UK work visa from Canada: requirements, cost and how to apply

Do you need a TB test?

Not because you live in Canada. Canada is not on the GOV.UK list of countries where you need a TB test.

You still need a test if you’ve lived in a listed country (for example India, Pakistan or Nigeria) for 6 months or more and were living there within the last 6 months. Check the full list.

If you do need one, there are approved clinics in Canada. Find a TB clinic in Canada on GOV.UK.

Do you need to prove your English?

No, if you’re one of the Canadian citizens. Canada is on the GOV.UK list of countries whose citizens do not need to prove their English for a Skilled Worker visa. This depends on your nationality, not where you live.

Do you need a police certificate?

Only for some jobs. You need a criminal record certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK for one of 69 jobs in health, education or social care. You need one from each country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, since you turned 18.

In Canada it’s called a Police Certificate / Criminal Record Check. What GOV.UK says about getting one in Canada:

• Individuals in and outside Canada can apply. You can allow the results to go to a third party if you give written consent.
• The consent must be an original document, not faxed or photocopied. It must say that refusing consent will not affect your request.
• If you live in Canada, the Canadian visa office tells you if you need a criminal record check. You then follow the RCMP instructions.
• In Canada you need a full electronic set of fingerprints on form C-216C, a complete application form, your reason for the request, your personal details and the fees.
• Outside Canada you need rolled and flat prints of all ten fingers in black ink, signed by the official, plus the police agency's address, the form and fees.

GOV.UK last updated its information for Canada on 18 October 2016. Check the details with the issuing office before you apply. Read the full GOV.UK section.

Where do you prove your identity?

After you apply online, you prove your identity. Depending on your passport, you either scan it with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. Canada has UK visa application centres. Book or find a centre in Canada.

How much does it cost?

The fees are the same wherever you apply from, and they are set in pounds.

For example, a 3-year visa costs £819 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,924. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. The fee is lower (£628) if your job is on the Immigration Salary List. All the fees.

How long does it take?

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks after you’ve applied online and proved your identity. Your visa can last up to 5 years, and you can extend it.

How to apply from Canada

1. Find a job with a UK employer on the licensed sponsor list. Check the job’s SOC code is eligible.
2. Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
3. If your job needs one, get a police certificate from each country you’ve lived in.
4. Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. Pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
5. Prove your identity with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre in Canada.

Other ways to work in the UK from Canada

Youth Mobility Scheme. Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without a job offer. The fee is £340 and you need £2,530 in savings. How the scheme works.

Not sure the Skilled Worker visa is right for you? Compare all UK work visas.