How to Move to the UK from Canada Permanently

If you’re a Canadian citizen considering a permanent move to the United Kingdom, there are several pathways available. Whether you’re seeking new job opportunities, planning to join family members, or intending to start a business, the UK offers multiple visa options. Here’s a detailed guide on how to move to the UK from Canada permanently, covering visa types, eligibility requirements, and application steps.

Table of Contents

1. Choose the Right Visa for Permanent Residency

Moving to the UK permanently requires selecting the correct visa, as the visa type determines your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a status that enables permanent residency in the UK. Here are the main visa options:

Skilled Worker Visa: For Canadians with a UK job offer from a licensed employer in an eligible skilled occupation.
Spousal or Partner Visa: For Canadians with a UK-based spouse, fiancé, or long-term partner who is a British citizen or UK permanent resident.
Ancestry Visa: For Canadians with a grandparent born in the UK, Commonwealth citizens can apply for this visa if they intend to work in the UK.
Investor, Innovator, or Start-Up Visa: For Canadians who wish to invest in, innovate, or establish a business in the UK.
Student to Post-Study Work Route: For Canadians studying in the UK, transitioning from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa provides a path to permanent residency.

Selecting the right visa is essential as some offer faster pathways to ILR and UK citizenship.

2. Skilled Worker Visa: A Pathway for Canadian Professionals

The Skilled Worker Visa is the most popular route for skilled professionals. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa and allows qualified individuals with job offers from licensed UK employers to live and work in the UK.

Key Requirements:

Job Offer from a UK Employer: Must be in an eligible occupation with a salary that meets the minimum threshold.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Provided by the UK employer, confirming the job offer.
English Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency is required, typically through testing.
Financial Support: Proof of funds for initial support, unless certified by the employer.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

The Skilled Worker Visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, provided you maintain continuous employment in an eligible role.

3. Spousal or Partner Visa: For Canadians with Family in the UK

Canadians with family ties in the UK may be eligible for a Spousal or Partner Visa. This visa allows those married to, in a civil partnership with, or in a long-term relationship with a UK resident to join them in the UK.

Key Requirements:

Relationship Proof: Evidence of marriage, civil partnership, or cohabitation for at least two years.
Financial Requirement: The UK-based partner must meet a minimum income requirement of £18,600 (higher if there are dependent children).
Accommodation and Language: Proof of suitable accommodation and English language proficiency.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

The Spousal or Partner Visa can lead to ILR after five years of residency in the UK, allowing you to settle permanently.

4. UK Ancestry Visa: For Canadians with UK-Born Grandparents

Canadians who have at least one grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man may qualify for a UK Ancestry Visa. This visa allows Commonwealth citizens to live and work in the UK, offering a clear route to permanent residency.

Key Requirements:

Proof of Ancestry: Birth certificates and other documents linking you to a UK-born grandparent.
Intent to Work: Evidence of intent to work in the UK, such as job applications, offers, or a business plan.
Sufficient Funds: Proof of financial independence to support yourself without relying on public funds.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

The Ancestry Visa is granted for five years, after which you can apply for ILR if you have lived and worked in the UK during that period.

5. Investor, Innovator, and Start-Up Visas: For Entrepreneurs and Investors

For Canadians with significant financial resources or a unique business idea, the UK offers Investor, Innovator, and Start-Up visas.

Investor Visa:

Investment of £2 million or more into the UK economy.
Eligibility for ILR after two to five years, depending on the investment amount.

Innovator Visa:

For individuals with a unique business idea endorsed by a recognized UK endorsing body.
Leads to ILR after three years if the business is successful.

Start-Up Visa:

For new entrepreneurs with a business idea endorsed by a UK institution.
Valid for two years, with an option to switch to an Innovator Visa for permanent residency.

6. Transition from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa

If you’re a Canadian student in the UK, transitioning from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa can provide a pathway to permanent residency.

Steps for Transition:

Complete Your Studies: Many Canadian students study in the UK and gain post-graduation experience.
Secure a Skilled Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a licensed UK employer in an eligible occupation.
Switch to the Skilled Worker Visa: Apply to switch from a Student Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa.

Once on the Skilled Worker Visa, you can work towards ILR after five years of continuous employment.

7. Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

After five years on a qualifying visa, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live in the UK permanently.

Requirements for ILR:

Continuous Residence: Must have lived in the UK for at least five years on an eligible visa.
Life in the UK Test: Pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers British culture, history, and laws.
English Language Proficiency: Confirm your English language ability at the required level.
Absence Limits: Ensure you haven’t been outside the UK for more than 180 days per year during your qualifying period.

ILR holders have the right to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions and can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

8. Applying for British Citizenship

Once you hold ILR for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, which provides full rights as a UK citizen.

Requirements for Citizenship:

Hold ILR for at Least 12 Months: Unless married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply immediately after receiving ILR.
Residency Requirements: Show at least five years of residency in the UK.
Good Character Requirement: Must demonstrate a record of lawful conduct and financial stability.

Obtaining citizenship grants you the right to a British passport, voting rights, and full protection under UK law.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Canadians work in the UK without a visa?
No, Canadians need a visa to work in the UK. The Skilled Worker Visa, Ancestry Visa, and other visa categories offer legal ways to work.

2. How long does it take to get ILR in the UK?
Typically, five years on a qualifying visa, such as the Skilled Worker, Ancestry, or Partner Visa.

3. Can Canadians apply for dual citizenship in the UK?
Yes, the UK allows dual citizenship, so Canadians can hold both Canadian and British citizenship.

4. How much does it cost to apply for ILR?
As of 2024, the ILR application fee is £2,404, with additional costs for the Life in the UK Test and biometric appointments.

5. Do I need a job offer to apply for a UK visa?
A job offer is required for the Skilled Worker Visa, but not for the Ancestry Visa or Family Visa.

6. Can I bring my family with me on a UK visa?
Yes, most UK visas allow you to bring dependents (spouse and children under 18) with you.