Canadian Embassy in London, UK
High Commission of Canada – Visa and Immigration Services
ADDRESS: High Commission of Canada, Consular Services
Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London SW1Y 5BJ
PHONE: +44 (0) 207 004 6000
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/index.aspx?lang=eng
CONSULAR OFFICES:
Honorary Consul: Ms. Lana Zylich
Telephone: 01656 662413
Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation: by appointment only
Honorary Consul: Mr. Ken Brundle
Telephone: 0289 754 2405
E-mail: [email protected]
Hours of operation: by appointment only
Honorary Consul: Mary Duncan
Telephone: 01250 870831
E-mail: [email protected]
Hours of operation: by appointment only
Visa Application Centre (VAC)
***CLOSED*** UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE due to COVID-19
ADDRESS: 66 Wilson Street, London, EC2A 2BT, UK
PHONE: +44 (0) 203 603 3860
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
Business Hours: Monday to Friday (8:30- 17:00k)
Passport Collection: Monday to Friday (8:30 – 17:00)
Walk-In: Monday to Friday (8:30 – 17:00)
WEBSITE: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/can/apply-visa
What to Bring to a VAC Appointment
Applicants need to bring hard copies of the following when attending a VAC appointment:
– The confirmation email received after booking the appointment, with the details of the appointment;
– A valid passport or travel documents (must have at least 2 pages blank on both sides);
– A printout of the Visa Application Form completed (the VAC only accepts small manual amendments to this form);
– All supporting documents that are part of the application; and
– A printout of the receipt(s) for payments made towards the application.
For the respective visa, the Government of Canada guidelines must be consulted for the specific requirements.
International Mobility (IEC working Holiday Visa to Canada) from UK
International Mobility stream allows British nationals to move to Canada through one of The International Experience (IEC) programs. The agreement between Canada and select countries, including the U.K., allows foreign nationals to work in Canada. (Applicants can also work with Recognized Organizations (ROs) to obtain work and travel support for youth).
The process entails applicants creating a candidate profile, which is then entered in one or multiple programs or “pools”. An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is sent to candidates in “rounds” to each country/category. (The candidate profiles are removed from the pool at the end of each season). Once an ITA is received, the British candidate needs to apply for the appropriate work permit.
The IEC programs for which pools are created and ITAs are extended to candidates are:
1) The Working Holiday Program
2) The Young Professionals Program
3) The International Co-op (Internship) Program
NOTE: Unlike the Working Holiday Program and the Young Professionals Program, which are work-based programs, the International Co-op (Internship) Program is study-based program.
1) The Working Holiday Program is available for foreign nationals between certain ages (depending on the country participating). The program facilitates applicants who want to travel to Canada to gain temporary employment to help pay for their trip (up to 24 months). For British citizens, participation in this program is only possible once and the following criteria apply:
– must be a British citizen;
– must have a valid British passport for the time in Canada;
– must between 18 and 30 (inclusive) years of age;
– must have a minimum of $2,500 (CAD) to pay for expenses while in Canada;
– must have valid health insurance throughout the time in Canada (might have to give evidence of this insurance upon entering Canada);
– must not be inadmissible to Canada;
– must have, before departure, a round-trip ticket or demonstrate having the financial resources to purchase a departure ticket at the end of the authorized time in Canada;
– must not be accompanied by dependants; and
– must have paid all required fees.
For this program, an Open Work Permit is required.
Work Permits for IEC Programs
Once an ITA has been received the following needs to be submitted to obtain a Work Permit. An employer-specific work permit allows the foreign national to work only for the one employer indicated on the permit, while an open work permit lets a foreign national work for various Canadian employers. (The latter is often applied for by partners of students or workers coming to Canada.) However, some jobs require a Medical Exam to be completed first. A work permit in Canada cannot be valid longer than the applicant’s passport.
To apply for a work permit, the following documents need to be provided:
1) The same documentation submitted for the IEC application;
2) Additional information about the candidate’s work history, education, and background; and
3) Other supporting documents such as Proof of Financial Support, Medical Exams, Health Insurance, Police Certificates, CV/Resume, Passport, Digital Photo(s), Family Information Form (IMM5707), Electronic Travel Authorization.
NOTE: If you are inadmissible on the grounds of health or security, you may qualify for a Temporary Resident Permit.
Things to Keep in Mind
! If the profile of a candidate is in the Co-op Program and Working Holiday Program, an invitation will only be sent for the Co-op Program. An invitation for the Working Holiday Program would only be made if there are no more spots available for the Co-op Program.
! Since the cost of living varies depending on where one settles in Canada, applicants should inform themselves on the cost of living in each city and province / territory before applying.
! Wages must follow the labour laws in the province or territory where the work term will take place. The labour code of the province or territory will determine if an internship needs to be paid or not.
! Employment and labour law standards apply to all foreign nationals in Canada.
! The responsibility to ensure adherence to the labour standards is met, is up to the IEC candidates and their Canadian employer, who need to address inquiries to their respective provincial or territorial bodies.
! If a British national, who is coming to study in Canada, has a legal partner/spouse that they would like to bring with them for the term of the study permit, this person is eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit. However, if this person is not a British National, they may also need a Visa to enter and stay in Canada.
Permanent Residency in Canada from UK
The application for Permanent Residence runs through a process called Express Entry. This process entails applicants obtaining points in a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on their skills, training, knowledge and what they have to offer socially and economically, if they were allowed to immigrate to Canada. Based on how many points the applicant earns, the government of Canada extends an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence to the British applicant.
The process has the following streams for British nationals to consider applying through:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Class
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
- Family Class
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class
This stream of the Express Entry application process assesses applicants on the following: skilled work experience, English/French language abilities, education, proof of funds, admissibility and other factors (such as age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability). Each level of skill is assigned CRS points. The goal of the point system is to determine the likeliness of British applicants succeeding in their life in Canada. The government of Canada, based on the applicant’s ranking, selects the highest-ranking candidates from the pool and extends to them an ITA for permanent residency.
British nationals applying through this stream must provide proof that they have skilled work experience in one of the following job groups as outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system:
1) Managerial job (Skill Type “0”)
2) Professional job (Skill Level “A”)
3) Technical job and skilled trades (Skill Level “B”)
The outline below is for applicants looking to live in provinces outside of Québec. The province of Québec has its own skilled worker selection process.
Skilled Work
Applicants from the United Kingdom must show that, while working in their occupation, they have performed the duties outlined in the lead statement of the respective NOC description for which they are applying to work in Canada, including all essential duties and most of the main duties. This experience must have been gained in a job with the same NOC code as the job the applicant is seeking upon immigrating to Canada.
The experience must have been gained within the past 10 years, through paid work (not internships or volunteer service) for at least one continuous year of employment. Both full-time or part-time periods qualify, based on the hours earned. Paid student work experience may also count, as long as it was continuous and meets other program requirements.
Language
British applicants must take an approved language test for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in either of Canada’s official languages (English and/or French) and must obtain a minimum score of 7 in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). This minimum score must be earned in all four areas of testing. (The results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test results and must be valid on the day of application for permanent residence).
Education
British nationals with credentials from countries other than Canada, must provide a diploma, degree or trade apprenticeship certificate received for the completion of study/training from a recognized institution. Along with this, the applicant must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes completed by a designated organization to show the education equivalency to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
If the British applicant has completed studies in Canada the certificate, diploma or degree from the Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution must be provided.
Proof of Funds
British nationals applying through the Express Entry process to immigrate to Canada, must show they have enough money for themselves to settle in Canada (and their family if joining them). This requirement is waived for individuals who are currently working in Canada legally or have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer.
Admissibility
When applying for the FSW stream, British applicants must be admissible to Canada. In other words, you must be both healthy and safe to immigrate. The most common reason British nationals are found to be inadmissible to Canada is DUI (drink-driving). If you have a criminal conviction, you must have been approved for criminal rehabilitation in order to be granted PR in Canada.
Other reasons for which applicants may be denied admission to Canada may be the following:
- security reasons (i.e. espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, previous convictions of crimes)
- medical reasons (i.e. health conditions that are risks to the public or cause excessive demand on health/social services)
- misrepresentation (i.e. providing false information or withholding information related to government decisions)
- having an inadmissible family member
This stream of the Express Entry application process assesses British applicants based on their skilled work experience in the trades, English/French language abilities, education, proof of funds, admissibility and other factors (including age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability) by assigning CRS points. Like the FSW stream the point system is used to determine the likeliness of British applicants succeeding in their life in Canada. Based on the ranking results, the government of Canada selects the highest- ranking candidates from the pool and extends ITAs to them.
Applicants from the United Kingdom who are applying through this stream must provide proof that they have skilled work experience in the trades within one of the following job groups (Skill Type “B”) as outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system:
- Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
- Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers
The province of Québec has its own selection process for skilled workers. As such, the following process outline is only for applicants intending to live in provinces outside of Québec.
Skilled Trades Work
British applicants must demonstrate that, while working in their trade, they have performed all the duties outlined in the lead statement of the NOC description for which they are applying to work in Canada, including all essential duties and most of the main duties. This experience must have been gained in a job with the same NOC code as the job the applicant is seeking to work in upon immigrating to Canada and must have been earned after qualifying to independently practise the trade.
The experience must be in a skilled trade within the 5 years before applying and must total at least 2 years of full-time work (or an equal amount of part-time work experience).
Language
British applicants applying through this stream, must take an approved language test for reading, writing, listening and speaking in either of Canada’s official languages (English and/or French) and obtain a minimum score of 5 for listening and speaking and 4 for reading and writing of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). (The results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test results and must be valid on the day of application for permanent residence)
Education
For this stream there is no education requirement per se, however if a British national wants to improve their ranking in the Express Entry pool, there are two ways of trying to do so:
- If education was obtained in Canada, points can be earned for a certificate, diploma or degree obtained from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution or
- If education was obtained abroad, points can be earned by having an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed by a designated organization, demonstrating that the education is equivalent to that of a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
Provincial/Territorial Trades Assessment
Most trades are regulated by a body that governs that trade for a province/territory. British nationals will likely need to have an assessment completed by the province/territory where they wish to live. Depending on the outcome of this assessment the Canadian employer may have to provide worker specific experience or training to the British national.
Check the list for specific details required by each province’s/territory’s Certificates of Qualification for the trades. You can also find outlines about how these certificates can be earned. If a trade is not found under a provincial/ territorial body, the Canadian Centre for International Credentials provides a comprehensive summary of who regulates the trade: https://www.cicic.ca/935/find_an_occupational_profile.canada?search=&cat=1&tp=7.
Proof of Funds
Federal Skilled Trades applicants from the United Kingdom must demonstrate that they have enough money to settle in Canada (for themselves and any accompanying family). This requirement is not applicable to individuals who are already legally working in Canada or those who have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer.
More information about financial requirements for the FST process can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
Admissibility
Foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada must be admissible. In other words, a British national must be considered both healthy and safe to be allowed into Canada. The most common reason British nationals are found to be inadmissible to Canada is DUI (drink-driving). If you have a criminal conviction, you must have been approved for criminal rehabilitation in order to be granted PR in Canada.
Other reasons for which applicants may be denied admission to Canada may be:
– security reasons (i.e. espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, previous convictions of crimes)
– medical reasons (i.e. health conditions that are risks to the public or cause excessive demand on health/social services)
– misrepresentation (i.e. providing false information or withholding information related to government decisions)
– having an inadmissible family member.
The Express Entry application process assesses applicants based on their skilled work experience within Canada, language abilities (English and/or French), education, admissibility and other factors (such as age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability) by assigning CRS points. The point system is used to determine the likeliness of applicants succeeding in their life after moving to Canada. Based on the applicant’s score, which determines their rank, the government of Canada then selects the highest-ranking candidates from the pool and extends to them an ITA for Permanent Residency.
British nationals applying through this stream must provide proof that they have skilled work experience in Canada in one or more of the following, as outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system:
1) Managerial job (Skill Type “0”)
2) Professional job (Skill Level “A”)
3) Technical job and skilled trades (Skill Level “B”)
Skilled Work Experience
British nationals who apply through the CEC stream must show that, while legally working in their occupation in Canada, they performed the duties outlined in the lead statement of the NOC description for which they are applying to work in Canada, including all essential duties and most of the main duties. This experience must be 1 year full-time (or equal amount in part-time) within the last 3 years before applying.
NOTE: Canadian work experience gained while studying, through self-employment or during a co-op term can not be used towards the minimum experience requirements for the CEC stream.
Language
Applicants must take an approved language test for reading, writing, listening and speaking in either of Canada’s official languages (English and/or French) and meet the minimum requirement in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for the profession or trade that will be worked in upon immigrating to Canada. The minimum requirement for NOC 0 or A jobs is level 7 and for NOC B jobs is level 5. (The results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test results and must be valid on the day of application for permanent residence)
Education
For this stream there is no education requirement per se, however if a British national wants to improve their ranking in the Express Entry pool, there are two options to do so:
- If education was obtained in Canada, points can be earned for a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution or
- If education was obtained abroad, points can be earned by having an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed by a designated organization, showing that the education is equal to either a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
Admissibility
When applying for the CEC stream, you must be admissible to Canada. In other words, you must be considered healthy and safe to immigrate. The most common reason British nationals are found to be inadmissible to Canada is DUI (drink-driving). If you have a criminal conviction, you must have been approved for criminal rehabilitation in order to be granted PR in Canada.
Other reasons for which applicants may be denied admission to Canada may be:
- security reasons (i.e. espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, previous convictions of crimes)
- medical reasons (i.e. health conditions that are a risks to the public or cause excessive demand on health/social services)
- misrepresentation (i.e. providing false information or withholding information related to government decisions)
- having an inadmissible family member.
NOTE: British nationals applying through the Express Entry process to immigrate to Canada through the CEC stream are not required to show they have enough money for themselves (and their family if joining them), to settle in Canada. This requirement is waived for individuals who are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer.
- Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
This stream of the Express Entry application process assesses applicants based on their skills, education and work experience to determine how they could specifically contribute to the province or territory. To qualify to apply for the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) stream for permanent residency, the British national must first be nominated by the province or territory where he/she wishes to reside. Then the nominee is invited to apply for permanent residency.
To be nominated for the PNP, British nationals must contact the province or territory for where they want to move to. Websites, with instructions on how to apply for the program, can be found by clicking on the links below.
NOTE: For each province/territory to reach their defined immigration targets (i.e., students, skilled workers, business investors, etc.), each has their own streams and requirements.
Depending on the province or territory, once nominated to apply for permanent residence through the PNP, one of the following two applications needs to be submitted:
- Paper based
- Online based (Express Entry: PNP stream)
Paper Based Process
If a paper based copy Permanent Residence Application is required by the province or territory nominating the British national, then the application goes through what is called a non-Express Entry stream.
The application process for permanent residence, for provinces or territories requiring paper based applications, is as follows:
- Complete and submit the paper application package for permanent residence (which provides an instruction guide and all necessary forms), available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/application-package-provincial-nominees.html
- Complete and submit the medical exam, available here:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams.html
- Complete and submit a police check, available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates.htm
- Pay application fees online (including processing fees for oneself and any relative coming with the applicant, Right of Permanent Residence fee, biometric fees and applicable third-party fees)*, available here: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/pay.asp
- Submit application with proof of payment of fees to ICCRC at the location indicated in the instruction guide.
Once the fees are paid an application is submitted, the applicant will receive a letter confirming the need for biometric data to be given and where to go. This letter must be provided when going to give biometrics. Locations where biometrics are collected can be found at: https://www.cic.gc.ca/englis/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
* Other fees that may be required include educational credential assessment or language testing. The instruction guide will outline what fees apply to the applicant based on their circumstances
Online Process
If the British national is interested in applying for a nomination by a province or territory that offers the PNP through the Express Entry process, there are two options for applying for permanent residency:
- The British National creates an Express Entry profile and shows provinces/ territories he/she is seeking to reside that nomination is sought. When a province/territory sends a “Notification of Interest” the applicant contacts that province/territory and applies to the Express Entry stream, to await a nomination to the account, which is then accepted electronically.
NOTE: For either process, British nationals will have to pass a medical exam and a police check, which then needs to be submitted as part of the application.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND!
! Québec does not have a PNP. Information about their immigration streams can be found at: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/
! Paper-based, non-Express Entry applications have longer processing times than Express Entry online applications.
! Whichever process you apply through, you must meet the eligibility requirement(s) of the province/territory you are applying to reside in.
! Regardless of which process you apply through, if you receive an ITA you must submit an electronic application for permanent residency to IRCC.
! When applying for the PNP stream, you must be admissible to Canada; you must be considered healthy and safe to immigrate. Reasons for which applicants may be denied admission to Canada may include:
– security reasons (i.e. espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, previous convictions of crimes)
– medical reasons (i.e. health conditions that are to the public or cause excessive demand on health/social services)
– misrepresentation (i.e. providing false information or withholding information related to government decisions)
– having an inadmissible family member.
! Misrepresentation by not being truthful on an application may result in a refusal of the application, making the applicant inadmissible and possibly barring him/her from applying for resident status for up to 5 years.
! If you are inadmissible on the grounds of criminal convictions, you may want to explore Rehabilitation.
Spousal Sponsorship or Common-law Sponsorship from the UK
Family reunification is the primary goal of the Family Class and In-Canada Class immigration programs. Canadian citizens, permanent residents in Canada or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act can sponsor a relative to come to Canada to become permanent residents (PRs).
Under the Family Class or In-Canada Class, the following relatives can be sponsored:
- A UK citizen Spouse
- A UK citizen Common-Law OR a Conjugal Partner – and their Dependents
- UK citien Dependent Child(ren) – and their Dependents
Should I Sponsor Using The Family Class (Overseas) or In-Canada Class?
NOTE: British relatives such as parents/grandparents, an adopted child, an orphaned sibling/niece/nephew/grandchild or sponsorship of a distant relative, can be sponsored through their own immigration programs.
Requirements For Sponsor
When sponsoring a British national under the Family Sponsorship class, the person wishing to sponsor must meet the following criteria:
- 18+ years of age
- Permanent resident in Canada or Canadian citizen in Canada or Canadian citizen living outside Canada and intending to return to Canada
- Not incarcerated, not bankrupt or not under a removal order
- Not receiving social assistance (unless receiving for disability)
- Able to provide for basic needs of the person(s) being sponsored
- Were themselves not sponsored to Canada as a spouse in the last 5 years
NOTE: A sponsor must meet IRCC’s income guidelines and will be bound by law to financially support the sponsored British spouse (and their dependents, if applicable) as of the date the foreign national becomes a permanent resident for up to 20 years, depending on their age and how they’re related to the sponsor.
Requirements of the British Person Being Sponsored
To qualify for sponsorship under the Family Class, the British national being sponsored must prove that eligibility requirements have been met, the individual(s) being sponsored must provide proof through completion and submission of all relevant forms, documents and additional information such as medical exams and biometrics.
Based on the kind of family application, further guidelines are outlined below.
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence as a spouse the British national must meet the following conditions:
- 18+ years of age
- Legally married to the sponsor
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence, as a common-law partner (regardless of gender) the British national must meet the following conditions:
- 18+ years of age
- Not legally married to the sponsor
- Living with sponsor for at least 12 consecutive months (any time apart should have been temporary and a short time)
- Provide proof of common-law relationship
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence, as a conjugal partner (regardless of gender) the British national must meet the following conditions:
- 18+ years of age
- Not legally married to the sponsor, nor in a common-law relationship
- Has been in a relationship with sponsor for at least 1 year
- Lives outside of Canada
- Cannot live with sponsor in their country of residence or marry the sponsor due to significant legal and immigration reasons (i.e. marital status, sexual orientation or persecution)
- Provide proof that s/he could not live together such as refusals of long-term stays in each other’s country.
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence, a British dependent child must meet the following conditions:
- Under 22 years of age and
- Do not have a spouse or common-law partner
- The other parent must agree to the child immigrating to Canada
The dependent child may be either the sponsor’s own child(ren) or the child(ren) of the British spouse/partner being sponsored. If this child has a child or children of their own (the sponsor’s grandchild(ren)), they are also eligible to be included in the sponsorship so long as the other parent/legal guardian agrees to the immigration to Canada.
NOTE: Children over 22 years of age may qualify as dependents if they meet both of the following requirements: unable to financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition and have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22. Except for the age, these conditions must be met until the application has been approved.
For permanent residence (PR) status there are two options for sponsorship:
Which path to pursue depends on your family situation and how you are prepared to spend the next year of processing time. Find out more about how to choose between In-Canada and Overseas sponsorship here.
NOTE: For both paths there is a two-step process, requiring that the Sponsor first apply to sponsor a relative, followed by the Family Member applying for permanent residence. You must submit the Sponsorship application together with the application for Permanent Residency.
1) In- Canada (Inland) Sponsorship
Applications for sponsorship can be submitted if the British national being sponsored is already in Canada (as visitors, students or workers), with valid Temporary Resident status as a visitor, a student or a worker. This process is called In-Canada Sponsorship.
The process consists of the following:
- Obtain and complete the sponsorship application package, including all forms (for sponsor and British national being sponsored) and required documents. If you have lived, studied and/or worked outside of the United Kingdom, you may need to obtain documents/records from the other countries to fulfill the requirements of the application. Examples of such records/documents are:
- passport(s)
- birth certificate(s)
- marriage/divorce certificate(s)
- national identification card(s)
- military service document(s)
- other civil document(s)
- etc.
- Pay application fees, including processing fees for the Sponsor and all persons being sponsored, the Right of Permanent Residence fee, Biometrics fee and any applicable Third-Party fees (i.e. Medical Exam & Police Certificate).
- Submit the application to Case Processing Centre Mississauga.
- Send any further documentation to IRCC if they request it.
- Attend an interview, if necessary, with IRCC as part of the assessment for eligibility for PR status. The British national will be notified thereof in writing and will need to bring with them all supporting documents for the application. Keep in mind that interviews are extremely rare under the In-Canada class, however IRCC is still allowed to convoke them.
The In-Canada sponsorship application path will allow the British national to work or study in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed, mitigating financial and social strains. However, if the sponsorship application is refused the British national must leave Canada when their work permit expires.
Open Work Permit for In-Canada Sponsorship Applicants
NOTE: If the person being sponsored leaves Canada at any given point while the application is being processed, there is no guarantee that s/he will be allowed to re-enter Canada.
2) Family Class (Overseas/Outland) Sponsorship
Many family sponsorship applications are done for British nationals residing outside of Canada. The UK national being sponsored can travel in and out of Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed under the Family Class. While entry to Canada always remains at the discretion of the CBSA officer for any foreign national, UK citizens with a valid eTA can enter Canada to see their spouse or partner.
The Family Class sponsorship applications must be submitted to the visa office where the person being sponsored is originally from (United Kingdom) or where s/he has resided legally for at least one year if they live outside the UK.
- Obtain and complete the sponsorship application package, including all forms (for sponsor and British national being sponsored) and required documents. If you have lived, studied and/or worked outside of the U.K., you may need to obtain documents/records from those other countries to fulfill the requirements of the application. Examples of such records/documents are:
- passport(s)
- birth certificate(s)
- marriage/divorce certificate(s)
- national identification card(s)
- military service document(s)
- other civil document(s)
- Etc.
- Pay application fees, including processing fees for the Sponsor and all persons being sponsored, the Right of Permanent Residence fee, Biometrics fee and any applicable Third-Party fees (i.e. Medical Exam & Police Certificate).
- Submit the application to Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
- Send any further documentation to the IRCC upon request. This may include further documentation/records to complete the application, biometric information (fingerprints and photos) and completion of a medical exam.
- The UK national being sponsored may be called to attend an interview with IRCC as part of the assessment for eligibility for PR status. After IRCC has received the sponsorship/PR applications, the British national will be notified in writing that s/he needs to attend and must bring with them all supporting records and documents for the application just prior to a final decision being made.
Biometrics
British nationals must provide biometric information in the form of fingerprints and a photo as part of the application process for permanent residency,
NOTE: While the fee for biometrics must be paid before sending the application (receipt to be included in the application package), the submission of the biometric information itself must be completed once IRCC has received the combined sponsorship/PR applications and then provides the British national with an Instruction Letter.
Medical Exam(s)
The British national(s) being sponsored to come to Canada and seeking PR status, must complete a medical exam as part of the application process. IRCC, upon reviewing the application, will advise applicants when it is time to go get the exam done.
All medical exams must be done by an approved panel physician. Panel physicians are located around the world in nearly every country. Immigration medical exams can be done by any approved panel physician regardless of location.
Police Certificate(s)
As part of the application and requirement for admissibility to Canada, British national(s) being sponsored to come to Canada and seeking PR status, must provide a police certificate from the United Kingdom, showing they do not have a criminal record.
To learn how to obtain a police certificate from the U.K., you can go to:
NOTE: If you have resided, studied and/or worked in a country other than the U.K. you may have to provide police certificates from those other countries. Consult the Instruction Guide for details.
3) Other Relative Sponsorship Programs
IRCC has created special sponsorship programs for:
- Parent(s)/grandparent(s)
- Adopted child(ren)
- Orphaned sibling(s)/niece(s)/nephew(s)/grandchild(ren)
- Other Relatives
To learn more about the adopted child(ren) Sponsorship options you can go to:
To learn more about sponsoring other relatives such as an orphaned sibling/ niece/nephew/grandchild you can go to:
Other British relatives (such as an aunt, uncle or cousin) and that person’s dependents might be eligible for sponsorship if a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- does not have a living relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or registered Indian under the Indian Act
and
- does not have someone to sponsor as a spouse/common-law/ conjugal partner/dependent child, from the list above.
To learn more about sponsoring other relatives, you can go to:
Helpful Hints
! For spousal and common-law sponsorships, IRCC is committed to processing applications as quickly as possible to allow family reunification within 12 months. (Other applications vary depending on the country of origin of the person being sponsored). This processing time does not include delays caused by covid-19.
! Misrepresentation by not being truthful on an application may result in a refusal of the application, making the applicant inadmissible and possibly barring him/her from applying for resident status for up to 5 years.
Why You Should Never Lie to Canadian Immigration Authorities
! If a British national who is coming to work in Canada has a legal partner/spouse who they would like to bring with them for the term of the work/study permit, this person is eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit. However, if this person is not a British National, he/she may also need a Visa to enter and stay in Canada.
Moving to Canada as a Student from the UK
British nationals can also move to Canada as a student through a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
While British citizens are exempt from requiring a Visa to enter and stay in Canada, they do require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be purchased online, before arriving at the border. However, a British national between the ages 14 to 79, wanting to study in Canada for longer than 6 months, a Study Permit (with biometric data) will be required. A Study Permit is usually valid for the length of the study program, plus an extra 90 days, to allow students to apply for an extension or to prepare to leave Canada.
Studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
To be issued a study permit, students must intend to study at an eligible Designated Learning Institution in Canada. UK citizens must meet the following requirements:
– must be enrolled at a DLI in Canada;
– must prove possession of enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses for self and any family members who will accompany student to Canada and return transportation for self family members who accompany student to Canada;
– must be willing to obey Canadian laws;
– must not have criminal record;
– must be able to provide a police certificate (if required);
– must be in good health and get a medical exam (if required); and
– must be able to prove to an officer the willingness to leave at the end of the allowed study term in Canada.
To apply for a Study Permit the following documents are required in either of Canada’s official languages (English or French). A certified translation is required if the original is not in either language:
1) Proof of Acceptance – the school must provide a Letter of Acceptance (hard copy or electronic) that is submitted with the Study Permit application.
2) Proof of Identity – a Passport or Travel Document needs to be provided (electronic copy of the information page) for each person joining the student in Canada, as well as 2 photos of each person with their name and Date of Birth on the back.
3) Proof of Financial Support – evidence must be provided for financial independence for the Student and those accompanying, while in Canada studying.
4) Letter of Explanation – a letter, providing an outline of why Canada is the country of choice for the study program, must be submitted as well as demonstration that the applicant understands his / her responsibilities while in Canada.
5) A Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) – this document, which the school can assist with, is required if the applicant wishes to study in Québec.
6) A Custodian Declaration is required if the student is a minor (under 18 years of age).
Top 3 Study Permit Application Mistakes
If a British national is applying for an extension of Study Permit, they may or may not need to provide updated biometric information. If biometric data has previously been submitted the data may still be valid. Check the status tool at: https://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/extapp/termsAndConditions?&lang=en
* Biometrics need to be provided at Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide or at an Application Support Centers (ASCs) in the United States and its territories or at a designated Service Canada Office (SCOs). Appointments need to be made at a location near the applicant and fees paid before the appointment. Applicants have 90 days from the date of the letter to submit their biometric information.
NOTE: A few days before the biometrics appointment, applicants should check if the respective office is open in case of extenuating circumstances.
The following Office Specific documents are also needed, when applying from the United Kingdom:
1) Proof of current employment or studies – a letter on letterhead from the employer or school, outlining either the position/salary or the program of study.
2) Evidence of previous study or travel – evidence of completion of previous related studies or international studies/travel.
3) Proof of income and funds – evidence to show financial resources (i.e. income, assets, funds, etc.) and those of any individual providing financial assistance.
4) Family Information Form IMM5707.
5) Copy of Current Immigration Form – if renewing a permit then a copy of the current ETA, Study/Work Permit and/or Permanent Residence Permit need to be provided.
6) Evidence for purpose of studies – outline of CV or resume to show why studies in Canada are sought.
7) Schedule 1 (IMM5257B) will need to be completed if any of the background questions on the Application were answered with “yes”.
Further details are available at: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=IE#applications
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND!
! If a British national who is coming to study in Canada has a legal partner/spouse who they would like to bring with them for the term of the study permit, this person is eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit. However, if this person is not a British national he/she may also need a Visa to enter and stay in Canada.
