British citizens moving to Canada
UK nationals aged 18–35 can access Canada's International Experience Canada (IEC) programme for up to 3 years' Working Holiday or Young Professionals status. Express Entry and provincial nominations also available.
Notable: IEC provides UK nationals up to 24 months of open work authorisation, pooled across multiple categories.
Tourist entry
Not quite. British nationals can enter Canada visa-free for short tourism but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. Tourism stays do not permit work, long-term study, or residence.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
- Commonwealth
- Canada IEC (Youth Mobility)
Consular processing: London
All Canada routes
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
Start-Up Visa (Canada)
Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Canadian Study Permit
Study permit for international students at Designated Learning Institutions, governed by provincial study attestation caps.
Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)
Permanent residence sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Frequently asked questions
Can British citizens enter Canada without a visa?
Not quite. British nationals can enter Canada visa-free for short tourism but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. Tourism stays do not permit work, long-term study, or residence.
Which Canada visa routes are best suited to British applicants?
UK nationals aged 18–35 can access Canada's International Experience Canada (IEC) programme for up to 3 years' Working Holiday or Young Professionals status. Express Entry and provincial nominations also available.
Where do British applicants typically apply for a Canada visa?
Applications are typically processed at London. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with Canada's immigration authority without a consular visit.