Following the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, many British nationals are seriously considering leaving the country, while many have already done so.
Home to over 650,000 British residents, Canada is a really popular choice for British nationals (with good reason). Minimal cultural differences, no language barriers, high quality of life are just some of the reasons why British nationals having to move to Canada from the UK.
How to Immigrate to Canada from UK
Can a British citizen move to Canada? If you’re wondering how you can make the shift, the Canadian government has various immigration programs that may be suitable for people looking to immigrate to Canada from the UK.
Let’s have a look at some of the main programs for the most common goals.
Immigrate to Canada as a Worker / Express Entry
Do you have any skills and professional background?
If that is the case, you might want to have a closer look at the programs that are processed under the Express Entry system:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – if you have at least a year of full-time Canadian work experience in the last 3 years;
- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) – if you are skilled in a trade listed in the NOC & have at least 2 years of recent full-time Canadian experience in the last 5 years;
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – if you want to settle in a certain province or city;
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – if none of the above fit to your case.
Check Now If You are Eligible For One of Canada’s Working Programs or Just Book a Free Consultation Call with An Immigration Expert
As for the Express Entry system, we tell more about how it works here.
Immigrate to Canada with Your Family
Looking to immigrate to Canada with your family?
If the answer is yes, you should know that if one of the parents or one partner has received a visa, the rest of the family can come along. That’s why as partners you may want to submit 2 applications as you never know who has better chances of receiving the visa.
Also, a student visa is easier to obtain than a working visa, and if one of the family members managed to achieve one, it can help bring the whole family to Canada.
This is the kind of creative solution a Canadian immigration consultant can help you with. That’s also why the best advice we can give you is to consult with an Immigration expert!
Temporary Immigration for Young Adults (18-35yo): IEC / Student Visa
Do you want to “try on” Canadian life before immigration?
Then you might want to explore International Experience Canada (IEC Canada).
This program is ideal for British citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to test the waters in Canada.
If approved for the program, applicants are permitted to live in Canada for up to two years to work, travel, and experience Canadian life.
This allows the individual to get a feel for what life in Canada would be like without making a full commitment from the start. If they can see themselves living here permanently, they can start the process of emigrating to Canada from the UK.
Immigrate to Canada as a Student
Are you interested in studying in Canada?
Luckily, Canada is very welcoming for those who are looking for higher education.
With its reputable educational system and high-ranking universities, Canada is one of the most attractive countries for students from around the world. Therefore, international students can move to Canada from the UK.
To get into a Canadian university, students need to get the student visa.
We described the process of becoming a Canadian student here.
Immigrate to Canada as an Entrepreneur or Investor
Do you want to get citizenship by investing in Canada’s economy?
If so, then you may learn more about the Investor Visa.
Do you have the skills, talent, and funds to build or establish a business in Canada?
Then Start-up visa could be an option for you. You may learn more about it here.
You may also have a look at our guide that covers business immigration.
Family Sponsorship In Canada
Immigration is faster and easier for those who have relatives in Canada. Possibly, you have someone you want to move your family after you immigrate.
If that is the case, Family Sponsorship options could be perfect for you.
You may learn about Family Sponsorship here.
How Easy Is It to Move to Canada from the UK?
All in all, it’s relatively easy to immigrate to Canada from the UK. The UK is among the countries that may use wide set of Canadian immigration programs.
And many British people did immigrate using those programs.
There are more than 600,000 residents of Canada being British-born, British people are an integral part of economic and social life in Canada.
However, when it comes to immigration, a lot depends on your individual case.
To get an idea on how close you are to meeting the general requirements, you may check your eligibility for immigration online with our free calculator:
8 Reasons to Immigrate to Canada from the UK
Now that you know how you can move; you may be wondering whether emigrating to Canada from UK would be a good decision for you.
We’ve put together a few reasons why British Nationals choose Canada over other countries around the world.
No time for reading? Check the video below:
Reason 1: No Language Barrier
When you’re settling into a new country, language plays an enormously significant role. When you don’t understand or speak the language, it can make your move extremely challenging and stressful.
Canada is a fully bilingual country. Everything is offered in both English and French making it a very language friendly country for British citizens.
While language is important for cultural and social reasons, it is especially important if you’re planning on working or studying in Canada.
Since both countries speak the same language, British nationals are able to adapt with minimal difficulty.
Reason 2: Four Seasons
The UK is famous for its grey weather, which can literally “rain on anybody’s parade”.
Although the weather in the UK can be moderate at times, it is not great and many people struggle to deal with this type of weather.
Canada on the other hand has four distinct and consistent seasons.
Yes, the winters can get very cold. Some places are colder than others but with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more, the snow has plenty of activities to offer for everyone.
If sports isn’t your thing, imagine a delightful evening spent by a fireplace, tucked away in a chalet.
The summer months in Canada are everything summers should be and suited for all sorts of outdoor activities.
For many people used to seeing the same weather year-round, the beauty of experiencing Canada’s four seasons are incomparable.
Reason 3: Quality of Life
Canada is ranked as one of the best countries to live with a very high quality of life. It is also one of the safest, cleanest and most educated countries in the world.
Check out if you are eligible for immigration to Canada within a few minutes:
Canada’s universal health care is also very attractive, especially when compared to the health care systems of other countries such as the United States.
A truly multicultural country, Canada is a safe haven for all nationalities and religions. It’s a country that not only preaches but truly believes in human rights and freedoms and safeguards have been put in place to ensure that every individual’s freedoms are protected.
In short, it’s a wonderful place to live in and raise a family in.
Reason 4: Stable Economy
The job market in Canada is supported by a stable economy with plenty of opportunities for laborers, skilled workers, and everyone in between. As a result, Canada is consistently ranked and named as the number one country in the world for Qualify of Life.
The unemployment rate is generally fairly low; however, recent numbers are not a good gauge since employment has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
Canadian workforce and economy are heavily reliant on the country’s large immigrant population and the diverse credentials and skills they bring to the economy.
Unlike the situation post-Brexit, workers from elsewhere are welcomed and valued—not limited.
In short, anyone thinking of moving to Canada from the UK now is the perfect time because Canada needs immigrants like you.
Reason 5: Multiculturalism
Canada is proud of its diversity, and for good reason. Immigrants make up approximately 21.5% of Canada’s population of 38.44 million people. This number is expected to rise steadily to 30% or more in the next fifteen years. So, Canada is becoming more and more multicultural.
The Canadian society is a very liberal minded, accepting and multicultural one and you will find people of all religions and ethnicities spread out across the country. In cities like Toronto and Montreal you will even neighbourhoods dedicated to a particular culture or country, like Little Italy or China Town.
No matter where you are originally from, you can expect to find a community that speaks your language and a society that supports you.
Reason 6: Healthcare, Education, and Freedom
Canada is a country that takes care of its population, it takes personal, civic and economic freedoms of every individual very seriously.
As a liberal and democratic country with strong human rights laws and social services, Canada is a safe and comfortable place to live.
Much like the UK, Canada boasts of a world-class healthcare system that is government-funded and largely free. Residents and citizens enjoy a good life with very few barriers, resulting in a higher quality of life and greater peace of mind.
Education is also publicly funded up to Grade 12.
Reason 7: Warm and Welcoming
One of the great things about moving to Canada from the UK is that you will assimilate very quickly. You will be welcomed with open arms from all residents.
The bigger cities, in particular, are home to people from all over the world and from all walks of life. They tend to be very friendly, helpful and open-minded.
A significant portion of the Canadian population is made up of immigrants, so British nationals immigrating to Canada feel right at home surrounded by people who can appreciate and relate to their experience and challenges.
With the advancement of technology and social media, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and make friends.
Reason 8: Breathtaking Scenery
When it comes to the scenery in the UK you may need to drive for miles in order to see anything truly extraordinary.
Canada on the other hand is completely magnificent from coast to coast. It has a wonderful mixture of everything that you could imagine from mountains, seas, forests, and lakes. If you love nature, then Canada is definitely the country for you.
During the winter months, the country may be snowing but it still is beautiful. In fact, working holidaymakers from all over the world come to Canada in the wintertime to experience the amazing wilderness and the remarkable winter sports that the country has to offer.
The safety and beauty in Canada make it the ideal country to go hiking in and enjoy mini-vacations to explore all the little hidden gems.
Recommended Canada Immigration Consultants for the UK Residents
Don’t know where to begin?
Immigration could be challenging. But there are professionals (RCICs) who know everything about available immigration programs and how to come up with a plan that would bring you the desired permanent residency.
The trick is finding the right RCIC or agency for UK residents. Canada2036 has put together a top Recommended Canadian Immigration Consultants list based on extensive research, customer testimonials, and other vetting methods.
- UIS Canada is a professional immigration consultancy that upholds a spotless and proven track record of providing the highest quality customer service. They make sure that clients have all the most up-to-date information, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays in their immigration process.
- UIS only works with RCICs and they specialize in permanent residency and temporary visas.
- Great North Visa is a top-tier, solution-driven consulting firm committed to facilitating their clients’ main objective of receiving the Canadian visa they require by providing a wide range of immigration services and settlement solutions designed to simplify your immigration process.
- Great North Visa puts an entire team of selected Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) at your disposal.
In Parting
Uprooting your life and trying to decide where to move is not an easy decision and there are many factors that need to be considered.
But if you’re living in the UK and looking for a change that is not too drastic, Canada is truly one of the best countries to move to.
We’ve just highlighted a handful of reasons why Canada is a good choice, but there are so many more!
The truth is that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by moving to Canada from UK. The similarities between the two countries and cultures have the added bonus of offering little culture shock and a wealth of opportunity.
Hundreds and thousands of British citizens have been more than happy to immigrate to Canada from UK and to call it home. You can be one of them!
