There are over 500,000 British expats living in Canada, the world’s second-largest country. Drawn to a shared language, universal healthcare and a better way of life, it’s easy to see why thousands emigrate to Canada each year.
Canada provides the perfect mix of familiar comforts and exciting new experiences. For Brits, the cultural similarities are reassuring, making it easier to settle in without too much of a culture shock. Beyond language and culture, Canada is celebrated for its democratic values and liberal outlook, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Moving to Canada from UK destinations is on the rise, and it’s one of our most in-demand locations to emigrate to. Read on to find everything you need to know about your removals to Canada, including getting the right visa, the average salary and moving your pet.
Table of Contents
Can I Just Move to Canada from the UK?
Despite being a popular country to emigrate to with one of the highest per capita immigration rates in the world, Canada does have a challenging immigration process. You can move to Canada from the UK permanently with the right visa. You’ll have to get accepted for a visa that allows you to live and work in the country for longer than 6 months. We recommend sending your applications as early as possible to avoid any delays.
Types of Canadian Visas
If you are visiting Canada for up to 6 months, you’ll only need the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The eTA is digitally linked to your passport, so if you get a new passport you will also need to reapply for your eTA. To apply for an eTA, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- An e-mail address
- A valid credit or debit card
- Payment of CA $7
Once approved, your eTA is valid for up to 5 years. If you are moving to Canada to live and work longer than 6 months, you can apply for the following visas.
Express Entry
A popular route for permanent residency in Canada is the Express Entry points-based system. You can apply through three main programmes; Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Canadian Experience Class – The Canadian Experience Class is tailored for those who have worked in Canada for 1 out of 3 years in experience under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. It’s an ideal opportunity to turn your work permit into a permanent residency. You must also meet the language proficiency requirements of a 7 in the Canadian Language Benchmark.
Federal Skilled Trades Program – The Federal Skilled Trades Program is ideal for applicants skilled in a specific trade. It’s a specialised program that aims to fill skills gaps in Canada. You must have worked for 2 years out of the past 5 years in a skilled trade that falls under NOC TEER 2 or 3 for designated skilled trades.
Federal Skilled Worker Program – The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for those with foreign work experience in a specific skill. You’ll need to have one year of continuous work experience in a skilled job classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. You’ll have to meet the language proficiency requirements in either English or French, score a minimum of 67/100 FSWP grid, have proof of funds, and plan to live outside of Quebec.
You can create an Express Entry profile if you meet the above criteria and have a valid passport. You must wait for an invitation to apply if successful and will be asked to complete a medical exam and provide security background checks.
Work Permit
There are two work permit options; an open work permit or an employer-specific permit. The open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, but it’s typically limited to spouses of skilled workers or international students. The employer-specific work permit ties you to a particular employer. Both types of work permits typically require a valid job offer, ensuring you have a position waiting for you when you arrive. Understanding these permits can help streamline your move and ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your Canadian adventure.
Study Permit
Foreign nationals can study at one of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) with a Study Permit. You’ll need to have an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of CA $10,000 per year to cover living expenses and tuition, and you must leave Canada once your studies finish.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members so they can become permanent residents. This includes; spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. They must be able to prove they can financially cover your living costs, provide proof of relationship, and have no criminal history.
Working Holiday Visa
You can live and work in Canada for two years with the International Experience Canada’s (IEC) working holiday visa. It’s available for individuals aged 18 to 30 and you must have health insurance and sufficient funds for your stay. Applications are entered into a candidate pool and selected at random.
Start-up Visa Program
You can apply for a visa through the Start-up Visa Program if you have an innovative business idea that can create jobs for Canadians. You must secure backing from a Canadian organisation, have a qualifying business, and provide proof of settlement funds. You’ll also have to pay CA $2,140 for the application fee and the process takes up to 37 months.
Work and Salaries in Canada
Before joining the Canadian job market, you must get a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To kickstart your job hunt, you can use multiple online job portals including Canadian Indeed, Canada Jobs, Government of Canada Federal Jobs Website and Job Bank.
There is a relatively low unemployment rate in Canada, making it an appealing destination for ex-pats. Ranked ninth among G20 countries for employment, Canada offers promising opportunities for many. The average hourly salary has risen by 5.3% over the past year, making the monthly salary in Canada CA $3,942.31 (£2,213.26). This is 7.9% lower than the UK’s average of £2,402.09.
On average, you’ll pay approximately 3% more in income tax in Canada compared to the UK, but sales tax (VAT in the UK) is lower at between 5% and 17% depending on the province. Often the sales taxes are combined into a single Harmonised Sales Tax (HST).
Due to shifts in the economy, advances in technology, and demographic changes, there is a current demand for healthcare professionals and technology sector roles. We’ve listed some popular jobs from the top sectors in Canada to compare salaries with the UK.
| Job | Canada Salary | UK Salary |
| Electrical engineer | $135,777 (£76,138.78) | £41,035 |
| Graphic Designer | $49,969 (£28,122) | £27,958 |
| Software Developer | $116,794 (£65,571) | £46,343 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $120,368 (£67,568) | £40,383 |
| Midwife | $94,648 (£53,116) | £41,334 |
| Accountant | $75,000 (£42,108) | £36,736 |
| Retail Manager | $53,988 (£30,297) | £29,479 |
| Chartered Surveyor | $84,406 (£50,644) | £42,535 |
| High School Teacher | $57,500 (£34,500) | £21,613 |
Opening a Bank Account in Canada
Non-citizens can open a bank account in Canada if they meet the eligibility requirements. Having a local bank account simplifies managing finances, receiving your income, and making transactions in Canada.
You don’t typically need a work or study permit, but without one you may be limited on account types available to you. You’ll need to visit the bank and provide the following documents:
- A valid passport or permanent resident card
- Immigration papers or a work permit, if applicable
- Address proof (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)
Cost of Living in Canada
In 2024, the cost of living in Canada is 2.3% higher than in the UK. Living costs vary depending on each city and province, with big cities like Toronto and Vancouver being more expensive.
Overall, there isn’t a massive difference in living costs compared to the UK. Private school tuition fees are the most notable difference, with Canada being much lower. The price of basic utilities in Canada are almost half the price than in the UK, but buying and renting costs are slightly more expensive in Canada.
Below we compare the cost of living with everyday items in Canada to the United Kingdom.
| Item | Canada | UK |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | $1,903.54 (£1,068.67) | £1,062.88 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre | $9,778.47 (£5,489.75) | £5,004.01 |
| Monthly salary after tax | $3,942.31 (£2,213.26) | £2,398.78 |
| 3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant | $100 (£56.14) | £60 |
| 1 litre of milk | $2.95 (£1.66) | £1.24 |
| 1kg chicken fillets | $16.87 (£9.47) | £6.57 |
| Monthly travel pass | $104.90 (£58.89) | £70 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | $207.78 (£116.65) | £248.30 |
| Monthly gym membership | $56.95 (£31.97) | £32.66 |
| Monthly private preschool | $1,128.79 (£633.72) | £1,265.43 |
Buying Property and Renting in Canada
The recent introduction of Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act restricts property purchases by foreign buyers until January 1, 2027. This was brought in to avoid international buyers pricing Canadian citizens out of the housing market. There are some exemptions meaning refugees, temporary work permit holders, international students, diplomats, consular staff, and those buying multi-unit residential buildings are allowed to purchase property.
UK citizens moving to Canada may consider renting as a first option. Rental prices are 3.1% higher in Canada than in the UK, with the average city centre apartment costing CA $1,903.54 (£1,068.67). It’s CA $9,778.47 (£5,489.75) per square metre to buy a city centre apartment, which is 10% more expensive in Canada compared to the UK.
| Item | Canada | UK |
| Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre | $2,237.76 (£1,155.15) | £1,062.88 |
| Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre | $1,767.61 (£912.46) | £859.29 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre | $10,940.35 (£5,647.51) | £5,004.01 |
| Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre | $7,986.53 (£4,122.72) | £3,769.14 |
Where to Live in Canada
Choosing where to live in Canada will depend on a variety of factors. You should consider the employment opportunities, cost of living, climate, and local amenities before settling on a city.
Like most countries, Canada’s big cities will have higher property prices than rural areas. Montreal may have a lower cost of living than other big cities, but places like Toronto offer a multicultural society to help foreigners settle in. Where you decide you live will be based on personal and financial preferences, so it’s important to do your research.
Below we’ve listed some popular destinations in Canada to help you decide where to live.
- Toronto – One of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto sits on Lake Ontario’s north-western shore. English is primarily spoken in the city, making it a welcoming location for British expats. Property prices remain high due to demand and low supply.
- Vancouver – Famous for its breath-taking natural beauty, Vancouver lies on the west coast of Canada. Vancouver has a temperate maritime climate, but does suffer from more rainfall than other Canadian cities. House prices are high in Vancouver, higher than in Toronto.
- Montreal – Montreal has a lower cost of living compared to Vancouver and Toronto with the same offerings. The education and healthcare systems are excellent and the city boasts a rich culture. French is the main language, but English is still widely spoken.
- Ottawa – A bilingual city, Ottawa provides great access to nature and offers an excellent balanced lifestyle. House prices and living costs are more affordable than other Canadian cities, but still reasonably priced and are on the rise. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is a political and cultural hub.
Lifestyle and Culture in Canada
Canada is a culturally rich country, home to a mix of cultures and languages. It’s known for its inclusive society and high quality of life. There is more of an importance placed on a work-life balance in Canada compared to the UK, which sees many workplaces offering flexible hours.
Offering beautiful scenery in the form of mountains, lakes and forests, outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and fishing are popular in the country. The national winter sport is Ice Hockey, with the national summer sport being lacrosse, although soccer is becoming a lot more popular, especially with children. Baseball is also popular, but the Toronto Blue Jays are Canada’s only Major League Baseball team.
Education in Canada
One of the reasons people are emigrating to Canada is because of the high ranking education system. The literacy rate in Canada is 99% with 90% of residents aged 25 to 64 having at least a high school education.
Education in Canada is a high priority for the Government. It has a strong and well-funded system, which is managed provincially. This does mean though, that there are a few differences between the provinces such as the compulsory education age. It starts at 5 years old in most provinces and ends at 16, with Ontario and New Brunswick being 18.
International students may choose to study in either English or French, although they’re not required to be fluent in either to be allowed to study in Canada.
Private Schooling in Canada
There are also thousands of private schools across Canada, some religious-based. Both private and public schooling are at a high standard due to the level of Government funding. Some of the best schools include Upper Canada College in Toronto, Trinity College School in Ontario, and St. George’s School in Vancouver.
Universities
Universities tend to rank higher in the UK than in Canada, although the cost of university education is lower in Canada compared to the UK. Courses usually run for 4 years instead of 3. According to topuniversities.com, the best universities in Canada are the University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia.
Healthcare in Canada
Canada is ranked 4th in the best healthcare in the world index. Canada’s healthcare system is very similar to the UK’s. The government uses tax income to provide essential medical services for free. This is known as Medicare. Again, as with education, this is managed provincially meaning that the standard of care, and the services you receive, can vary depending on where in Canada you live.
If you’re a newcomer to Canada and haven’t yet achieved permanent resident status, you must initially rely on private health insurance. Your public health insurance card can take up to three months. During this waiting period, private coverage ensures that you have access to necessary healthcare services without interruption.
Once you are a permanent resident, you can apply for a public health insurance card, which you must show when you use public health care services. Even if you do not have a health card, all provinces will provide free emergency medical services, although this could depend on your immigration status.
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
There are limitations to the tax-funded Medicare in Canada, and the coverage can differ depending on the province in question. In general, items not covered by Medicare include prescription drugs, dental treatment and ambulance services. Private medical insurance is available and widely used by Canadians as a top-up to the cover given via the tax-funded Medicare system. Each province and territory in Canada has its own health plan, so the coverage of services can vary.
Retiring in Canada
UK citizens can retire in Canada via Family Sponsorship, Super Visa or Work Permit visa options.
Family Sponsorship – If you have family members in Canada, such as children or grandchildren, they might be able to sponsor you for permanent residency. You’ll need to have proof of relations and your sponsor must meet certain financial criteria.
Super Visa – For those with children or grandchildren in Canada, this multi-entry visa offers more flexibility than a visitor visa. It’s valid for up to 10 years, allowing stays of up to 5 years at a time. You must have financial backing from your family member and have medical insurance in place for your stay.
Work Permit – If you’re not retired yet and have specific work experience and skills, you can apply for a work permit. This should be done in advance of your retirement to give you the necessary experience needed to gain permanent residence.
If you have paid enough UK National Insurance, you should be able to still receive your state pension in Canada. Your pension will be “frozen” at the time you leave the country and you will not receive the inflation increase that UK residents are given.
In addition to your state pension, you may also consider transferring other personal pensions to Canada under a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). Selecting the right scheme can help you avoid a large tax bill, ensuring a smoother financial transition.
For more details on receiving your UK state pension whilst living overseas, you can contact the International Pension Centre.
Government in Canada
One of the many things that the UK shares with Canada is our King, Canadian Head of State. Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy much like us, and they too have a Prime Minister who is generally the leader of the political party that holds the most seats in the House of Commons. Similarly to the UK, Canadians vote for the local Member of Parliament in a national election, and the 338 members of the House of Commons are elected for a maximum of four years.
The political parties currently represented in the House of Commons in Canada are the Liberal Party of Canada, Conservative Party of Canada, Bloc Quebecois (Quebec Nationalist Party), New Democratic Party, Green Party of Canada and People’s Party of Canada.
Driving in Canada
If you are planning to visit Canada on a temporary basis, you can drive on a UK licence for 3-6 months (depending on the province). You should also apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) that once issued is valid for one year.
If you are planning on moving to Canada as a permanent resident, you would need to apply for a Canadian driver’s licence. The process differs depending on the province but may include a written exam and up to 2 driving tests.
Driving Laws in Canada
It’s compulsory for seat belts to be worn, and if you get caught not wearing one there will be a fine. As with driving in the USA (and the majority of other countries around the world), you need to drive on the right-hand side of the road in Canada.
In some provinces, headlights are required to be switched on during the day and the night. Throughout most of Canada, turning right is permitted on a red light, unless a sign tells you otherwise. Motorway limits also differ and can be up to 120km/h or 75mph down to 90km/h (55 mph) depending on the province.
Shipping Your Car to Canada
If you’d prefer to ship your car or motorbike to Canada rather than buy one when you are there, you can do so as long as it meets the Canada Border Services Agency and Transport Canada regulations. It will need to be in excess of 15 years old and not of a “regulated class”.
Our sister company Autoshippers can safely and quickly ship your vehicle to Canada. They’ve been exporting cars and other vehicles to Canada for over 25 years.
Check out their Canada Car Shipping and Import Guide or for more information call 0800 389 0784 / +44 117 982 8123 to speak with one of their experienced team.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada From UK
Here we summarise the pros and cons of moving to Canada from the UK to help you make your decision.
Pros
- The public healthcare system – Canada has a government-funded public healthcare system. This shares many similarities with the NHS in the UK and gives you peace of mind that you’ll be in good hands in the event of any emergencies.
- The Canadian education system – Canada is ranked very highly for its education system, with many prestigious universities available.
- Strong employment market – There is high demand for a wide variety of jobs in Canada and there are many thriving industries that are looking for new skilled workers.
- Friendly people – Canada is known for its friendly culture. In combination with the low crime rate and high standard of education, it’s the perfect destination for families looking for a new life outside of the UK.
- Beautiful scenery – The Canadian scenery is breath-taking, so if you enjoy nature, stunning mountain ranges and picturesque lakes, Canada is the perfect place for you.
Cons
- Very cold weather during winter – Due to its position in the northern hemisphere, the winter months in Canada can be extremely cold. The temperature ranges from -30 during the winter to above 30 in the summertime.
- Expensive imported foods in the supermarkets – Generally, the cost of food in the UK is around 18-19% cheaper when compared to Canada.
- Challenging immigration process – The process of immigrating to Canada can be a challenging one, which may be a factor in deciding if it’s the right place for you.
- Minimal annual leave – On average, Canadians receive 10 paid vacation days a year, compared to the average of 28 days in the UK. These figures do vary across occupations.
Removals to Canada
Once you have found somewhere to live, have gone through the Visa applications and potentially found yourself gainful employment, your next step is your move. At 1st Move International, we have been safely and securely shipping furniture and personal belongings to Canada for over 25 years. Check out our international removals to Canada services for more information on how we can make your move a reality.
FAQs
Is it worth moving to Canada from the UK?
It’s absolutely worth moving to Canada from the UK for a shared language and culture, beautiful scenery, job opportunities, and a similar cost of living.
How much does it cost to move to Canada from the UK?
In 2024, it’ll cost between £875 and £1,350 for a small move to Canada via shared container. You can expect to pay between £3,900 and £4,250 for a 3-bed house in a 20ft container. To find out more about shipping costs to Canada, check out our removals to Canada page, where you can also get a free and tailored quote.
Is it cheaper to live in Canada or the UK?
The UK and Canada have a similar cost of living, with Canada being just 0.9% more expensive overall. The price you pay for housing, transport, and other essentials will vary depending on where you live in Canada. It’s more expensive to live in the bigger cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. New Brunswick is often credited for being one of the cheapest places to live in Canada, with areas such as Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton offering affordable housing and living costs. In general, rural areas offer more affordable housing than in the city. In Canada, some provinces will offer subsidies on utilities during winter time, helping to ease some costs.
Can I legally work in Canada as a UK citizen?
Yes, but you will need a work visa permit to work in Canada as a UK citizen. You’ll need to get a temporary work permit if you’re working for less than 6 months. There are lots of visa options that’ll allow you to work in Canada including; Work Permit, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Working Holiday Visa, and Start-up Program. You can discover more details on these in our Canadian Visa section above.
Can I take my pet to Canada?
As long as you meet the requirements, you can ship your pet to Canada. As the UK is considered rabies-free, the requirements for flying your dog or cat to Canada are fairly simple. You’ll need to get your pet microchipped, a rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued within 5 days of the flight. Some provinces have banned Staffordshire Bull Terriers and their crosses from entering or transiting. For more information check out the Government of Canada guide on bringing your pet to Canada.
What benefits come with permanent residence in Canada?
You’ll get the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada as a permanent resident. You’ll also get access to the public healthcare system, whereas temporary residents need to pay for health insurance. Permanent residents of Canada also get access to employment insurance, public pensions, child tax benefits, protection under Canadian law, and lower education tuition fees.
How does Canadian weather compare to the UK?
Northern regions in Canada particularly suffer from long and harsh winter weather. Temperatures can drop as low as -40°C in some places, so it’s important to be prepared for this extreme change from UK weather. Weather is more tolerable in Vancouver and Toronto in winter, where the lows are typically -5°C. Summers are also warmer than in the UK, with cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, reaching highs of 35°C. Vancouver summers are milder, with temperatures commonly averaging between 20°C to 25°C.
How safe is Canada to live in?
Canada is an extremely safe country to live in, with low crime rates all around. Gun violence is also less prevalent than in the nearby U.S. Canada also boasts strong law enforcement and well-funded public safety systems, both contributing to making citizens and residents feel safe.
Can newcomers access emergency medical services for free in Canada?
Yes, newcomers to Canada can access healthcare services through the public healthcare system, often referred to as provincial health insurance. However, there may be a waiting period before full coverage kicks in, depending on the province or territory. During the waiting period, it’s advisable to:
Purchase Private Health Insurance: This can provide temporary coverage for medical expenses.
Enrol in Provincial Health Insurance: This is crucial to ensure long-term healthcare coverage. The specific enrolment process varies by province, so it’s important to research the requirements for your specific location.
For more detailed information and specific guidance, please consult the following resources:
Government of Canada: Visit the official Government of Canada website for the latest information on healthcare in each Canadian province.
Provincial/Territorial Health Insurance Plans: Research the health insurance plan of the province or territory you are moving to. They can provide specific details on eligibility, coverage, and enrolment procedures.
By understanding the healthcare system and taking the necessary steps, you can ensure that you and your family have access to the healthcare services you need.
How welcoming is Canada to foreigners?
Canada is known for its welcoming and friendly nature, attracting hundreds of thousands of movers each year. Their society is inclusive and diverse, making it an ideal place to move alone, with families, to work, or to study.
Are there tax implications of transferring pensions to Canada?
If you do not use a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme to transfer your pension, you could face tax charges. You should do your research and talk to a professional before committing to transferring your pension. You can read the UK government’s detailed guide on transferring your UK pension abroad for further information.
About 1st Move International
1st Move International are a specialist international moving and shipping company offering packing, shipping and insurance for shipping household goods and personal effects overseas. We have a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6500 worldwide destinations. You can get an international removals quote here or find more information on our international removals UK to Canada service here.
