Moving to Canada from the UK

Cost of Moving to Canada from the UK

Regardless of the cost it will take 9-12 days for your belongings to arrive.

The table below shows estimations of the average cost of moving from London to Toronto, Canada, depending on household size:

Disclaimer. The rates shown above are just estimates. Costs will vary depending on your actual point of departure and service rates of the company.

Moving to Vancouver from the UK

Vancouver offers diverse surroundings and natural beauty, making it a great place to move. As a Brit moving to Canada, you’ll find many job opportunities and a high quality of life.

Outdoor activities, cultural experiences and a walkable (and bike-friendly) environment offer a dynamic lifestyle.

However, keep in mind that the living costs can be high, especially for housing, due to its high demand and limited availability of land.

Moving to other cities in Canada? Check out our pages below.

Request Free Removal Quotes

To find an international removal company to Canada as easily as possible, just click below and get free removal quotes today to start your move to Canada.

Relocating to Canada from the UK

You can move to Canada to work, live or study as a British citizen by applying for a visa. Whether you are applying for a non-permanent studies or residency visa, you will need to meet some conditions:

Visa Requirements

Regardless of the pathway or situation you’re in, all Brits must follow the general Canadian requirements to emigrate:

• Valid passport
• Language test results demonstrating proficiency in English or French
• Evidence of your education qualifications
• Police clearance as you have no criminal records
• Proof of financial means to support yourself

Remember that the procedure and requirements can differ depending on the visa you’re applying for.

Visa Types and Pathways to Canada

To enter Canada as a British citizen, there are three main avenues to do so:

1. Express Entry System: Ideal for skilled workers, this system evaluates candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
2. Family Sponsorship: If you have family in Canada, they may be able to sponsor your move.
3. Business Immigration: This could be a viable option for those looking to start a business in Canada.

Working Requirements

Before applying for jobs, ensure you’re eligible for a work visa. The process is straightforward, but having relevant work experience, language proficiency, and educational credentials are the three main factors you must meet.

Find all the information about immigration for skilled workers on the government page on Immigrate through Express Entry.

Jobs in Canada

The Canadian job market is diverse, with opportunities varying by region. Key industries include Agriculture, Technology, Services, Energy, and Manufacturing.

How to move to Canada permanently?

1. Express Entry – You may be eligible for one of their three programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: You have foreign experience, language proficiency and education.
• Canadian Experience Class: You have at least 1 year of work experience in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: Experienced tradespeople with a job offer or qualification certificate.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Applying directly for a province, you may be selected depending on your education, skills and work experience.

3. Family Sponsorship: A family member who is a Canadian resident or permanent resident can sponsor you.

Moving to Canada with a Family

As a British family moving to Canada, all the members will need an entry visa. Your spouse, common-law partner or children can be processed as your dependents.

Upon your arrival, arrange all the logistics around schooling, healthcare and housing. Your children must be registered in a Canadian school and carry all the study permits necessary. Ensure to apply for provincial health insurance and secure permanent or temporary housing.

Moving to Canada Checklist: How to Move

• Gather all important documents – Passport, Visa and Work Permits, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations), University Degree(s), and Police Background Check.
• Find a Removal Company – Research international moving companies that cover your move from the UK to Canada. Compare their prices, reputation and services. Find the best UK international moving companies here.
• Packing Your Belongings – Be selective with what you bring with you to Canada as the more you bring the higher the costs will be.
• Finding Healthcare Insurance – The Canadian equivalent to the NHS is Medicare. To access, you should apply for a national healthcare card upon arrival.
• Arrange Taxes – You must inform HMRC when you move abroad. After moving to Canada, you need to apply for a social insurance number through the Canadian government as it’s necessary to work and pay taxes.
• Open a Canadian Bank Account – It will be key to receiving your salary and paying taxes and other expenses. Some renowned banks are CIBC, HSBC Canada, Scotiabank, BMO and National Bank of Canada.

Moving to Canada With Your Pets

We know how important furry friends are. To make sure you don’t have to leave them behind, take note. When moving to Canada from the UK with a cat or dog you need:

• Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate
• Veterinary Certificate

To learn more about the specific criteria for other pets, check out the Canadian Government’s page on import requirements.

Shipping a Car From Canada to the UK

In general, cars sold in countries other than the United States and Mexico cannot be imported to Canada, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to bring your car. However, there are some exceptions which are listed below:

• It is 15 years or older
• The vehicle is a bus manufactured before January 1, 1971
• The car is non-regulated
• The vehicle is bought new from the manufacturer and meets all Canadian standards, the manufacturer must provide proof to the Canadian government

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Canada?

There are two main types of transport: container shipping, which is more expensive but offers more protection for high-value vehicles or when multiple vehicles need to be shipped; and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), which is a common, cost-effective, and efficient method.

Driving License in Canada

You can use your UK driver’s license for the first 6 months, but you’ll need to exchange it for a regional license to keep driving. You will need your ID, current licence and proof of driving experience and residency.

For more information check out the Canadian government’s page on driving.

Living in Canada

From managing expenses to understanding cultural nuances you’ll want to be prepared for your new experience in Canada.

Cost of Living in Canada vs the UK

However, expenses such as healthcare or leisure can be cheaper than in the UK. In the following table you’ll find a comparison of both countries:

Source: Cost of Living Comparison Between the United Kingdom and Canada, Numbeo

Pros and Cons of Living in Canada

If you’re still asking yourself if you should move to Canada, this list of advantages and disadvantages – compared to life in the UK, may help you out in the decision process:

7 Cultural Facts from Canada

• Mountainous tap water often tastes like bottled water and is free in most cities.
• Temperatures can extremely fluctuate from -25°C to 35°C
• Officially bilingual, French and English are spoken frequently.
• Ice Hockey is the national sport and obsession of the Canadians.
• They have a strong respect for nature.
• Hiking, snowboarding, skiing and many outdoor activities are popular year-round.
• The coffee chain Tim Hortons, known for Timbits (bite-sized donut holes), is a cultural icon.

Education System in Canada

The education in Canada is slightly different from the UK. It’s divided into primary and secondary education and the curriculum and graduation requirements can differ in each province.

How does it work? We’ll briefly explain to you in the table below:

🧑‍🎓If you plan to study in Canada, the country boasts 98 universities across provinces, 26 ranked globally. Major university cities include Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec.

Education in Canada vs the UK: Equivalents

• Primary and secondary education have a similar structure. However, Canada uses a grade system (K to 12) while the UK uses key stages (1 to 4).
• Curriculum: Canada focuses on bilingual education and multicultural. The UK is more national-oriented and prepares for GCSEs and A-levels.
• Undergraduate programs in Canada typically last 4 years, while British universities offer 3-year programs.

Ready for Your Move to Canada?

We hope our advice on removals to Canada and how to move to Canada has made you an expert on the whole process. If you’re still curious check out the links below and the FAQs section. Good Luck with your move to Canada.