Moving from Canada to the UK Guide

Many expats live in the UK, which is reportedly one of the countries with the most populous Canadian community.

Statista recorded roughly 75,000 Canadians to be living in the UK in 2021.

In this post, we’ll tackle the requirements, visa options, and advantages and disadvantages of moving from Canada to the UK, among other things. It is mainly for people living outside the UK.

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This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.

Some of the facts might change from the time of writing, and nothing written here is formal advice.

For updated guidance, please contact me.

Can I move from Canada to UK?

Yes, with no visa for up to six months. Nevertheless, you are only allowed to partake in tourist activities during this time and cannot be employed.

You must apply for a visa to live and work in the European country. 

Moving to UK from Canada Checklist

Travel from Canada to UK requirements

The passport must remain valid throughout the entire stay in the UK. It’s best to have at least six months validity left.

Electronic Travel Authorization will be required for entering or transiting through the UK as of January 8, 2025. This rule will apply to all travelers who are not from Europe.

Canadians can apply for the ETA from November 27, 2024.

Multiple entries are permitted under the ETA for stays of up to six months over a period of two years or until passport expiration, whatever comes first.

UK border officials may request evidence of having enough money to sustain you while you are there.

Moving to UK from Canada visa

• Ancestry Visa. Applicants for this five-year option, which can lead to indefinite leave to remain, must have a Canadian grandparent who was born in the UK. It permits holders to work and study there.
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. This is intended for those between 18 and 35 if from Canada, and it permits them to live and work in the UK for two years max. Candidates do not need an employment offer, but they must have savings worth 2,530 pounds.
• Skilled Worker Visa. This visa, which uses a points system and requires 70 points based on factors like compensation, skill level, and job offer, is for those who have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship authorization. It usually lasts five years and can result in ILR.
• Student Visa. Available to 16 years and older who have been accepted into courses at accredited UK institutions. It permits stays of up to five years for degree-level studies. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to pay and their command of English.
• Visa for Spouses or Partners. This is for people who are married to or have a long-term relationship with a British citizen or permanent resident. Applicants need significant savings or income of at least 29,000 pounds annually.
• Global Talent Visa. People who are acknowledged as leaders or have the potential to be in disciplines like tech and the arts are the target audience for this visa. It provides a route to settlement three or five years later.
• Graduate Visa. It’s accessible to foreign students who have earned a degree from the UK. It lets them remain and work or look for work for a maximum of two years. PhD graduates can stay for three.
• Innovator Founder Visa. Used to be dubbed Innovator visa, this one is open to business owners who want to roll out a venture in the UK. They must have at least 1,270 pounds worth of savings.

How to move to UK from Canada permanently?

The ancestry visa is a way to secure permanent residence. Five years later, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain and, eventually, British citizenship.

The spouse/partner visa ca be extended and lead to ILR after five years.

You are also eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years of being on a skilled worker visa.

How much does it cost to move to the UK from Canada?

Applying for the ETA costs 10 pounds.

Meanwhile, visa costs range from more than 200 pounds to over 4,000 pounds, depending on the actual type availed.

Moving from Canada to UK Tax

For tax purposes, you will typically be considered a UK resident after arriving in the country and remaining for more than 183 days during a tax year. Unless you have a tax deal, you will be liable for UK levies on all your income, including that earned in Canada, as a resident.

In essence, a departure tax is a CGT on the deemed disposition of your assets at fair market value, which you may be subject to when you leave Canada. This implies that taxes may be due on any gains even if you decide not to offload your assets.

Under Canadian law, some accounts might be given special exemptions or be treated differently.

Is it worth moving to UK from Canada?

The value of relocating from Canada to the UK depends on your lifestyle, employment prospects, and financial targets. Living expenses should be carefully considered as well, on top of the taxes involved. 

Pros and cons of immigrating from Canada to the UK

Advantages of moving to the UK

• Residents can receive healthcare services from the NHS for little to no cost.
• Enjoy new cultures and thriving artistic communities.
• Travel to many European countries is simple and reasonably priced.
• The job market is dynamic, especially in the fields of healthcare, tech, and finance.
• Some areas may have lower rent and grocery prices than major Canadian cities.

Disadvantages of moving to the UK

• It can take a lot of effort and time to understand visa requirements.
• The UK’s gloomy and rainy weather might not be to everyone’s taste.
• The cost of living is very high in places like London.
• Long waiting lists are common for non-emergency procedures.
• It can be challenging to adjust to new social norms and workplace culture.

Is it good to move to UK now?

Measures that restrict care workers’ and international students’ ability to bring dependents were reportedly implemented by the previous Conservative government. Visa grants decreased year over year by 27% in the first half of 2024, with significant drops in these categories.

Also, the overall salary condition for granting skilled worker visas has been raised to 38,700 pounds from 26,200 pounds. This aims to give preference to hiring local talent.

It’s very important to consider if moving to the UK from Canada is a smart choice at this time given the recent revisions to the country’s immigration laws, especially the rise in the salary requirements for skilled worker visas.

Consulting with experts can help you decide.