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The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Canada

How to Move to Canada from the UK

For the vast majority of those looking for a new life abroad, Canada is high on the list. Emigration to Canada from the UK remains strong, driven by opportunities in tech, healthcare, and skilled trades amid 2026 immigration targets of 380,000 permanent residents.

Though more and more people are choosing to move to Canada, it can be a complex process due to its points-based entry requirements and recent policy shifts like Express Entry updates.

So whether you’re moving with family or for work, or even if you’re a returning Canadian resident, we’ll walk you through the process to help you prepare for your move.

Canada Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

Canada has a number of entry requirements for those moving from the UK, with strict rules about who can take up permanent residence. For those serious about making the move, one of the first things you should do is check that you are able to meet all the necessary Canadian visa requirements.

First and foremost, you will need to ensure that you have a valid UK passport. You will also need to secure a visa, undergo health and character checks, and may need to prove employment and sufficient funds for your arrival.

The entry requirements will differ depending on your type of visa. It can be useful to discuss with an expert to ensure you have all the necessary documentation for smooth entry into the country.

Canada uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) through Express Entry to determine eligibility for permanent residence, with scores out of 1,200 points.

Points are awarded based on:

Age (max 110 points for core + 100 for spouse)
Education (max 150 points for core + 50 for spouse)
Work experience (max 80 points for core + 40 for spouse, Canadian or foreign)
Skill demand (via occupation lists)
Proficiency in English or French (max 136 core + 24 spouse)
Sponsorships
Provincial nominations (600 points boost)
French language skills (up to 50 additional)

Canada Visa Options for UK Citizens

The most significant entry requirement for those moving to Canada is holding a valid visa. The type of visa you hold will also dictate many of your other entry requirements.

Getting a visa might seem like a daunting task but for most, it’s actually relatively straightforward, providing you have enough points to meet the eligibility criteria under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The first step is finding out which visa you may be eligible for.

You can apply for permanent residence through Express Entry programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program after meeting CRS thresholds, often boosted by Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Alternatively, it can be obtained through family sponsorship or employer offers.

There are many different types of Canadian visas; to find out which best suits your skills and needs, here is a guide to the most widely used visas to work, study, and live in Canada.

Visa Type	Overview	Eligibility
Working holiday visas (IEC)	Short-term visa allowing young people to travel and work in Canada	Valid for up to 24 months for ages 18-35 from eligible countries like the UK
Express Entry (work visas)	Permanent residence for skilled workers via Federal Skilled Worker, Trades, or Experience Class	CRS score-based; needs skills in demand, language proficiency, and work experience
Study permits	For those looking to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level at a Canadian institution	Dependent on securing a place at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and proof of funds
Family sponsorship visas	Visa allowing a non-Canadian to join family	Must be sponsored by a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person

Finding Work in Canada as a UK Expat

Securing employment is crucial for obtaining a work visa and building your life in Canada. Opportunities abound in sectors like tech, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades, often with competitive salaries and benefits.

In general, Express Entry prioritises candidates with job offers or in-demand skills, though not always required; Provincial Nominee Programs frequently tie nominations to employment. For this reason, it is essential to secure a role or align your skills with Canada’s needs before moving from the UK.

Professionals in healthcare, IT, engineering, and construction are particularly sought after, with demand varying by province. Ontario and British Columbia lead in tech, while Alberta needs trades. These fields offer high salaries, making a move to Canada an ideal opportunity for qualified UK professionals.

Use Canadian job sites to start your search:

UK-Canada Tax Rules for Expats

Everyone working in Canada, whether they are citizens, permanent residents, or visa holders, pays income tax. UK expats tax worldwide income if resident (usually after 183 days or strong ties like family/home), but the UK-Canada Double Tax Agreement prevents double taxation through credits. File UK returns for your departure year and Canadian T1 annually.

Taxes apply at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, with combined top rates of 40-54%. Key 2025-26 federal brackets:

15% on first CAD 57,375
20.5% up to CAD 114,750
26% up to CAD 177,882
29% up to CAD 253,414
33% above that

Provinces vary (e.g., Ontario tops at 13.16%, Alberta 15%). Add CPP (5.95% payroll up to CAD 4,076 max), EI (1.63% up to CAD 1,030), and sales taxes (GST/HST 5-15%).

Get your lifelong Social Insurance Number (SIN) like a UK NI number right away at Service Canada for work and taxes. File T1 returns by April 30 (June 15 if self-employed); claim RRSPs or foreign credits.

Opening Canadian Bank Accounts from the UK

If you’re going to be living and working in Canada, you’ll need a Canadian bank account. This makes it much easier for your wages to be paid, and allows you to pay bills, rent or a mortgage in local currency without constant foreign transaction fees.

Opening a Canadian bank account is generally straightforward. Most major banks let you start the process online before you leave the UK or complete it in-branch once you arrive, and you’ll usually need your passport, proof of address (temporary is fine), and sometimes your visa or work/study permit details.

You will also need to transfer money from your UK account into your new Canadian one, which can take a few days depending on the provider and whether you use a specialist money transfer service or your bank. If you are not planning to open an account until you arrive in Canada, it is sensible to bring some Canadian dollars in cash and keep your UK card handy for initial expenses, being aware that international card and ATM fees may apply.

Where to Live in Canada

Canada’s cities offer distinct lifestyles for UK movers. Your choice shapes job access, family life, costs and even removals logistics like port proximity. Here are three top expat destinations, highlighting key areas and what makes them shine.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto attracts professionals from the UK in finance, technology, and healthcare due to its diverse economy and cultural variety. Residential areas include Rosedale (established homes and parks), Davisville Village (convenient public transport and schools), and The Junction (cultural venues and green spaces like High Park). The city provides access to Lake Ontario and employment with average salaries of around CAD 70,000. One-bedroom rentals in central areas start at CAD 2,500 monthly.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver combines city amenities with natural surroundings in areas such as Kitsilano (proximity to beaches and markets), Mount Pleasant (nearby mountains and local businesses), and Yaletown (waterfront properties and professional offices). Residents enjoy mild weather, outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, and sectors including film and technology. One-bedroom rentals average CAD 2,800, with higher property prices. This location suits those seeking work-life balance.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal provides affordability and cultural depth in districts like Plateau-Mont-Royal (historic architecture and parks), Mile End (community events and dining), and Old Montreal (heritage buildings and festivals). The bilingual environment supports English speakers in industries such as gaming and aerospace. One-bedroom rentals range from CAD 1,800 to 2,500, offering value compared to larger cities. Green spaces like Parc La Fontaine benefit families. Knowledge of French aids integration, though it is not essential for employment.

Housing and Renting When Moving to Canada

Once you’ve picked your city, securing housing is priority one. UK expats typically start with rentals while navigating work permits and settling in, as buying requires permanent residency in most cases.

Rental Market Basics

Competitive hotspots (Toronto, Vancouver): Expect first/last month’s rent upfront + damage deposit. Have UK references, job offer letter and proof of funds ready.
Documents needed: Passport, visa/work permit, SIN (get this first), bank statements. Virtual tours help from the UK.
Popular sites: Rentals.ca, Kijiji.ca, Zolo.ca, PadMapper. Aim for 3–6 months’ commitment initially.

Temporary Housing Options

New arrivals love these bridges to permanent rentals:

Serviced apartments: Utilities included, flexible leases (1–6 months).
Airbnb/extended stay hotels: CAD 100–250/night, ideal first 2–4 weeks.
Shared housing: Facebook groups like “UK Expats Toronto” for roommate shares at CAD 800–1,500/month.

Buying Property

Non-PR UK citizens face federal bans on foreign purchases (with exemptions for primary homes after 5 years residency). Wait until you have PR status, then explore via Realtor.ca.

Pro tip: Time your international removals to arrive after housing is confirmed, John Mason International coordinates delivery with your new address for seamless unpacking. Get a free Canada removals quote.

Shipping Your Belongings to Canada

International removals to Canada rank among the top concerns for UK households planning their move. Canada removals from UK via sea freight offers the most cost-effective solution, with 20ft container shipping to Canada typically costing £4,500–£6,500 door-to-door for a three-bedroom house.

Canada Container Shipping Options

Sole use container (20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube): Your exclusive container, often delivered and sealed at your UK home if access allows. Contents of a three-bedroom house typically fit in a 20ft. Upon Canada arrival, expect customs clearance and possible inspection before door delivery.
Shared (groupage) container service: Cost-effective for smaller loads like part-households; share space with others, though it may take longer to fill and ship.
Air freight: Ideal for essentials like baby gear or work tools needed immediately—check airline baggage allowances first.

It is recommended to use a specialist international removals service to Canada to ensure your belongings arrive safely when you’re ready to settle. Contact your chosen international removals company at least three months before your moving date to arrange quotations, complete paperwork, and prepare items for shipping.

Many removal companies will be able to accommodate you at a date nearer the time, but the more time allowed, the less stressful the process will be. As with most industries, there are professional trade associations which can provide a directory of approved suppliers. By choosing an approved supplier such as John Mason International, you can rest assured the removals process will run as smoothly as possible.

For the UK, a key trade association is the British Association of Removers (BAR) and the sub-group, the BAR Overseas Group. BAR Overseas Group members also provide a financial guarantee for their service and are subject to regular annual inspections to make sure that quality standards are maintained.

Other well known moving associations to look out for include FIDI and Overseas Moving Network International (OMNI).

You should gather quotes from your chosen removals company, or companies. For a part or full house move, it is typical for a consultant to be sent to your property for a pre-move survey. Some removal companies also offer video surveys if this is not possible. If you have a smaller size of shipment or just a few items to ship, a telephone or online quotation may be sufficient.

We also have a handy instant quote tool to give you an idea of how much your international removal could cost.

Finally, you should check with your removals company if they offer international removals insurance. This will ensure that if the worst should happen, your belongings are covered. Most removal companies will offer both All Risk Marine Insurance and Total Loss Only; make sure to discuss exactly what and isn’t covered by your policy.

Packing for Your Canada Removal

Packing for international removals to Canada requires careful planning to comply with Canada customs regulations while minimising shipping costs to Canada. UK households must balance bringing familiar comforts (which help you settle faster) against Canada container shipping volume limits that directly affect your removals costs to Canada.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces strict Canada import regulations to prevent contaminants. Download our complete Canada customs guide, but note these common prohibited items for Canada removals:

Items from plant material like wicker, bamboo, or untreated wood
Food products (fresh, packaged, or homemade)
Alcohol (limits apply; declare all)
Corrosive or flammable items (e.g., paints, aerosols)
Outdoor gear like used camping equipment or soil-covered boots

Once decided, pack securely for transit. Professional packing services from John Mason International ensure items arrive safely, using custom crates and materials tailored for ocean/air shipping.

Updating UK Contacts Before Canada Move

Naturally, you’ll have told your family and friends about your upcoming move to Canada in plenty of time to say your goodbyes, but it can be easy to forget about everyone else you also need to tell.

You must tell HMRC if you’re moving abroad to live permanently, as this affects your tax residency status under the UK-Canada Double Tax Agreement. You will also need to notify your current service providers like utilities, banks, DVLA, pension providers, and electoral roll.

Use our notification checklist to make sure you don’t miss anyone out!

Canada Healthcare for UK Movers

You’ve made it through the process and emigrated to Canada. One of the first things you should do on arrival is ensure the well-being of you and any family members you have moved with.

In Canada, healthcare is provided through provincial plans like OHIP (Ontario) or MSP (BC), similar to the UK’s NHS. These cover most medical services for residents, but provinces often recommend private insurance to cover gaps like prescriptions or dental.

If eligible, enrol in your provincial plan immediately upon arrival,

many offer retroactive coverage. Visit a Service Canada office or apply online with your passport, visa, address proof, and SIN. Your health card arrives in 2-6 weeks and is renewed periodically.

What provincial plans cover:

What provincial plans cover:	What they don’t cover:
• 100% hospital inpatient treatment • Doctor/GP visits and specialists (bulk-billed) • Partial medicines via formularies • Diagnostic tests	• Dental/optical care • Prescriptions over age 65 limits • Physiotherapy/chiropractic • Ambulance/private rooms • Out-of-province emergencies fully

Who is eligible:

Who is eligible:	Who isn’t:
• Permanent residents • Work/study permit holders (varies by province) • Dependents of citizens/PRs • UK visitors via limited reciprocal agreements	• Short-term tourists • Some temporary workers without provincial ties

Settling into Canada After Your UK Move

The only thing left to do is start enjoying your new life in Canada.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when you first arrive in a new country, but after a few months it will all start to feel more normal.

Make an effort to get to know your area; this will help you feel more at home. Use tourist websites, local guides, and neighbourhood Facebook groups to discover events, parks, and services in your city.

Alternatively, get out and explore Canada’s stunning landscapes!

If you have moved to Canada with your family, pay extra attention to how your children are coping. Prioritise them by decorating their room first or starting new traditions, like family hikes every weekend. The sooner they settle, the sooner everyone thrives.

Be open to meeting new people. Moving from the UK means leaving your support network behind, but new connections – through work, neighbours, or expat clubs – can become lifelong friendships.

How John Mason International Can Help With Your Move To Canada

Now we’ve covered everything you need to consider before making the move to Canada, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. There’s a lot to do; that’s where we can help.

John Mason International is a team of experts that has been helping people start new lives overseas for over 100 years. We are one of the UK’s most trusted international removals companies, recently honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise.

We provide international removals and relocation services to Canada, helping to make the emigration process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We offer entirely bespoke solutions, with optional extras such as removals insurance, pet relocation, storage and more. We pride ourselves on care, diligence and expertise, providing the best service possible to each and every one of our customers.

Ready to start? Get your free Canada removal quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to move to Canada?

As a British citizen planning to relocate to Canada, you will need a valid Canadian visa through pathways like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or work permits. Understanding Canada’s points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and selecting the right visa route for your skills and circumstances can be complex.

John Mason International offers expert visa support to guide British citizens through every step of the Canadian visa application process. Our experienced relocation team helps you understand requirements, timelines, and documentation needs specific to UK applicants moving to Canada. With our Canada visa support, the application process becomes straightforward and stress-free.

Can I move my pet to Canada from the UK?

Yes, dogs, cats, and other pets can relocate with proper preparation: microchip, rabies vaccination (30+ days old), health certificate within 30 days of travel, and CFIA import permit (exemptions for UK low-risk). No mandatory quarantine if compliant; air/road options available. John Mason International offers specialist pet relocation services, coordinating travel, paperwork and airline requirements alongside your household removals.

Can I move to Canada without a job offer?

Yes, via Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class) or PNPs if you score well on CRS factors like age, education, experience, and language. Job offers add 50-200 points but aren’t mandatory.

What is the cost of living in Canada compared to the UK?

Canada’s overall cost of living is similar to the UK’s but varies by city, expect 10-20% higher groceries and utilities in places like Toronto/Vancouver (CAD 2,500-4,000/month single), cheaper than London but pricier than northern UK cities. Salaries often 15-25% higher offset this; e.g., average net CAD 4,000 vs UK £2,500.

Category	Toronto (CAD/month)	UK Average (£/month)
1-Bed Rent (City)	2,500	1,800
Groceries (Single)	400	350
Utilities	200	250
Dining Out	90	70

How does healthcare work for UK movers to Canada?

Canada provides healthcare through provincial plans like OHIP (Ontario), MSP (British Columbia), and RAMQ (Quebec), covering hospital stays, doctor visits, and essential diagnostics for residents, similar to the NHS but administered locally.

New permanent residents and eligible work permit holders register immediately upon arrival with passport, visa, and proof of address; coverage is often retroactive. Private insurance (CAD 50-150/month) covers gaps, including prescriptions, dental, vision, and specialist wait times during your first 3 months. UK citizens receive limited emergency coverage via reciprocal agreements. Enrol alongside your SIN at Service Canada.