Overview of How to Move to Canada from the UK
It would be good to admit here that UK citizens enjoy easy access to many countries of their choice because the UK government has ties with many countries.
But Canada stands out as one of the preferred travel destinations for UK citizens because of the Canadian Immigration policy.
It would be easier to enter Canada from the USA than from the UK as the USA is situated in North America and, hence, is favored by immigration policy.
Since the United Kingdom voted for Brexit, there has been an increase in people wondering how to move to Canada from the UK.
Canada has one of the highest per-capita immigration rates in the world. Thousands of individuals, including UK citizens, immigrate to Canada every year for many reasons.
Canadian Immigration Visa Categories for UK Citizens/Canadian Immigration Options for UK citizens
There are several Canadian Immigration visa categories that UK citizens can apply under to become a resident of Canada.
These include but are not limited to the following
- Skilled Workers and Professionals
- Family Sponsorship
- Provincial Nominees
- Quebec Skilled Workers
- Business and Investor Migration
1. Skilled Workers and Professionals
This Canadian Immigration Program allows immigrants to live and work in Canada as skilled workers through Express Entry.
Express Entry is a new immigration system in Canada.
This new system will allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to proactively assess, recruit, and select skilled immigrants or people with relevant qualifications under federal economic immigration programs.
UK citizens who intend to move to Canada can explore the skilled workers and professionals program.
2. Family Sponsorship
Your relatives can live, study, and work in Canada if they become permanent residents.
You can sponsor certain relatives to come to Canada if you’re at least 18 or a permanent resident of Canada.
UK citizens who intend to move to Canada can explore the family sponsorship program.
3. Provincial Nominee Program
A Canadian province or territory must nominate an applicant to qualify under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Many Canadian provinces have an arrangement with the national Government of Canada to carry out their prerogative of nominating immigrant workers who want to establish themselves in their respective provinces.
Applicants for Canadian work visas under the Provincial Nominee Program(PNP) enjoy a speedy visa application process.
Intending immigrants under PNP should have the necessary skills, proper education, sufficient work experience, and a passing language examination for semi or low-skilled trades or professions.
UK citizens who intend to move to Canada can explore the provincial nominee program.
4. Quebec Skilled Workers Program
Foreign workers who want to settle as permanent residents in the Canadian province of Quebec may be eligible for immigration to Quebec through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a points-based initiative operated separately from the government of Canada’s programs for skilled workers.
Successful applicants may bring accompanying family members to Quebec, and a job offer is not required.
UK citizens who intend to move to Canada can explore the family Quebec skilled workers program.
5. Business and Investor Migration
Canada offers tremendous opportunities to foreigners who want to do business there.
Thousands of ambitious business people grace our shores every year, and there is no reason why UK citizens can not be among them.
UK citizens who intend to move to Canada can explore the Quebec immigrant investor program.
Living in Canada for British
If you are thinking of moving to Canada as a UK citizen, it is advisable to understand the cultural differences between Canada and the UK.
1. Lifestyle in Canada vs the UK
Canadians and British share several similar lifestyles.
Like the Brits, Canadians love their sports, animals, barbecues, pubs and families.
You will find that Canadian culture has more in common with British culture than American culture, and they tend to share a similar sense of humor; however, there are plenty of differences, too.
2. Dress/Fashion in Canada vs UK
Canada, as a Western nation, has no particular rules or public conservatism over dress codes.
However, public nudity is not expected, even on beaches (should the weather allow), and casual clothing is fine for most occasions.
Formal functions will be required.
Smart dress; otherwise, you should dress according to the prevailing weather conditions.
3. Transportation in Canada vs the UK
The cost of transport in Canada is much lower than that in the UK, with a litre of fuel costing, on average, 40% lower (£0.67).
Domestic airfares, by comparison with the budget airlines available across Europe, are higher in Canada.
4. Driving in Canada vs the UK
Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road, contrary to the British left–hand style.
The road network and maintenance standards in Canada are really good.
You can use your UK driving license for a limited period while in Canada, but you should arrange to get an International Drivers Permit here in the UK before you leave.
5. Cost of Living in Canada vs UK
The cost of living in Canada is comparable to the UK, with only the cost of rent being markedly different at just 4.86% lower.
As with the UK, regional differences exist, and the prices of consumer goods can vary a great deal.
For instance, the cost of monthly utility bills ranges from £47.34 to £143.19, and milk can range from £0.81 to £1.84 per litre.
6. Schooling in Canada vs the UK
There are plenty of schooling options in Canada, from the government-funded state education system to the private and international schools that are established in most large towns and cities.
If you intend to have your children follow a British curriculum, you can expect to pay around £12-15,000 for day schooling and £30-40,000 for boarding at the best independent schools.
Canada is a great destination for immigrants and people worldwide work and study in Canada.
Immigrants from the UK can find a better life in Canada, as there are many opportunities to explore there.