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Moving to Canada from the UK

By: Tracy Whitelaw - Updated: 4 Nov 2019 | comments*Discuss
 
Moving To Canada Emigrating To Canada

Canada is one of the most popular locations in the world for UK citizens to move to, yet it is often believed to have one of the strictest immigration policies. With it's close ties to the UK, it's ease of access and of course high standard of living, Canada has become a front runner for most British people looking to move abroad permanently. There are a number of different visas available for moving to Canada and in most cases people can find one that is suitable for them.

Points Based Immigration to Canada

If you'd like to apply for immigration to Canada on an independent visa, you can check to see if you're eligible through the points based system. In 2003, Canada changed their points system by lowering it from 75 points to 67. As this is the most popular way of immigrating to Canada, you should plan well in advance if you're trying to get a visa through this method. The points system takes into account the following:

  • Education – The level of your education will determine how many points you get in this area with a maximum of 25 available.
  • English and French Language Ability – If you have high proficiency in English and French, this means you can obtain up to a maximum of 24 points
  • Work Experience – The number of years you've spent in a particular job and at what level can influence your points here. You can obtain a maximum of 21 points.
  • Age – Your age will have an effect on your application when applying for a Canadian Visa. You can obtain a maximum of ten points here if you're in the 21-49 years old age group.
  • Arranged Employment – If you have a job waiting for you in Canada this can help your points. You can obtain up to ten points here.
  • Adaptability – This covers a number of areas from what your spousal level of education is, whether they've studied or lived in Canada or whether they have family in Canada. Ten points in total are available here.

As well as this you will need to be able to show that you have enough funds to look after yourself for a certain period of time. If you have arranged employment however you don't need to prove you have sufficient funds.

Family Visas

There are a few different types of visa available under the family group in Canada. These are:

  • Canada Family Class Visa – This visa exists so that permanent residents can sponsor one of their relatives to help them move to Canada permanently also. This doesn't require assessment through the traditional points scheme or via work means.
  • Canada Spouse Visa – If you marry, have a common-law relationship with, or are in a partnership with a Canadian citizen you may be entitled to apply for a Spouse Visa. This is a sponsorship visa where you will be sponsored by your spouse to live there. You spouse must sponsor you for between three and ten years until you are settled and setup fully there in your own right.

Employment Visas

Moving to Canada on a work visa can at times be a lengthy process. They do have certain employment areas that they actively seek individuals from abroad for, but these are often based on a points system or having a job prior to moving. Some of the most common are:

  • Canada Work Permit Visa – This is a temporary visa where you will move to work with a Canadian company for a set job and period of time. Generally these aren't used to migrate to Canada on a permanent basis, although it can lead to applying for a permanent visa. You will need to be able to fill a position in Canada that local employers there are unable to fill with Canadians.
  • Canadian Entrepreneur Visa – This visa is a business visa that encourages innovation and investment in Canada through business means. If you have highly sought after business skills or experience, you may apply to live in Canada on this basis as you'll be contributing to the economy.
  • Canadian Self Employed Visa – Similar to the Entrepreneur Visa, the Self Employed Visa is business based and you can use this to apply for permanent residency. You will need to prove that you have a viable business idea to start in Canada and that you can earn a living doing so and employ Canadians.
  • Canada Investor Visa – If you have a large amount of capital that you're willing to invest in Canada, you will be able to apply through this route. If you'd like to immigrate to Canada, invest in their economy and use your business skills to have a positive effect there, this is the way to go.

Canadian Experience Class Visa

If you have previously worked in Canada or studied there as a temporary resident, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class Visa. This visa exists for those individuals to apply for their permanent residency through a priority processing route. As you're already familiar with Canadian customs, culture and way of life, it's deemed that you're a more suitable candidate for permanent residency.

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Hey, I am 38 and currently employed by the Royal Air Force in the UK. I have been serving in the military for 15 years almost. I have visited Calgary numerous times whilst in the RAF and have become very fond of it and it is one of my favourite places that I have visited and I have visited a lot of places with my career. I would like to take a step out of my comfort zone and seriously emigrate to Canada in the next 3 years. My plan is to take time out during the end of my resettlement to stay for a few weeks and get an idea of what kind of jobs would be available to me. I am educated and am just about to start an open university degree. I have also got qualifications in French. What advice could you give me on the path that would be best? Kind Regards Jodi
Jodi - 4-Nov-19 @ 10:05 PM
I’m having trouble figuring how to move to Canada because I would like to study there and play basketball there but I need help figuring out what I need to do to move there like do I need and Canadian passport I really don’t know can someone help my please on how to move to Canada with no trouble at all and also I would like to move there permanently
Big baller 1011 - 3-Jul-19 @ 8:32 PM
I am 32 year old and I haveBritish passportAnd am how to moving England to Canada
Jas - 16-Apr-19 @ 9:45 AM
I amliving in EnglandLast 9 Year . I haveBritish passportHow to MovingCanada
None - 16-Apr-19 @ 9:39 AM
Hi, my wife (30) and I (28) have a 1 year old son and another on the way and have serious interest in moving to Canada in 2-3 years. We have degrees and work experience in Animation and Sport & Fitness respectively and were after some advice regarding eligibility. I have completed numerous online forms which show the potential for eligibility but would appreciate your comments regarding moving young children out and if that's a factor. Thanks in advance!
Mckoustic - 16-Aug-18 @ 7:02 PM
I am looking to move to Canada but it seems difficult since I turned 50 this year. Any advice so I can nove
Jo - 1-Aug-18 @ 9:43 PM
Good Morning, I am 30 years old living in UK from past 9 years, I am Indian National. Currently I am on Entrepreneur 50K route. I have UK degree (MSc IT).I want to move to Canada permanently. What are the requirements and eligibility criteria for me. I will have around £45,000 to bring with me to Canada. Thank you very much in advance.
Harjot - 22-May-18 @ 10:28 AM
Iam 46 I got British citizens live in UK for 28 yars its time to move I to live in Canada for next 5 yars I had a business in UK with amazon and iam accounts.
Bahra - 26-Apr-18 @ 10:14 AM
i am a Parmanent living in uk , i am looking to go to canada to start a fresh start, let me know how do i come or immigrate to Canada
Singh - 30-Mar-18 @ 11:19 PM
Hi, I was wondering if eligible to immigrate to Morden , Canada
Zak - 12-Mar-18 @ 4:24 PM
I m student of london Want to move to canada So need guidance
Kai - 10-Mar-18 @ 2:07 PM
I m presently studying in uk Want to move to canada Soo need guidance
Kai - 10-Mar-18 @ 2:05 PM
i am a british citizen and holding a british passport living in uk for the past 10 years, i am looking to go to canada to start a fresh start, let me know how do i come or immigrate to canada.
eugene - 2-Mar-18 @ 3:06 AM
Morning We as a family of 4 with two young children are desperate to emigrate to Canada. What are the best trades Canada are looking for ? I am 30 my wife is 29 and I have two children aged 4 and 7. I want a fresh new start and my children to grow in a different country. I have lived in the UK all of my life but I feel its time to move out. I have worked in the Glass industry for over 10yrs and now a production manager and my wife has her own nail and beauty business. Appreciate any help you can give. Many regards
OliverB - 7-Feb-18 @ 9:59 AM
My husband and I are considering retiring to BC but not for a few years. We will have a child of about 16-18 and 2 older children with mental health needs, who may well come with us. We will be bringing with us over $ 800,000 cd. We will possibly be around 58-60 years of age. My husband has a brother and spouse and children who moved to Canada over 10 years ago. Both children were born in Canada. What would be our best option?
Servi - 31-Jan-18 @ 11:51 PM
I would like a bit of information on moving to canada please
Ade - 20-Jan-18 @ 9:00 AM
My boyfriend lives in Ontario and I’m 43 years old w’re wanting to get married in the next year and a British Passport holder and I’m wanting to know how I can get to be with him and live/move to Canada. We’ve looked at various sites but are concerned we may have some problems appreciate very much any help or guidance you could give. Thanks so much
Suzi - 27-Dec-17 @ 12:33 AM
I am from to Wales in the UK I am looking for a job in Canada but I would love to live there for the rest off my life as well
Pat - 1-Nov-17 @ 7:29 PM
Hello I am trying to find out which jobs are in high demand in Canada for someone wanting to emigrate from UK
Akif1214 - 18-Oct-17 @ 2:39 PM
I am 46 and my husband 39 we have 7 year old twins and would like to emigrate to BC, I have 1 uncle in his 80s and auntie in her 70s living in Canada and 8 1st cousins who now are married and have families (so LOTSS of family) I work in school admin and my husband health and safety he has a degree and I'm educated to NVQ level 4 what are our chances of successfully emigration?
Jj71 - 19-Sep-17 @ 10:08 PM
Hello, i am not sure if i am in the right place to ask this question, but ill give it a shot. I am from the U.K, i am a barber by trade, and have been for the last 10 years, 35 years old and i have just recently had an offer of employment from Toronto Canada to be a barber educator in a barber shop. I was just after some information in regards to what visa i would have to apply for to make the move possible. Any information would be greatly appreciated regards, Chris
chriso - 13-Sep-17 @ 2:08 PM
Morning We as a family of 4 with two young children are desperate to emigrate to Canada. What are the best trades Canada are looking for ? I am 41 my wife is 42 and I have two children aged 4 and 6. I want a fresh new start and my children to grow in a different country. I have lived in the UK all of my life but I feel its time to move out. How long is the process. where are the best places to live? Appreciate any help you can give.
Nath - 6-Sep-17 @ 8:53 AM
Hi, My dad was born in Scotland which means I'm eligible for a British passport & wondered if I'm eligible for working visa in Canada if my age is 37. Your help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Kim - 28-Aug-17 @ 10:23 PM
Adam - Your Question:
Hii I have uk citizen I want to move in Canada permanently how I can enter in the Canada please answer me thanks.

Our Response:
You can check your eligibility via the link here .
EmigrationExpert - 25-Jul-17 @ 12:33 PM
Hii I have uk citizen I want to move in Canada permanently how I can enter in the Canada please answer me thanks.
Adam - 24-Jul-17 @ 5:15 PM
My husband (61) and myself (56) are considering emigrating to Canada. My uncle and auntie live in Toronto. My husband has family in Timmins. We both currently work full time. I'm anticipating to be working full time for at least a further 10 years and part time and voluntary thereafter.My husband also anticipates working for a further 6 years full time and part time thereafter. What are chances?
Jacky - 9-Jul-17 @ 2:45 PM
Hii I have uk citizen I want to move in Canada permanently how I can enter in the Canada please answer me thanks.
Garry - 6-Jul-17 @ 8:47 AM
Hi please if someone can help my with an information, I have a daughter wich is 6 months old and is british and i am romanian.I really want to move to Canada with her but I don't know what exactly I needed and what chance I have to be accepted.thanks a lot
Larisa - 21-Jun-17 @ 2:59 PM
Me my husband and 4kids want to move in canada give me a good advise how to move or procedure about settle in canada
Nadira - 20-Jun-17 @ 5:33 PM
My brother and his wife and two children all are British citizen in uk and now they want to move in Canada ..so tell me what is the best method of getting a permanent residence.
Sukhi - 9-Jun-17 @ 10:26 PM
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