Moving to Canada from the UK

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.

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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.

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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.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Moving Abroad Checklist Builder lets you build a personalised checklist for emigrating. Covers visas, finances, healthcare and more. Try it now →