Moving to Canada from the UK: The complete 2026 guide

If you are planning a move from the UK to Canada in 2026, you are joining one of the most well-trodden migration routes in the world. Around half a million people gain Canadian permanent residence each year, and British citizens have always made up a meaningful share of that number. The reasons are easy to understand. Wide open space, a public healthcare system that feels familiar to anyone used to the NHS, salaries that are often higher than UK equivalents, and a rental market that, in most cities outside Toronto and Vancouver, costs less than London.

That said, the practical reality of getting there is more involved than booking a flight and packing a suitcase. You will need a visa, a plan for your job, somewhere to live, schools sorted if you have children, healthcare arrangements for your first few months, and a way to get all your belongings across the Atlantic. This guide walks you through every part of that process in the order you will actually need it.

Anglo Pacific has been moving British households to Canada for over 40 years, with weekly sailings to Halifax, Montreal and Toronto. The advice in this guide is grounded in what we have learnt helping more than 20,000 customers a year settle into new homes overseas, including a steady stream of UK families and professionals heading to every Canadian province.

Why so many Brits are choosing Canada

The pull of Canada for British movers comes down to a handful of repeating themes. We hear them again and again from customers booking quotes:

• Space and nature. Canada is the second-largest country on earth, and for many UK families that translates into bigger houses, more garden, easier access to lakes and forests, and a slower pace of life outside the major cities.
• Salaries. The average annual salary in Canada is around CAD 68,250, which translates to roughly £36,900 at current exchange rates. That is broadly higher than the UK average of around £35,500, with stronger uplift in skilled trades, healthcare and tech.
• Healthcare. Canada operates a publicly funded healthcare system, structured slightly differently from the NHS but built on the same principle of universal access. There is a waiting period in most provinces before coverage begins, which we cover later in this guide.
• Familiar systems. English is the first language of most provinces, the legal system has the same common-law roots as the UK, and Canadian culture is broadly easy for British arrivals to settle into. There is even a King.
• Pathways to permanent residence. Canada runs over 100 different immigration pathways, from Express Entry to Provincial Nominee Programs to family sponsorship. Most British citizens with a degree, decent English, and some skilled work experience qualify for at least one route.

Visa pathways: how to get the right to live and work in Canada

Canada’s immigration system is run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The right pathway for you depends on your skills, qualifications, age, family situation and whether you already have a Canadian job offer. The five most relevant routes for UK applicants in 2026 are below.

Express Entry

Express Entry is the umbrella system that manages three federal programmes: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You create an online profile, get scored on the Comprehensive Ranking System (out of 1,200 points), and join a pool of candidates. Periodically, IRCC holds draws and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.

What changed in 2026: From February 2026, candidates need 12 months of work experience in a category-eligible occupation (up from six months) to qualify for category-based draws. Healthcare, STEM, trades, education, transport and senior management remain priority categories. The all-program general draw has been paused since April 2024, with IRCC instead running targeted draws for in-Canada Canadian Experience Class candidates and Provincial Nominee Program candidates.

• Application fee: CAD $1,525 for a single applicant, plus CAD $635 right of permanent residence fee.
• Recent CRS cut-offs: Canadian Experience Class draws have been landing between 507 and 547 in 2026. Provincial Nominee Program draws sit at 711 to 802 (because a provincial nomination automatically adds 600 points).
• Processing time: typically six months from invitation to decision.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs its own PNP, with streams designed to attract workers in occupations that province needs. If a province nominates you, you get an automatic 600-point boost on your CRS score, which is essentially a guaranteed invitation. PNP is currently the most reliable route for applicants whose CRS is in the 450 to 500 range.

• Each province has different streams, occupation lists and processing times.
• You can apply directly to a province (paper-based PNP) or through Express Entry-aligned PNP streams.
• Several provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, have reduced their nomination allocations in 2026, so streams open and close quickly.

Working Holiday Visa (International Experience Canada)

If you are a British citizen aged 18 to 35, the IEC Working Holiday allows you to live and work in Canada for up to two years. It is the most popular route for younger UK movers who want to test life in Canada before committing to permanent residence. There is an annual quota and entry is by random selection from a pool, with rounds running through the year.

• Open work permit, valid for two years.
• Minimum funds requirement: CAD 2,500 to support yourself on arrival.
• Health insurance for the full duration is mandatory.

Employer-sponsored work permits

If a Canadian employer wants to hire you, they may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove the role cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Once you have the LMIA, you apply for a work permit. There are also LMIA-exempt routes under the International Mobility Program, including intra-company transfers and the CUSMA agreement. Employer-sponsored permits are usually employer-specific and tied to a single role.

Family sponsorship

If you have a spouse, common-law partner, child or parent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you for permanent residence. Spousal sponsorship typically takes around 12 months to process and is one of the most reliable routes available for UK applicants with Canadian family ties.

Source: IRCC fee schedule April 2026 and recent draw data. Verify all figures at canada.ca before applying.

“The biggest mistake British applicants make is treating the visa as a single decision. In reality you are picking a route, a province, an occupation code and a CRS strategy all at once. Get the order right and the rest follows.”

Move co-ordinator insight, Anglo Pacific

How much does it cost to move from the UK to Canada?

Costs vary widely depending on your visa route, family size, how much you are shipping and where you settle. As a rough guide, a single mover on a Working Holiday visa can complete the move for £4,000 to £7,000. A couple shipping a two-bedroom home through Express Entry should budget £14,000 to £20,000. A family of four with a full container, settled in Toronto or Vancouver, can expect to spend £28,000 to £40,000 once shipping, visas, flights and the first three months of rent are factored in.

On the currency side, the GBP to CAD rate has averaged around $1.85 across the first four months of 2026, with a 12-month range of roughly $1.80 to $1.89. A 5p movement on £20,000 of transferred savings represents a £540 swing in your final position, so the timing of your transfer matters. Anglo Pacific works with Halo Financial, an FCA-authorised currency partner since 2004, who can lock in rates with forward contracts and avoid the spreads charged by high-street banks. We always recommend speaking with them before transferring any meaningful sum across borders.

Where in Canada should you live?

Canada has 10 provinces and three territories, and the right one for you depends on what kind of life you want. Below is a quick orientation. For a deeper look at neighbourhoods, schools and lifestyle in each city, see our companion guide to the best places to live in Canada for UK expats.

Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga)

Home to roughly 40 per cent of Canadians and the country’s biggest job market. Toronto is expensive but offers the broadest career options, especially in finance, tech and professional services. Ottawa, the capital, is significantly cheaper than Toronto and popular with civil servants and bilingual professionals.

British Columbia (Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna)

The Pacific coast province, with the mildest winters in Canada and arguably the most British-feeling city in Victoria. Vancouver is the second-most expensive city in Canada after Toronto. Outdoor lifestyle, mountains, sea and a strong tech sector pull a lot of UK movers here.

Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton)

Lower cost of living than BC or Ontario, no provincial sales tax, and strong wages especially in energy, engineering and skilled trades. Calgary regularly tops liveability rankings for affordability and quality of life. Winters are colder than BC.

Quebec (Montreal, Quebec City)

Officially francophone but with a large bilingual community in Montreal. Significantly cheaper rent than Toronto or Vancouver. Has its own immigration system separate from federal Express Entry, so the route in is different. Read our guide on preparing for winter in Quebec City for a sense of how cold it actually gets.

The Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland)

The east coast provinces. Halifax is the largest city and has been growing fast, with property prices roughly half those of Toronto. The pace of life is slower, the housing is bigger, and the welcome for UK arrivals is genuinely warm. Atlantic Immigration Program runs here as a fast route to permanent residence.

The Prairies and Territories (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)

Lower-cost provinces with strong PNP streams and growing economies. Worth investigating if you have specific occupational skills the province needs. Winters are extreme.

Cost of living: Canada vs the UK in 2026

In broad terms, Canada is about 5 to 9 per cent cheaper than the UK on overall cost of living, with the exception of major Canadian cities where housing is comparable to or higher than London. The picture changes a lot depending on which Canadian city you compare with which British one.

Source: Numbeo, LivingCost, Statistics Canada and ONS data, April 2026. Figures are population-weighted means. Exchange rate £1 = CAD $1.85.

Two patterns are worth flagging. First, groceries are noticeably more expensive in Canada (around 25 per cent higher than the UK), partly because so much produce is imported and partly because retail competition is thinner. Second, transport and restaurants are cheaper in Canada, which balances some of the grocery cost back out.

Salary figures are roughly comparable on paper, but Canada’s tax structure and provincial healthcare benefits often leave UK movers feeling slightly better off month to month. For a full city-by-city breakdown of housing, groceries, schools and transport, see our cost of living comparison guide.

Healthcare: how the system works for new arrivals

Canada’s healthcare system is universal, publicly funded, and administered at the provincial level. Each province runs its own health insurance plan: OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia, RAMQ in Quebec, and so on. Hospital care, GP visits and most diagnostic services are free at the point of use, funded through general taxation.

The catch for new arrivals is the waiting period. In British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, you must wait up to three months before your provincial health card kicks in. Other provinces (including Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia) provide immediate coverage. During the waiting period, you need private health insurance to cover any medical costs. Plans typically cost between CAD $90 and $180 per person per month, depending on age and coverage level.

What is not covered by the public system: prescription medication outside hospital, most dental care, vision care, physiotherapy and ambulance services. Many employers offer extended health benefits that fill these gaps, similar to private health cover in the UK. If you do not have employer benefits, expect to budget around CAD $100 to $250 per month per family for top-up insurance.

Schools and education for UK families

Public school in Canada is free, attended by roughly 92 per cent of Canadian children, and runs from Kindergarten (age four to five) through Grade 12 (age 17 to 18). The school year runs September to June, with summer holidays in July and August.

Schools are managed by provincial school boards, with curriculum and standards set provincially. Quality varies between school districts, so most UK families research carefully before choosing where to rent. Tools like the Fraser Institute school rankings (controversial but widely used) can give you a starting point.

If your child is mid-school year when you arrive, schools usually accept enrolments at any time. You will need proof of address in the catchment area, immigration documents, your child’s UK school records and immunisation history. Most provinces require certain vaccines before enrolment.

For higher education, Canadian universities are well-regarded internationally, with international student fees running CAD $20,000 to $45,000 per year for an undergraduate degree. UK citizens with permanent residence pay domestic rates, which are typically a third to a quarter of international fees.

Working in Canada: practical setup

Once you arrive with the right to work, there are a handful of practicalities to sort in your first few weeks.

• Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply in person at any Service Canada office. You usually receive it the same day. You cannot start work or open a proper bank account without one.
• Bank account. Major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) all run newcomer packages. You can sometimes start the application online before you arrive.
• Credit history. Your UK credit score does not transfer. You start from scratch, which can complicate getting a phone contract or mortgage in your first six months. A secured credit card is the fastest way to start building Canadian credit.
• Driving licence. UK licences can typically be exchanged for a Canadian licence without a test, but the rules and exchange agreements vary by province. Most allow exchange within 60 to 90 days of arrival.
• Tax basics. Federal income tax plus provincial income tax. CPP (Canada Pension Plan) and EI (Employment Insurance) deductions are automatic from your pay. The UK has a tax treaty with Canada to avoid double taxation.

The honest pros and cons

Shipping your belongings: how Anglo Pacific can help

Once your visa is approved and you have a destination address, the next major decision is what to do with your belongings. UK to Canada moves typically follow one of three patterns:

Full container shipment

A 20ft container holds the contents of a typical three-bedroom UK home (roughly 28 to 32 cubic metres). Door-to-door transit time is around four to six weeks via Halifax or Montreal. This is the right option if you want to ship everything and settle into a furnished home from day one.

Shared container (groupage) service

Your belongings travel in a container shared with other UK customers heading to Canada. Cheaper than a full container but with longer transit (typically six to eight weeks) because the container only sails when it is full. Best for partial households, people downsizing, or anyone shipping fewer than 15 cubic metres.

Baggage and box shipments

For students, working holiday visa holders, or anyone shipping just personal effects, our baggage service moves boxes, suitcases and small items door to door. Faster and significantly cheaper than freight. See our dedicated baggage shipping to Canada page for box dimensions and pricing.

Customs in Canada are generally straightforward for personal effects, provided you have lived outside Canada for at least 12 months and have owned and used the items for at least six months before shipping. You will need a B4 personal effects accounting document, a list of goods to follow if any items will arrive later, and copies of your passport and immigration documents.

A few things to flag for the Canadian border:

• Firearms, ammunition and weapons require specific declarations and licences.
• Food, plants, animal products and soil are heavily restricted under Canada Border Services Agency rules.
• Alcohol and tobacco above personal allowance limits are subject to duty.
• Vehicles: importing a car is possible but Transport Canada has strict admissibility rules and most older UK cars do not qualify. Costs typically range £3,000 to £5,000 once you include shipping, modifications and import duties.

Our move co-ordinators handle the customs paperwork for every shipment. For a province-by-province breakdown of the customs realities you might encounter, our Canada province-by-province customs paperwork guide has the detail.

10 things to sort before you fly

1. Get your visa approval and proof of permanent residence (or work permit) issued and printed before booking flights.
2. Apply for an Educational Credential Assessment if you are going through Express Entry. It takes four to six weeks.
3. Book your IELTS General or CELPIP test early. Slots fill up months in advance in major UK cities.
4. Open a Canadian bank account through a UK newcomer programme so your funds are accessible the day you arrive.
5. Get private health insurance arranged for your first 90 days if you are settling in BC, Ontario, Quebec or New Brunswick.
6. Book your shipping with Anglo Pacific six to eight weeks before your move date to lock in container space.
7. Order replacement copies of your UK driving licence, NHS records and any qualifications you might need to verify.
8. Get UK police clearance certificates from ACRO (allow two to three weeks).
9. Speak to Halo Financial about timing your currency transfer. A forward contract can lock in today’s rate for your move date.
10. Tell HMRC you are leaving the UK using form P85 to avoid tax complications and get any rebate you are owed.

FAQ

1. Can a UK citizen move to Canada without a job offer?

Yes. Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker stream does not require a job offer if your CRS score is high enough to be invited from the pool. A job offer adds 50 to 200 CRS points and is helpful but not mandatory. Many UK movers also enter on the Working Holiday visa first and then transition to permanent residence after gaining Canadian work experience.

2. How long does it take to move to Canada from the UK?

From visa application to landing, plan for nine to 18 months for Express Entry. Working Holiday processing is faster, typically eight to 10 weeks once you have an Invitation to Apply. Spousal sponsorship runs around 12 months. Once your visa is approved, the practical move (shipping, flights, settling in) takes another four to eight weeks depending on container transit times.

3. Do UK plugs work in Canada?

No. Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs at 110 to 120 volts and 60 hertz, while the UK uses Type G plugs at 230 volts and 50 hertz. Most UK appliances will not work in Canada without a transformer, and some (like UK kettles and hairdryers) are better replaced on arrival. We cover this in detail in our guide to using UK appliances in Canada.

4. How much money do I need to move to Canada from the UK?

A single mover on a Working Holiday visa can complete the move for £4,000 to £7,000. A couple shipping a two-bedroom home through Express Entry should budget £14,000 to £20,000. A family of four with a full container settled in a major city should plan for £28,000 to £40,000. The biggest variables are family size, shipping volume and your destination city.

5. Can I bring my pet to Canada?

Yes. Dogs and cats over eight months old can enter Canada with a rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days before travel and a veterinary health certificate. Different rules apply for puppies and kittens under eight months. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency website has the full requirements. Anglo Pacific’s pet shipping service handles the IATA-compliant crate, flight booking and customs clearance.

6. Is Canada cheaper than the UK?

Overall, Canada is around 5 to 9 per cent cheaper than the UK on cost of living, but the picture varies sharply by city. Toronto and Vancouver housing costs match or exceed London. Calgary, Halifax, Montreal and Edmonton are significantly cheaper than any major UK city. Groceries are about 25 per cent more expensive in Canada, while transport and dining out are cheaper.

7. What is the best time of year to move to Canada from the UK?

Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the most popular months. Spring gives you summer to settle in, find a home and get children enrolled before school starts. Autumn lets you arrive ahead of winter and avoid the peak rental season. December and January moves are possible but cold, and shipping container availability tightens around Christmas.