Dreaming of living in London or exploring the Scottish Highlands while earning money along the way?
If you’re interested in moving to the UK to work and live. Whether in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. And if you’re Canadian… We’ve got great news! You can make this a reality with your valid Canadian passport.
In this article, we explain how to obtain a UK visa from Canada and dive into some key ways that Canadians can work in the UK. In this guide we’ll cover:
First, in order to work in the UK as a Canadian, you need a work visa. With a work visa, you have the legal right to work and stay in the country for an extended period of time.
You may be familiar with the term Working Holiday, and that’s exactly what this visa is. In other words, the Youth Mobility Scheme is an agreement between Canada and the United Kingdom.
So, can Canadians work in the UK? The answer is yes.
Specifically, the Youth Mobility Visa allows those between the ages of 18 and 35 to live and work in either country for up to three years.
Additionally, the Canadian Government created the International Experience Canada program, which includes this agreement.
It provides Canadian youth with opportunities to live, work, and travel abroad. Through this program, Canadians are able to live and work abroad in over 30 countries and obtain a UK visa from Canada.
But if you turn 36 while you are living in the UK on this visa, you don’t have to worry, because you can stay until your visa expires.
However, you can only get this UK visa from Canada once in your lifetime. Therefore, it’s best to use the Youth Mobility Visa if you are planning an extended trip, not a short holiday. And you may enter the UK on this visa as many times as you like, meaning you can travel around Europe while you’re living in the UK!
If you are studying in Canada, you could even work in the UK for a summer, then return the following summer. This is a very popular option for participants of our UK Camp Job program.
Note: Visa holders must pay a healthcare surcharge to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
This is one of the most popular and accessible options for Canadians. You can work in the UK with the Youth Mobility Visa in most jobs (with the exception of professional athletes, doctors and dentists in training). And you can also study most courses (with a few exceptions as well).
Interested to work in the UK with the Youth Mobility Visa? Check out our complete guide for Canadians applying for the Youth Mobility Visa.
Did you know Canadians can work in Ireland too? Learn about the Working Holiday Visa in Ireland for Canadian citizens.
With our UK Send-Off Package, you will leave Canada feeling prepared and confident to begin your working holiday in the UK. At Stepabroad, we guide you step-by-step through all of the documents and processes needed to begin living and working in the UK.
The first step of this support package is direct assistance with your working holiday visa application. Once that’s done, and the UK government approves your visa, your work and travel advisor will provide a one-on-one pre-departure orientation. This is to help set you up with everything you need to start your life in the UK – along with a wealth of other helpful information and resources to make sure you start your working holiday off on the right foot!
Get in touch with us to start planning your journey.
If you have British grandparents, the Ancestry Visa could be your ticket to working in the UK. Canadians over the age of 17 can apply for the Ancestry Visa if they have a grandparent who was born in the UK (or in Ireland before 1922).
You must be able to prove their place of birth and how you are related to them via the following documents:
The Youth Mobility Visa can only be used for yourself. But you can use the Ancestry visa to bring family over to the UK. And while you are in the UK on this visa, you can work and study too.
You can apply to extend your visa and even settle in the UK permanently if you like.
The Skilled Worker Visa may be the best option for Canadians with a confirmed job offer in the UK. However, this visa is the trickiest to obtain, and the UK government awards it based on a points system.
Furthermore, the UK government assigns points based on various factors. For example; your sponsor employer, age, skills and qualifications, earning potential in the UK, savings, and level of English.
There used to be two tiers of UK visas from Canada. Tier 1 applied to Highly Skilled Workers — individuals who held a Master’s Degree or higher. Unfortunately, this Tier 1 Visa is no longer available.
The UK government still offers the Tier 2 visa, now called the General Work Visa. You can only apply if you’ve been offered a skilled job in the UK. Your employer must appear on the list of licensed sponsors and provide you with a certificate of sponsorship to support your move to the UK.
This visa costs between £464 and £1,220, depending on whether you’re inside or outside the UK, bringing family members, or working in a role with a worker shortage.
This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, but not all holders choose to stay the entire time.
Healthcare in the UK is publicly funded, and its services are provided by the government. The healthcare system is called the NHS which stands for National Health Service.
As part of the application for any of the above work visas, you are required to pay for your healthcare upfront. This fee is called the healthcare surcharge.
Depending on the visa you are applying for, and the duration of your visa’s validity, you will either be required to pay for the entire duration (two years in the case of the Youth Mobility Visa), or a portion of the duration.
It’s important to note that you are required to pay the full two years even if you are not planning to stay for the full two years. The healthcare surcharge is £775 per year, or £1,550 total for two years.
The good news about paying for all your healthcare upfront is that on arrival, you’re covered in the exact same capacity as a citizen of the UK.
For example, you don’t ever need to worry about the cost of visiting a hospital or a routine doctor’s visit.
Additionally, you don’t need to purchase travel medical insurance as you would on a working holiday elsewhere, and you actually get more coverage in the UK than travel medical insurance would provide you!
Note: If you decide to travel outside the UK, you will need to purchase travel insurance for those trips.
There are plenty of job opportunities across various industries for Canadians looking to experience life in the UK on a working holiday. Whether you prefer short-term roles, seasonal jobs, or something longer-lasting, there’s a role that can fit your skills and interests.
Here are some of the most popular sectors where Canadian participants thrive — and how at Stepabroad we can help you get started:
The hospitality industry is one of the most popular options for working holidaymakers, thanks to its flexible roles and variety of opportunities.
Common Roles:
Seasonal Opportunities:
Retail jobs are a staple for working holiday participants, offering plenty of entry-level opportunities in stores, boutiques, and department chains.
Common Roles:
Seasonal Opportunities:
The UK has ongoing demand for teachers and childcare workers, particularly for those with experience in education or teaching English as a second language (ESL).
Common Roles:
Seasonal Opportunities:
Office roles are ideal for Canadians looking for experience in a professional environment. These jobs often provide valuable skills that can boost your career long-term.
Common Roles:
Seasonal Opportunities:
If you love lively environments and enjoy socializing, festival work can be an exciting way to earn money while exploring British culture.
Common Roles:
Seasonal Opportunities:
At Stepabroad, we’re here to guide you every step of the way to ensure your UK working holiday is a success. Here’s how we can help:
Our goal is to make your UK adventure exciting, rewarding, and stress-free.
Let us help you get started on this incredible journey!
1 - 36 months
C$499
Stepabroad’s UK Send-Off Package will make your dream of living in the UK a reality. We'll cover all the essentials needed to live in the UK so that you can start planning all the incredible adventures you will have across the UK and Europe!
1 - 36 months
C$999
Stepabroad’s Camp Job Program helps Canadians get set up in camp jobs abroad across England, Scotland, and Wales for the adventure of a lifetime! Your paid job, accommodation, and meals are completely taken care of, making your transition abroad a breeze.
1 - 36 months
$ Varies
Medical insurance isn't a nice to have, it's a must. We can help organize your medical insurance to ensure you arrive fully prepared and raring to go on your working holiday adventure.
We all agree that the UK is an exciting destination for Canadians seeking work, adventure, and cultural experiences. In fact, it offers a blend of opportunities and experiences for every traveler!
Here’s a short list of some of the most popular cities and regions where Canadians love to live, work, and explore.
It is a vibrant hub for career opportunities, particularly in finance, tech, media, healthcare, education, and hospitality. With iconic attractions like The British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park, and Covent Garden, the city offers endless cultural experiences. Moreover, its fast-paced, multicultural vibe makes it an ideal destination for those seeking career growth and exciting city life.
Known for its creative industries, tech startups, and educational opportunities, offers a different charm. For instance, popular attractions include Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, and the lively Lanes shopping district. In addition, Brighton’s artsy, laid-back seaside atmosphere is perfect for those seeking creativity and relaxation.
It is a thriving center for creative industries, digital innovation, and education. Notably, must-see spots include the Museum of Science and Industry, Old Trafford Stadium, and the vibrant Northern Quarter. Known for its lively music scene and more affordable living compared to London, Manchester is an incredible choice!
Scotland’s capital offers opportunities in technology, finance, education, and hospitality. For example, visitors can explore Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the historic Royal Mile. Also, with its rich history, famous festivals, and picturesque charm, Edinburgh is a captivating destination for the ones seeking both work and cultural experiences.
Hotspot for creative industries, sustainability initiatives, and hospitality roles. Not only that, highlights include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Banksy’s iconic street art, and the bustling Bristol Harbour. Above all, with its eco-friendly vibe and vibrant cultural scene, above all, Bristol is perfect for those who enjoy nature and alternative lifestyles.
Another Scottish gem! In addition, Glasgow offers career opportunities in financial services, creative industries, and hospitality. The city is known for landmarks like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Green, and Buchanan Street. Without a doubt, Glasgow is a fantastic choice for a working holiday. After all, it is known for its friendly atmosphere, thriving music scene, and affordable living.
Wherever your journey takes you in the UK, we are here to support you with job assistance, visa guidance, and helpful tips to make sure your working holiday is an unforgettable experience.
Stepabroad is a proud partner of the Government of Canada. We provide assistance to Canadians aged 18 to 35 looking to work and travel in the UK on a working holiday.
Moving abroad requires a lot of planning, such as getting the correct documents for the visa application, opening a UK bank account, figuring out how to pay UK taxes, and finding a place to live. However, these are all things our team of experts will explain to you in our personalized support.
In addition, we’ll help you get prepared to successfully land on your feet in the UK and help you secure your UK visa from Canada!
Have questions about the UK Youth Mobility Visa or Stepabroad’s programs for Canadian youth?
Fill in the form below and our team will be happy to respond to your inquiry within one business day.
Moving to the UK from Canada can be a bit tricky due to visa regulations and paperwork, but with the help of Stepabroad, the process becomes much more manageable. Our expertise and guidance can streamline the application process, ensuring all necessary documents are in order and helping navigate any complexities that may arise. So while it might not be a walk in the park on your own, with our assistance, it’s absolutely possible to make the move smoothly providing you meet the eligibility critera.
Individuals eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Visa must hold a valid Canadian passport, be aged between 18 and 35 at the time of application, and demonstrate financial capability equivalent to £2,528 or more to support their trip. Additionally, applicants should be in good health, planning a trip of up to 36 months, and have never previously held a UK Working Holiday Visa.
Prolonging your stay under the Youth Mobility Scheme for an additional year. Upon extension, you’ll be required to pay a new visa fee of £298 and another year’s worth of the immigration Health Surcharge. Check out this article on the subject.
If your visa’s up and you’re still hanging around, that’s a big no-no according to the Immigration Act 1971. You’ve got a 30-day grace period to skedaddle from the UK on your dime before they give you the boot and ban you from coming back.
London is the most popular place for Canadian working holiday participants in the UK, followed by cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol.