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Can Canadian Citizens Live And Work In The UK

Can Canadian citizens live and work in the UK?

Canada offers many excellent options and benefits for its citizens’ life and career growth. However, some Canadians are still interested in pursuing a life and career abroad.

Many consider living and working in the UK, given the strong historical ties and many similarities Canada shares with it. However, although Canadians work and stay in the UK without a visa for six months, doing so without a work permit is prohibited. 

Canadian citizens can only live and work in the UK for more than six months if they have the appropriate visa. The three common visa types that Canadians apply for are the Ancestry visa, a work visa, and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

If you want to learn more about the different visa types for working and living in the UK and other possible options, tips, guidelines, taxation, and job opportunities, read on! 

How do I get a work permit or a UK Visa in Canada?

How do I get a work permit or a UK Visa in Canada's Homepage

To get a work permit or a UK visa, Canadian citizens need to apply for it through the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website. 

The applicant should ensure that they meet all requirements, including having adequate funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK.

There are several visas that you can apply for if you want to work in the UK as a Canadian citizen. However, the three usual options are theTier 1 (High-Value Migrants) visa, Tier 2 (General) visa and the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa.

Tier 1 Visa
(High-Value Migrants)
Tier 2 Visa
(General)
Tier 5 Visa
(Youth Mobility Scheme)
For people with exceptional talent and internationally recognised in the sciences or arts.A skilled worker visa for people who have a job offer from a UK company and meet the other eligibility requirements. For people between the ages of 18 and 30 who want to live and work in the UK for up to two years. 

To be eligible for these visas, you must have the following:

  • a valid passport from Canada
  • be able to support yourself financially, and 
  • have proof of health insurance.

Aside from the Tier 2 and Tier 5 visas, you can choose between other different visa types based on your intended purpose of stay, ranging from a standard visitor visa to residence permits and more. 

Other UK Visa Types
Business Visas
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
Tier 1 Investor Visa

Study Visas
Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
Short Term Study Visa

Visitor Visas
Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
Marriage Visitor Visa
UK Visitor Visa
Family Visas
UK Spouse visa
UK Parent visa
UK Child visa

Settlement Visas
EEA Residence Card
• UK Registration Certificate – EEA (Qualified Persons)
• UK Permanent Residence Card – EEA (PR)

Transit Visas
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
Visitor in Transit Visa

Depending on which visa type you’re applying for, there are also different application fees as well as processing times that vary from 5 days to 8 weeks or longer.

You may also need to provide documents such as passports, bank statements and proof of accommodation as part of your application package. 

Job Vacancies for Canadian Citizens in the UK

There are a lot of jobs that Canadian citizens can apply for in the UK. Here are some of the most accessible jobs for those who want to work there:

1. Nurse

Nurse's Homepage

If you are a nurse, the UK has a wealth of job opportunities waiting for you. In fact, the National Health Service (NHS) is always in need of nurses to fill positions in hospitals and clinics throughout the country. 

The NHS offers excellent working conditions and competitive salaries, as well as a number of benefits that include paid vacation time, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave.

So if you are a nurse and are thinking of making a move to the UK, the NHS should be at the top of your list of potential employers.

2. Teacher or Professor

Teacher or Professor's Homepage

It’s no secret that the UK has a shortage of teachers. In fact, Forbes recently published an article discussing the current state of teacher recruitment in the UK. 

And with Brexit on the horizon, it’s only going to get worse. This is great news for Canadian citizens, who are looking for an opportunity to live and work in the UK. 

There are plenty of teaching jobs available in the UK, and with your qualifications and experience, you would be a perfect fit for many of them.

So if you’re thinking about making a move to the UK, don’t hesitate and make your move.

3. Engineering

Engineering's Homepage

If you’re an engineer, there are plenty of opportunities for you in the UK. The country is in need of engineers with experience in a variety of fields, from civil and structural engineering to electrical and electronic engineering.

There are plenty of openings for engineers in the UK, but competition is fierce. That’s why it’s important to make sure your resume showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. 

You should also be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications and experience in an interview. The UK is a great place to work as an engineer, and with the right qualifications, you can find a job that’s perfect for you.

4. Customer Service

Customer Service's Homepage

This is an area where there are always employers looking for skilled help, no matter where you come from. Thus, it is a top choice for those looking for jobs in the UK.

While many customer service jobs require considerable experience and knowledge of the language, there are plenty of jobs available for those who don’t have a degree or extensive work history. 

For example, if you have strong communication skills or are confident in your ability to learn quickly, you may be able to land a customer service role that allows you to work from home and just requires basic computer skills. 

Plus, working in customer service can teach you valuable skills like problem-solving and navigating difficult conversations—skills that will be useful no matter what job or career path you eventually pursue.

5. Chef

Chef's Homepage

The UK is full of opportunities for those who are looking to expand their career abroad, and one of the most popular jobs for Canadians looking to move to the UK is that of a chef. 

Chefs can work in a variety of different establishments such as restaurants, pubs, cafés and other food-related businesses. Working as a chef in the UK provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience through interacting with different cultures and cuisines.

What’s more, the UK offers chefs a unique culinary landscape, allowing them to be exposed to both classic British dishes as well as international dishes. 

The Top 10 Culinary Schools in the UK

Westminster Kingsway College 

The Academy of Culinary Arts

• Padstow’s Seafood School 

• The Bertinet Kitchen

• Leicester College

• Southgate College

• Stratford College

University of West London

University College Birmingham

Seasoned Cookery School

Furthermore, a chef living in the UK can work in some of the most renowned restaurants in the world and experience an incredible array of tastes while developing their skills. 

Understanding the UK’s Immigration Policies and Regulations

Understanding the UK’s Immigration Policies and Regulations' Homepage

As a Canadian citizen, you may be wondering if you can live and work in the UK. The answer is, it depends on your situation.

The UK’s immigration policies and regulations are constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest information. You can find the latest news and information on the UK government website.

Immigrants wanting to work in the UK now need to apply for their working visa through the UK’s point-based system. This system selects migrants depending on their valued attributes, such as qualifications, occupation and language skills.

UK’s Point-Based Immigration System(A total of 70 points is needed to be able to apply to work in the UK)
CATEGORYREQUIREDPOINTS
Job offer by approved sponsorYES20
Job at appropriate skill levelYES20
Speaks English at required levelYES10
Salary of £20,480 (min) – £23,039NO0
Salary of £23,600 or aboveNO20
Job in shortage occupationNO20
PhD in subject relevant to jobNO10
PhD in STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) relevant to jobNO20

It’s important to remember that the rules and regulations surrounding visas can be complex, and it’s always best to seek professional advice before making any decisions.

Finding Work in the UK: Tips and Advice for Canadians

Finding Work in the UK Tips and Advice for Canadians' Homepage

So if you want to work in the UK, then you’re going on the right path as it is a great place to work, with plenty of opportunities for people with the right skills.

Before you can start applying for jobs, you need to make sure that you meet the requirements to work in the UK. The good news is that, as a Canadian citizen, you have a number of options available to you.

Here are a few tips and advice for finding work in the UK:
• Start by researching the job market in the UK. Take note of the skills and experiences employers usually require.
• Make sure that you have the required qualifications and experience.
• Network with people in your industry and find out what it’s like to work in the UK.
• Get your CV and cover letter ready, and start applying for jobs!

Potential Challenges for Canadians Living and Working in the UK

Aside from paperworks and documents related to visa, residence permit or immigration status, there are also few challenges Canadian citizens may face in the UK. 

In addition to the initial process of finding a job, there are also the cultural differences between Canada and the UK. While there may be similarities, there will undoubtedly be differences that require some adjustment on Canadian’s part.

1. Differing Access to Employment

Differing Access to Employment's Homepage

It’s not always easy for Canadian citizens to find work in the UK. Employers are often reluctant to hire someone who doesn’t have a British passport, which puts immigrants at a major disadvantage. 

Even if they are able to find work, they often have to settle for jobs that are below their qualifications or experience level. You may have to take whatever job you can get in the beginning, even if it’s not what you’re trained to do. 

It’s important to be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family or other immigrants who have been in the UK longer than you. 

2. Affordable Accommodations

Affordable Accommodations' Homepage

When you first arrive in the UK, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find accommodation. This can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have any contacts in the area. 

And even if you do know people, it can be difficult to find a place that’s affordable and meets your needs. Though there are a few options when it comes to finding accommodation: 

  • You can rent a room in a shared house.
  • Rent a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
  • Rent a family home. 

If you’re not sure where to start, your best bet is to go online and search for accommodation in the area where you want to live. 

There are a lot of websites that list apartments and rooms for rent, as well as houses and flats for sale like Gumtree and Craigslist, or contact local estate agents.

Navigating the Daunting UK Legal System's Homepage

Navigating the UK legal system can be especially daunting for Canadian citizens. While there are laws and policies in place to protect your rights, they may be difficult to understand and put into practice.

It’s important to know your rights as an immigrant so that you are aware of what you can and cannot do and how to access the support available while you are living and working in the UK. 

For example, if you feel like your rights are being violated or you’re facing discrimination, it’s important to know how to report it. 

You should also take the time to research different types of visas, how long they last and whether or not there are any restrictions associated with them. This knowledge could save you from a lot of hassle in the future.

How Taxes Work for Canadians Working and Living in the UK

How Taxes Work for Canadians Working and Living in the UK's Homepage

If you’re a Canadian citizen living and working in the UK, you’ll need to be aware of how taxes work. One important thing to consider is that you’ll still be liable for Canadian taxes, even though you’re earning income in the UK. 

You may claim a foreign tax credit in Canada for the taxes paid in the UK. In addition, you may also be eligible for double taxation relief, if your country has a double taxation agreement with the UK.

Foreign Tax Relief for Canadians

Canadians temporarily working abroad can claim foreign tax credit in order to avoid double taxation.
The foreign tax credit is the lesser of either:
The income tax you paid on the foreign country.
The Canadian tax payable on the foreign source of income.

Foreign tax relief can help reduce the amount of tax you have to pay if you qualify. It’s important to note that Canadians living in Britain can remain liable for tax there even after they have left the country.

So it’s important to speak with a qualified professional before making any decisions.

FAQs about Living and Working in the UK as a Canadian Citizen

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