An overview of the main visa routes for British people considering moving to Canada, including Express Entry, provincial nominations, and work permits plus key guidance for professionals, families and young workers.
Canada offers British citizens the perfect mix of career opportunity, lifestyle and cultural familiarity. With shared language, strong professional demand and a robust economy, Canada has long been one of the easiest non-EU countries for UK citizens to integrate into, but choosing the right visa can still be complex.
Below, we outline the main immigration routes available to British citizens, focusing on working professionals and families.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Immigration policies can change frequently. Before applying for any visa or permit seek professional guidance from a qualified Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer.
Suitable for: Professionals and tradespeople with work experience in demand in Canada.
The Express Entry system is the most popular route for skilled Britons seeking permanent residence. It uses a points-based model, known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), that assesses applicants based on age, education, work experience, and English or French language ability.
Applicants typically enter a pool under one of three programmes:
Once invited to apply, successful candidates can become permanent residents within 6–12 months. It’s a competitive process, so improving language scores or gaining a job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your CRS ranking.
Suitable for: People targeting a specific province or occupation in demand.
Each Canadian province has its own Provincial Nominee Programme which lets them select candidates to meet local labour needs. These can be faster or more accessible for those with a relevant skillset or job offer.
Examples:
Being nominated by a province adds 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing an invitation through Express Entry.
Suitable for: People moving for a fixed job or employer-sponsored role.
If you already have a Canadian job offer, you may be eligible for a Temporary Work Permit under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. Your employer must show that the role couldn’t easily be filled by a Canadian.
Temporary permits usually last 1–3 years and can sometimes be extended or converted to permanent residence later. This route is popular among British people who work in sectors including finance, IT, healthcare, education and hospitality.
Suitable for: Employees of multinational companies with offices in both the UK and Canada.
If you work for a company with Canadian operations, you may be able to transfer internally. Intra-company transferee visas let managers, executives and specialist employees relocate without a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
These permits usually last up to five years and can lead to permanent residence via the Canadian Experience Class. It’s a fast and relatively low-risk path for career-driven Britons relocating with employer support.
Suitable for: People joining a Canadian spouse, partner or close relative.
British citizens with a Canadian spouse or common-law partner may qualify for family sponsorship. The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must prove they can support you financially for at least three years.
Processing times vary by location, but this is one of the more straightforward immigration routes, especially if you already plan to build a family life in Canada.
Suitable for: Entrepreneurs launching an innovative business with Canadian support.
The Start-Up Visa Programme encourages entrepreneurs to create jobs and attract investment in Canada. Applicants need backing from an approved designated organisation (such as a venture fund or incubator) and must meet financial and language requirements.
It’s a niche but rewarding route for Britons with a viable, scalable business idea especially in tech, green energy or financial innovation.
Suitable for: Young professionals (aged 18–35) seeking work and travel experience.
Through the International Experience Canada agreement, UK citizens aged 18–35 can apply for a two-year Working Holiday Visa. This open work permit allows you to live and work anywhere in Canada without employer sponsorship.
While popular with graduates and early-career professionals, places are limited, and the programme can’t be extended beyond two years. Many people use their Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.
Suitable for: People undertaking full-time study at an approved Canadian institution
If you’re planning to study in Canada, you’ll need a Study Permit and proof of acceptance from a designated learning institution. Most permits allow limited part-time work and recent graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada for up to three years.
While studying can be a pathway to residency, it’s often the most expensive and time-intensive route for UK citizens better suited to people who prioritise education over employment.
