to help you choose the best Canadian bank for you.
• Secure health insurance: Provincial healthcare often has a waiting period for new residents (commonly up to 3 months). Private health insurance ensures you and your family are covered immediately. It only takes a couple of minutes to see how much you could save—get your free quote now.
• Plan accommodation and housing: Research rental markets in your target city — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or elsewhere — as housing costs vary widely.
• Prepare important documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational transcripts, and vaccination records may be required for work, school enrolment, or healthcare.
• Budget realistically: Consider not only living expenses but also relocation costs such as flights, moving services, customs duties, and professional licensing fees (if you work in a regulated industry).

Taking these steps reduces stress and helps ensure a smoother transition.

Healthcare in Canada for newcomers

One of the biggest lifestyle adjustments for UK citizens moving to Canada is navigating the healthcare system. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, similar to the NHS (UK equivalent), which covers most essential medical services for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and some temporary residents. However, coverage is not identical across provinces, and some services — such as dental, vision, and prescriptions — may not be included.

People moving to Canada from the UK should be aware of certain healthcare-related conditions that may affect their access to public healthcare, depending on their profile and situation:

• Temporary residents (work/study permits): Eligibility for public healthcare depends on the province and the type of permit. For example, international students in Ontario are not covered by OHIP and must arrange private health plans.
• New Permanent Residents: As a new permanent resident, you may face a waiting period before you can access provincial public health coverage. Depending on where you settle, this wait can be three months or more, from the date you begin living in the province or territory. During this time, it’s advisable to obtain private health insurance to cover any medical needs..
• Private health plans: Even after public coverage begins, private policies are often purchased to cover dental care, prescription drugs, and vision services, which are usually not fully covered by provincial plans.
• Emergency care: Anyone in Canada can access emergency medical services, but without insurance, costs can be very high.

To get detailed information about coverage options, eligibility by province, and the pros and cons of public versus private insurance, see Moving2Canada’s full guide to Healthcare in Canada.

Retiring in Canada for UK Nationals

Canada is an attractive destination for UK citizens considering retirement, offering safe communities, stunning natural landscapes, and a high quality of life. However, retiring in Canada as a foreign national requires careful planning, as there is no specific “retirement visa” like in some other countries.

Instead, UK citizens must explore existing immigration pathways, such as those mentioned earlier in this article. These are necessary to become a permanent resident or citizen and live in Canada long-term.

Some retirees choose to spend part of the year in Canada as visitors. UK citizens can stay in Canada as visitors for up to six months at a time. However, this does not grant permanent status, nor does it provide access to public healthcare, pension or social benefits, or the ability to buy property with the same rights as residents.

Key considerations for UK retirees in Canada

• Permanent residency status: To retire and live in Canada long-term, UK citizens must secure permanent residency (PR). This allows access to public healthcare and social benefits. Without PR or citizenship, retirees are not eligible for government pension programs.
• Old Age Security (OAS): The Canadian government’s OAS program provides monthly benefits to residents who have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18. UK citizens with PR who spend significant time in Canada may qualify.
• UK–Canada pension agreements: The UK and Canada have a reciprocal social security agreement, meaning some UK pensions may be transferred or credited toward eligibility for Canadian benefits.
• Healthcare: Public healthcare is available to PRs and citizens, but there may be waiting periods and limited coverage for services like dental and prescriptions. Private health insurance is often recommended for retirees.
• Financial planning: Retirees should calculate settlement funds, pension transfers, and investment income. Cost of living varies widely across provinces, so budgeting for housing, transportation, and healthcare is essential.
• UK State Pension in Canada: You can receive your UK State Pension after moving to Canada, but it will be frozen at the initial rate with no annual increases. Canada–UK agreements help with qualifying contributions, but don’t remove the freeze. Many retirees rely on private pensions, Canadian benefits, or savings to supplement their income.

In short, while Canada does not offer a retirement-specific visa, British nationals who plan ahead and secure permanent residency can enjoy a safe and rewarding retirement in Canada.

Tax Implications for UK Residents

Taxes are a critical factor when moving from the UK to Canada. UK citizens should be prepared to understand both Canadian tax obligations and the rules on maintaining or severing UK tax residency.

Canadian taxes for UK newcomers

• Income tax: Canada taxes residents on their worldwide income. Tax rates vary by province and income level, with federal rates ranging from 15% to 33%.
• Provincial taxes: Each province sets its own tax brackets and additional rates. For example, Ontario and British Columbia have their own progressive scales on top of federal taxes.
• Sales tax (GST/HST): Goods and services are subject to federal GST (5%) and in some provinces, Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) or Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
• Property tax: Municipalities charge property taxes, which vary widely based on home value and location.

UK–Canada tax treaty

The UK and Canada have a double taxation agreement (DTA) to prevent individuals from being taxed twice on the same income. This ensures that UK citizens who move to Canada won’t be double-taxed on pensions, dividends, or employment income. However, proper planning and reporting are essential.

Financial planning tips for UK movers

• Determine tax residency: If you move permanently, you may become a Canadian tax resident and may no longer be considered a UK tax resident.
• Declare foreign assets: Canadian tax residents must disclose foreign property and investments over a certain threshold.
• Work with advisors: Hiring a tax specialist familiar with both UK and Canadian systems is highly recommended, especially for retirees or business owners.

Understanding the tax implications in advance helps UK citizens avoid penalties, make the most of bilateral agreements, and ensure a smooth financial transition.

Your FAQs about Moving to Canada from the UK

1. Can a UK citizen move to Canada without a job?

Yes, UK citizens can apply for immigration programs that do not require a job offer, such as: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under Express Entry or the Working Holiday program. However, having a Canadian job offer or a provincial nomination can significantly increase your chances of success.

2. How long can UK citizens stay in Canada without a visa?

UK citizens can visit Canada for up to six months without a visa, but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if flying. For work, study, or permanent relocation, a valid permit or visa is required.

3. What is the easiest way for a UK citizen to move to Canada?

The Express Entry system is often the fastest and most straightforward path for UK citizens, especially due to strong English language skills and recognized UK qualifications. Other options include the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for young professionals, or studying in Canada to later transition to permanent residency.

4. Can UK pensions be transferred to Canada?

Yes. The UK and Canada have a reciprocal social security agreement, allowing certain UK pensions to be transferred or credited toward Canadian pension eligibility. However, private pensions may require separate arrangements, so consulting a cross-border financial advisor is recommended.

5. Do UK citizens get free healthcare in Canada?

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and some temporary residents have access to publicly funded healthcare. Newcomers may face a waiting period before coverage begins, so UK citizens moving to Canada are advised to purchase private health insurance to cover gaps before being able to apply.

6. How much money do I need to move from the UK to Canada?

The required settlement funds depend on your family size and immigration program. For example, a single applicant under Express Entry typically needs to show around CAD $14,000 in available funds (updated annually by IRCC). Families must show higher amounts.

7. Is it cheaper to live in Canada or the UK?

It depends on the city or region. Major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive than most UK cities (comparable to London), while smaller Canadian towns often have a lower cost of living than urban UK centres.

8. Can a UK citizen become a Canadian citizen?

Yes. After becoming a permanent resident and living in Canada for at least three out of the last five years, UK citizens can apply for Canadian citizenship. Additional requirements include passing a citizenship test, language proficiency, and a clean criminal record.

9. What jobs are in demand for UK citizens in Canada?

Healthcare, skilled trades, IT, engineering, and education are among the top in-demand sectors. Many provinces publish occupation shortage lists under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

10. Do I need private health insurance if I’m moving temporarily to Canada?

Yes, in most cases. Temporary residents (students, IEC participants, or work permit holders) may not be eligible for public healthcare in all provinces, or may face waiting periods. Private coverage is highly recommended.