Moving to Canada From the UK in 2026: Visas and Costs
British citizens have a working holiday route to Canada that is open until the age of 35 and can be used twice, for 24 months and then 12 months. The other options are a work permit, a study permit or permanent residence through Express Entry. This guide sets out each route with its fee and waiting time, from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the UK government's own guidance on living in Canada, as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
British citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for a Working Holiday under International Experience Canada: a first participation of 24 months and a second of 12 months, with a minimum of CAN$2,500 and health insurance. The programme fee is $184.75. A work permit costs $155, with a processing estimate of 4 weeks for applications from the United Kingdom. Express Entry costs $1,590 per adult and needs settlement funds of $15,263 for one person. Canada has no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Fees are in Canadian dollars.
Step 1: Visiting
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. The UK government's guidance for British passport holders flying to Canada covers this requirement.
- An eTA costs CAN$7 and is valid for up to five years, or until the passport expires.
- It allows short stays, normally of up to six months at a time.
- If you plan to stay longer than 6 months, you must apply for a visitor record when you first arrive, which is not the same as a visitor visa.
Step 2: The working holiday
International Experience Canada offers three categories to UK citizens: Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship). The Working Holiday is designed for British citizens who intend to travel in Canada and want temporary paid work to help pay for the trip.
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | A British citizen from the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey |
| Age | Between 18 and 35, inclusive |
| Participations | Twice: a first of 24 months and a second of 12 months, under any category |
| Funds | A minimum of CAN$2,500 |
| Insurance | Health insurance for the duration of your stay. You may have to show it when you enter Canada |
| Ticket | A round-trip ticket, or the money to buy a departure ticket |
| Family | You cannot be accompanied by dependants |
| Passport | Valid for the whole stay. The work permit cannot be valid longer than your passport |
| Fees | International Experience Canada fee of $184.75, and the open work permit holder fee of $100.00 |
People who have already taken part twice are no longer eligible. For the Young Professionals category the job must count towards your professional development, which means a skilled occupation in the national classification.
Step 3: Other routes
| Route | Main condition | Fee | IRCC processing estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work permit | Usually a job offer. Most jobs need a labour market impact assessment, which the employer obtains | $155 | 4 weeks for applications from the United Kingdom |
| Study permit | Study at a designated learning institution in Canada | $150 | 4 weeks for applications from the United Kingdom |
| Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class | Skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience | $1,590 | About 6 months |
| Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker | Skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience | $1,590 | About 7 months |
| Family sponsorship | A spouse or partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada | $1,260 | About 18 months for a partner living outside Canada |
The Canadian Experience Class is the Express Entry program for skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience.
Step 4: Settlement funds for Express Entry
| Family members | Funds you need (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
Proof of funds applies to the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs. It is not needed under the Canadian Experience Class, or if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer.
Step 5: What the UK government tells Britons
| Topic | UK government guidance |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Canada does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Make sure you have appropriate health insurance |
| Tax | The UK has a double taxation agreement with Canada, so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries |
| Qualifications | To work in Canada you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised |
| Citizenship | Canada recognises dual citizenship. You do not have to give up British citizenship to become a Canadian citizen |
| Pensions | Contact Employment and Social Development Canada about the Old Age Security pension and the Canada Pension Plan |
| Help | The British High Commission in Ottawa cannot help with Canadian visa, residency or citizenship applications |
One reminder for the return trip: when travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Step 6: Shipping your belongings
- Prepare two copies of a list of all the goods you intend to bring, with value, make, model and serial number where applicable.
- Divide it into goods travelling with you and goods to follow. Goods that arrive later qualify only if they are on the original list.
- Personal and household effects, including furniture, books and personal vehicles, can be included in the duty- and tax-free entitlement of a first-time settler.
- Goods used commercially are subject to regular duty and taxes.
Step 7: First weeks
- Social Insurance Number: the 9-digit number you need to work. For temporary residents it starts with "9" and expires with the immigration document.
- Driving: you need a licence issued by your province or territory. IRCC links to the transportation department of each province and territory for licence rules.
- Rent: average two-bedroom rents in CMHC's 2025 report were $2,034 in the Greater Toronto Area, $2,363 in Vancouver, $1,914 in Calgary and $1,826 in Halifax.
Step 8: Staying for good
A permanent resident can apply for citizenship after being physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the 5 years before applying. Each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident, for example on a working holiday permit, counts as half a day, up to a maximum credit of 365 days. The adult citizenship fee is $653.
Frequently asked questions
Can a British citizen move to Canada?
Yes, with a permit. British citizens aged 18 to 35 can use the Working Holiday without a job offer. Others need a work permit, study permit or permanent residence.
What is the age limit for a Canadian working holiday visa from the UK?
You must be between 18 and 35, inclusive.
How long can Britons stay in Canada on a working holiday?
British citizens may participate twice: a first participation of 24 months and a second of 12 months.
How much money do I need for a working holiday in Canada?
A minimum of CAN$2,500, health insurance for the whole stay, and a return ticket or the money to buy one.
Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers need an eTA to fly to Canada. It costs CAN$7 and is valid for up to five years.
Can I use the Canadian health system as a British citizen?
Canada has no reciprocal health agreement with the UK, so the UK government advises having appropriate health insurance.
Can I have both British and Canadian citizenship?
Yes. Canada recognises dual citizenship, and you do not have to give up British citizenship to become Canadian.
Official sources
- IRCC — International Experience Canada: who can apply (United Kingdom)
- IRCC — Find out about electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- IRCC — Fee list (21 September 2026)
- IRCC — Check processing times
- IRCC — Express Entry
- IRCC — Express Entry: proof of funds
- IRCC — Canadian citizenship: who can apply
- GOV.UK, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Living in Canada
- Canada Border Services Agency — Moving or returning to Canada
- CMHC — Rental Market Report
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. Processing times are estimates that IRCC updates weekly or monthly. Information, not legal or tax advice.