Moving to Canada from the UK

Are you moving to Canada from the UK and need a helping hand?  If you still have things to organise, do not panic! The following article contains information on how to move to Canada from the UK, including costs, visa requirements and top tips. We can therefore help you determine how easy it is to move to Canada, based on your individual needs and desires, and get you over to the Great White North in no time!  

You can finish reading this article in the time it takes to listen to the Canadian national anthem!

The Cost of Moving to Canada from the UK

Like most people, we’re sure that the cost of your move to  Canada is at the top of your priority list.  The table below shows estimations of moving costs to Toronto, dependent on  the  size of your property. Understanding how international moving costs are calculated is crucial to help you save money in certain areas.  Please explore the rest of this page to discover ways of reducing your removal costs. It means you will have more to spend on poutine and maple syrup when you get there!   

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

There is no universal  removal cost  as each move is different. Many factors contribute to the overall price. However, familiarising yourself with these factors is the first step to working out how to move to Canada on a budget.  

• The size of your move: Naturally, the more you want to move, the more it will cost. We recognise that calculating the volume of your belongings is challenging, so we’ve provided you with our handy volume calculator!

Tip: Consider selling your furniture and buying new furniture upon arrival in Canada; it often saves you money.   

• The distance and route: The further and more remote the destination, the more expensive it will be. If a destination is unfamiliar to a removal company, a surplus is sometimes charged.   
• Time of year. Try to avoid the summer period. It is the busiest time of year for removal companies, and therefore often more expensive.   
• Ask about container shipping costs. Ask your mover for tips and tricks on how to save money on your shipping container.   

Getting a Visa for Canada

Before  immigrating to Canada from the UK, it is essential that you ensure that you have all the necessary visas and travel documents.   If you are planning on staying in Canada for more than six months a visa is required. Below is a basic list of the different types of visas you can obtain when considering a move to Canada.  

Canadian Visa Options for British Immigrants:  

• Student visas  
• Super visas for parents and grandparents  
• Visitor visas  
• Work permits  

For further information for new immigrants regarding residency and  citizenship visit the Canadian government website. 

Want to Work in Canada?

We know that Brexit has made international moves more complicated. However, you’ll be pleased to know that  working in Canada when coming from the UK  has not be affected by the referendum. The only change is that Canada has become a more popular destination for British expats, and let’s hope they have brought fish and chips and an old-fashioned pint with them! Furthermore, unemployment rates in Canada are the lowest they have been in four decades, meaning large amounts of expats have been able to find employment when moving to  Canada.  

Nevertheless, it can be hard to find jobs somewhere that is so far away from the UK. We have therefore provided you with a list of job search websites below:  

• Monster
• Glassdoor
• Jooble
• Eluta
• Simply Hired
• Workopolis 
• Career Builder

Top Tips for Moving to Canada from the UK

We hope this article has already provided some clarity regarding how to move to Canada. Just in case you are still overwhelmed, some other key advice on moving to Canada from the UK is outlined below, covering some more obscure (but nonetheless necessary!) concerns.  

The Cost of Living in Canada

While our priority is to ensure that we help you keep your cost of moving to Canada from the UK down, we also recognise that you might have anxieties about expenses once you arrive. Like any other country, the cost of living in Canada depends on multiple factors, such as location, and lifestyle. However, here is a list of common cost of living metrics, with a comparison to the UK, so you know what to expect from your new home (and can avoid being ripped off!) For the sake of comparison, all prices are written in GBP. 

The table shows just some rough examples, as an average across the entirety of the country. The most expensive Canadian cities are as follows:  

• Vancouver, British Columbia  
• Toronto, Ontario 
• Victoria, British Columbia  
• Calgary, Alberta  
• Hamilton-Burlington, Ontario 

Therefore, if you have a lower budget, consider living outside of these hotspots to minimise the expenses of moving to Canada from the UK. However, even if Calgary is out of your price range, be sure to visit to experience its famous ‘Chinooks’: a weather phenomenon that can raise temperatures by up to ten degrees in just a few minutes!  

Can you bring your pet to Canada?

We know how important furry friends are. To make sure you don’t have to leave them behind, take note. There are several crucial import requirements. Failing to meet these can lead to the refusal of entry for any given animal, no matter how cute they are! There are rules about the following:   

• Typical domestic animals: cats, dogs, birds, horses etc.   
• Exotic animals   
• Pet food   

To learn more about the specific criteria for your pet, take a look at these import requirements. 

How does the Canadian Health System Work?

One of the most important things to organise once you arrive in Canada is your healthcare. However, you’re in luck; the Canadian health system bares many resemblances to the UK’s.  

For the most part, healthcare is covered by Medicare, which uses funds from the government. All Canadian citizens, permanent residents and residents, are eligible for this public health system, however, expect long waiting times when seeking medical help through Medicare. Therefore, do not rule out private healthcare options if you, like most of us, can’t stand long queues! Moreover, much like the UK, there are a few things you should expect to pay for even if you are covered by Medicare, including:   

• Drugs: you will probably have to pay for any drugs and medicine you are prescribed.   
• Dentists: you should expect to pay for dental care.  
• Opticians: you should expect to pay for any care from opticians.   

To enjoy the benefits of the Canadian healthcare system, you should apply for a national healthcare card upon arrival. You may have to wait up to three months to receive it, so make sure you are privately insured in the meantime.   

Can you import your car to Canada?

In general, cars sold in countries other than the United States cannot be imported to Canada, except if they meet the following requirements.   

• It is 15 years or older  (a real golden oldie!)  
• The vehicle is a bus manufactured before January 1, 1971  
• The car is non-regulated  
• The vehicle meets all Canadian standards   
• The car is a returning Canadian specification vehicle   

Fun fact: in Nunavut in northern Canada, licence plates are shaped like polar bears!  

Transport Advice for British Expats in Canada

Much like other top tips, transportation in Canada is hugely dependent on where in the country you live. Given that Canada is the second biggest country in the world, standing at nearly a whopping ten million kilometres squared, you might be in for a bit of a shock when emigrating to Canada from the UK. Below are a list of transport options in Canada:  

• By air: travelling between major cities usually involves an aeroplane. This is often the quickest way to travel, due to the size of the country. 
• By train: railway lines also exists across the country, but are often expensive and time consuming. 
• By bus: frequent buses also run between cities, primarily through the company Greyhound. This is often the cheapest way to travel, and a good option if you are visiting a smaller town or village without an airport.  
• By car: most of the country is accessible by car, provided you have the time and means to drive. A coastal drive might be particularly appealing, given that Canada has the longest stretch of coastline in the world. (Provided you’re willing to drive for 243,977km that is!)  

For further transportation information, please visit the government website. It’s important you get this right: you can fit the UK into Canada more than forty times over!  

What Next?

We hope that you have found this page informative and have learned a thing or two about how to move to Canada from the UK. Now, to get the ball rolling, please do not hesitate to request up to five free moving quotes from us. 

We’ll leave you with one last piece of advice about moving to Canada from the UK: wrap up warm! The coldest temperature ever recorded was in Canada: -63°C is definitely not bikini weather.