Moving to Canada from a first-world country like the UK can have different motivations compared to those relocating from a third-world country. While the UK offers many benefits, Canada provides a relaxed lifestyle. This lifestyle requires hard work and dedication but is often seen as less demanding than the UK’s work environment. Obtaining a Canadian work visa from the UK can be straightforward. You can follow three essential steps to transition from one of the richest nations to another.
Canada actively seeks qualified professionals, and many applicants find jobs that suit their skills.
3 Steps to Qualify for a Canadian Work Visa
With Canada planning to invite over 1.2 million foreigners to apply to live and work in the country, now is an excellent time to pursue a Canadian work permit. Canada ranks as the number one country for quality of life, offering incredible career opportunities in high-demand jobs.
If your goal is to work in Canada, obtaining a Canadian work visa is the best way to ensure your long-term residency. For more information on securing permanent residency through employment, study, or work while visiting Canada, read on.
Step 1: Choose a Work Permit That Works for You
The type of work permit you apply for depends on the job you seek. While Canada offers over 100 immigration programs, there are only two primary work visas:
- Open Work Permit: This permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: This option restricts you to working for a specific employer, as outlined in your work permit, including details about the duration, employer’s name, and job location.
If you immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system, you can obtain an open work permit. However, if you apply through a Provincial Nominee Program, you will need an employer-specific work permit, limiting you to a designated employer in Canada.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility to Move to Canada
To determine if you can secure a job and move to Canada, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. Familiarizing yourself with these requirements before applying can save you time and prevent potential rejections.
To be eligible for a Canadian work visa, you must:
- Prove that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires if you hold a temporary work permit.
- Maintain a clear criminal record in your current country and any previous countries.
- Present a clear medical record.
- Hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom to British National Overseas (BNO).
- Have graduated with a diploma or degree from a minimum two-year program within the last five years when applying for an open work permit.
- Show proof of funds to support yourself and any family members accompanying you during your stay in Canada and for your return home.
Step 3: Submit a Work Permit Application
The easiest way to apply for a Canadian work permit is online. This method eliminates courier costs and reduces processing time. It also avoids potential delays, especially if additional documents are requested. By submitting all required documents with your online application, you can ensure that your application is complete.
Requirements to Work in Canada
If you are interested in working in Canada but have not yet secured a job in any of the 13 provinces or territories, you can start your job search by applying for positions. You can manage your entire Canadian work permit application from the comfort of your home in the UK, allowing you to land a job in Canada quickly. Securing a job before applying for a work visa can significantly enhance your application.
If you have not yet applied for a job, you can still pursue a Canadian work permit. With the necessary skills, education, and fluency in English or French, you can strengthen your application. Previous work experience in Canada will also favor your application and increase your chances of being considered for permanent residency. By contributing to the Canadian economy—whether through employment, investment, or entrepreneurship—you will be viewed favorably by the government.
For qualified positions, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requires proof of education. Companies may also request an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your qualifications meet Canadian standards. You can obtain an ECA from designated organizations such as:
- World Education Services
- Comparative Education Service
- International Credential Evaluation Service
Additional documents may be required depending on the work visa you are applying for.
If you are wondering whether others can accompany you to Canada, you will be pleased to know that a spouse or domestic partner can join you through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Dependent family members of someone applying for permanent residency, international students wishing to work more than 20 hours per week, and recent graduates from Hong Kong can also apply.
Make Your Professional Move Today
Deciding to move from the UK to Canada is a significant choice. While obtaining a Canadian work visa from the UK as a skilled professional may seem straightforward, the experience of living in Canada can be rewarding.
Canada boasts rich cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic nationalities contributing to its vibrant society. Each year, between 6,000 and 10,000 UK citizens successfully transition to permanent residency by applying as skilled workers through the Express Entry system. You can join them.
Applying for a Canadian work permit is as simple as completing an online application. This means you could soon be on your way to pursuing your dream career in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
For further assistance with your journey to obtaining a Canadian work visa from the UK, consider consulting with a government-approved Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).