How To Relocate To The UK Or Canada And Get A Job In 2025

On the other hand, Canada in the third quarter of 2024, welcomed 124,240 immigrants, and more is expected in the coming years. Opportunities for career growth, higher standard of living, and access to multicultural communities are just a few of what makes both countries ideal for foreigners.   

Simply put, these countries provide pathways to make your lifelong dreams come true. Are you looking for better job prospects, quality education, or greener pastures? The UK or Canada may be your best choices.  

That said, if you are thinking of relocating to either the UK or Canada you may just be up to something life changing. 

The UK vs Canada

Both the UK and Canada offer excellent job opportunities, but their industries differ. On the one hand, the UK is ideal for professionals in finance, healthcare, technology, and creative fields. This can be attributed to its robust job market and economic hub status.  

Meanwhile, on the other hand, Canada boasts opportunities in healthcare, engineering, construction, and IT, with a strong focus on skilled labor and sustainable industries. Another major highlight to consider when relocating to either country is the cost of living.  

The UK, particularly cities like London, has a high cost of living, including expensive housing and transport compared to Canada with affordable living options. Notably, cities like Ottawa and Calgary provide a balance of affordability and quality of life.  

Immigration policies vary between both countries.  The UK’s Skilled Worker Visa focuses on job offers from approved employers, while Canada’s Express Entry system considers candidates based on age, skills, and experience which is preferable for those with no job offers. 

Types of UK Work Visa & Their Eligibility 

Skilled Worker Visa 

The Skilled Worker Visa allows foreign workers to come to the UK to do an eligible job. It is the most applied-for visa, linked to employment in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering. This visa is tied to employer sponsorship to ensure applicants contribute to sectors with labor shortages in the country.  

Eligibility Criteria

1. Job offer from a UK-registered sponsor.
2. Minimum salary of £26,200 annually or £10.75 per hour (lower for shortage occupations).
3. Proficiency in English (IELTS or equivalent)
4. Valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
5. Evidence of funds to support living expenses. 
6. The job applied for must appear on the UK Skilled Occupation List.

Global Talent Visa 

The Global Talent Visa caters to highly skilled individuals in fields like science, art, technology, and research. It allows applicants to work in the UK without employer sponsorship, making it ideal for leaders or talents of promise.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Endorsement from an approved UK body, such as Tech Nation or Arts Council.
2. Proven exceptional talent or promise.
3. Potential contribution to the UK economy or culture.
4. Valid passport or travel document.
5. No criminal record.
6. Evidence of awards, publications, or leadership roles is sometimes required. 

Tier 5 Temporary Worker Visa 

The Tier 5 Visa enables individuals to work in the UK temporarily under specific schemes, such as creative arts, sports, charity work, or government-authorized exchanges. It’s suitable for short-term assignments and cultural exchange programs.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Job offer from a UK sponsor licensed for Tier 5 visas.
2. Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
3. Maintenance funds of at least £1,270.
4. Proficiency in English (if required by the scheme).
5. Work aligned with an approved scheme category.
6. Stay limited to 12-24 months, depending on the category.

Types of Canada Work Visa 

Express Entry 

The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate applicants based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. It includes programs like Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Minimum CRS score (varies per draw).
2. Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
3. At least one year of skilled work experience.
4. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees.
5. Proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
6. No criminal record or health issues.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs allow Canadian provinces to nominate individuals based on local labor market needs. It’s ideal for those with skills in demand in specific provinces like Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nomination from a province or territory.
2. Relevant work experience in a high-demand occupation.
3. Valid language test results (CLB score of 4+).
4. Evidence of intent to stay in the nominating province.
5. Proof of resettlement funds.
6. Relevant educational credentials matching job requirements.

Work Permits 

Work Permits allow temporary employment in Canada, either through employer-specific permits or open permits. They often depend on job offers or specific programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Eligibility Criteria

1. Job offer letter from a Canadian employer (for employer-specific permits).
2. Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval (if required).
3. Proof of funds for living expenses.
4. Valid passport or travel document.
5. Clear medical examination results.
6. Compliance with the terms of the permit and no criminal record.

Top Jobs Available In The UK And Canada And Their Salaries 

Here, are the top jobs available in the UK and Canada, along with their average salaries.

In the UK, some of the top jobs for foreigners include:

Skilled Workers 

As a job role in demand across various sectors in the UK, including healthcare, IT, and engineering, skilled workers, depending on the industry and experience may earn anywhere between £26,200 to £60,000 and even more.

Consultants 

Consultants are needed in various fields in the UK.  These may include management, IT, and finance. Salaries in this field start from £39,000 up to £133,000 per year depending on experience and industry.

Meanwhile, in Canada, some of the top jobs for foreigners include:

Human Resources Managers 

HR managers are in high demand in Canada, particularly in Ontario, and are responsible for recruiting top talent. Individuals in this field earn an average $96,305 per year.

Pharmacists 

Pharmacists are consistently in high demand in Canada, this is one of the top suggested jobs for foreigners coming into the country. Pharmacists in Canada earn average salaries ranging from $92,314 to $129,600 per year.

Aerospace Engineers 

Aerospace engineers are in high demand in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. With an average annual earning of $108,347, this is one good job for foreigners looking for jobs in Canada.

General Laborers

General laborers are needed in various industries across Canada, including construction and manufacturing. Workers in this field earn up to $50,700 per year.

Caregivers 

With Canada’s aging population, caregivers are in high demand, particularly in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. As a high demand job role, it attracts high pay of $35,100 per year.

Required Documents to Relocate to the UK or Canada

Here is a list of commonly required documents to relocate to the UK or Canada: 

1. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity is required. 
2. A completed and signed visa application form for the specific visa type is required.  
3. Applicants must provide proof of financial stability. 
4. A job offer letter from a recognized employer in the UK or Canada is required if it is an employment based visa.  
5. Applicants must provide qualifications matching job requirements.  
6. English proficiency test results like IELTS (UK and Canada) or TEF for French (Canada) are required.  
7. A no criminal record document is required. 
8. Applicants must provide a medical examination certificate. 
9. Proof of accommodation upon arrival into the country in this case the UK or Canada is required. 
10. For family applications, marriage or birth certificates may be required.  

How to Search for Jobs 

To search for jobs in the UK or Canada, you can start by using online platforms, the likes of LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor come in handy in this aspect. 

You can leverage any of these popular online platforms to find opportunities that match your skills and expertise. As you search for jobs, ensure to tailor your CV and cover letter to each opening. 

Highlight your experience and if possible explore government websites such as Job Bank in Canada and Find a Job in the UK for verified opportunities.  

Networking with professionals in your field is also as important as the earlier tip discussed. Reach out to agencies that hire foreign prospects, and for most of your interest, you may want to research companies that offer visa sponsorships to streamline your relocation.  

How to Apply for a UK/Canada Visa (Step by Step Process) 

Now that you are familiar with the type of visas in the UK and Canada what is best to know is how you can apply as you plan your relocation. Here we break down the application process into simple steps to follow: 

Know the Visa You Need 

For one, applying for a visa to the UK or Canada involves a structured process. 

First, you will need to determine the type of visa you need, as discussed earlier there is the Skilled Worker Visa for the UK and the Express Entry Program for Canada. 

Visit the Official Government Immigration Website 

The next step on the must do is to visit the immigration website, here you should see and understand eligibility requirements and gather all documents required of you. Some of these may include: 

1. Valid passports 
2. Job offer letter 
3. Proof of funds 
4. Language test results
5. Medical or police clearance certificates and a few others.  

Create an Online Account 

On the respective visa application portals, you will be required to create an account. For the UK, use the GOV.UK website, and the IRCC website (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for Canada.  

Fill Out the Visa Application Form 

At this point, you will be required to enter necessary personal information and ensure to provide only accurate data and those that match your supporting documents. 

Pay the Application Fees 

This is where you will need to pay the required application fees and upload the supporting documents required of you.  

Attend the Visa Center

Applying for a visa to the UK more often than not may require a biometrics appointment, other times, attending a visa center. Meanwhile, for Canada, an interview may be required.  

Track Your Application Status 

In order not to miss out on anything it is expected of you to track the status of your application and respond swiftly to any additional requests from immigration authorities.  

After much is said and done, once approved, you will receive your visa and instructions for traveling. Check the validity period, and conditions of your visa and ensure compliance during your relocation.