Canadian Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Are you a UK citizen planning to visit, work, or study in Canada? If so, it's essential to understand the Canadian visa requirements for UK citizens. Travelling to Canada has just been made easier with the removal of the COVID-19 border requirement as of October 1, 2022. However, Canada visa requirements still apply. So, if you plan on visiting the country for studies, tourism, visiting family or friends, marriage or investments, you will require some key documents and conditions for having a visa. These conditions differ for citizens of various countries.  Citizens of the UK (& its Overseas Territory) have the opportunity of travelling to Canada without using a visa. All they need to get is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for travels from 6 months and below. In this article, we'll walk you through the various visa types, application procedures, required documents, and associated costs for UK citizens.

In this article, you will find information on: 

• What type of visa do UK citizens need to visit Canada?
• How do I apply for a Canadian visa as a UK permanent resident or citizen?
• Documents You Need to Apply for an eTA
• Documents You Need to Apply for a Canadian Visa
• How much does a Canadian visa cost for UK citizens?
• How to get a certified translation.

What Type of Visa Do UK Citizens Need to Visit Canada?

Generally, there are 2 major kinds of Canadian Visas; permanent resident visa and temporary resident visa, with all the other types of visas coming under these broad categories. This means there is a visa for almost everyone, depending on what your purpose for travelling to Canada is. 

Some types of Canadian visas are; express entry visas, start-up visas, self-employment visas, refugee visas, provincial nominee visas etc. But if you are a UK citizen visiting Canada for a short period, (up to 6 months) you generally do not require a visa. Instead, you need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for tourism, business, or transit purposes if you are travelling to Canada by air. You won’t need an eTA if you are travelling by land or sea. However, if you plan to work or study in Canada for more than 6 months, you will need to apply for a specific work or study permit. Likewise, if you need to stay for more than 6 months at a time for whatever legal reason, you will need to get the appropriate visa for your visit. 

Here's an overview of the most common visa types(travel documents) for UK citizens:

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): This is an entry requirement that is meant for visa-exempt foreign nationals who want to travel to Canada by air. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until you renew your passport. It can only be used for short visits that are up to 6 months, nothing more.
    
2. Study permit: This is a document issued to UK students that allows them to study at Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs)in Canada. The Canadian study permit is usually valid for a stipulated period and may come with a restriction of movement, while in Canada. It is necessary for UK citizens planning to study in Canada for more than 6 months.
    
3. Work permit: This is a document that is issued by the IRCC to foreigners who want to work in Canada temporarily. It usually stipulates where they can work, who they can work for, the kind of work they can do and for how long they can do it.

How do I Apply for a Canadian Visa as a UK Permanent Resident or Citizen?

• eTA Application: The process for getting the correct travel documents to Canada for a UK citizen is pretty straightforward. To get an eTA, UK citizens can apply online through the Government of Canada's official website. This is the only site authorised to receive the application and issue the eTA. The application process is simple, and you'll typically receive your eTA approval within minutes after paying the non-refundable fee of $7 CAD. However, in some cases, it may take a few days. It is recommended that you should apply for your eTA well in advance of your trip before you buy your flight ticket, in order to avoid any losses.
  
   
• Student Permit Application: It is important to note that a student permit is not a visa and does not guarantee your entry into Canada. If you apply for a Canadian study permit, you will also need to apply for an eTA (for the academic pursuit of 6 months & less) or a visitor visa, as this is what will enable you to enter Canada.
   
• Work Permit Application: For Canadian work permits, it is advised that you apply online. However, you can also apply by sending in a paper application attached with a note explaining that you are eligible to apply by paper. But you must note that online applications usually have faster processing times. To apply online, visit the Government of Canada's immigration and citizenship website and follow the step-by-step instructions. The government of Canada is currently prioritising processing work permits for essential service professions like Agriculture & Healthcare. If your occupation does not fall under these fields, your application might take longer to process. You can apply for a work permit outside Canada, in Canada or at a port of entry into Canada.

Documents You Need to Apply for an eTA

If you are applying for an eTA, here are the things you need to have in hand before your application.

• A valid British passport.
• A valid email address (the outcome of your eTA application will be communicated to you through this email).
• A valid card (Visa card, Mastercard or American Express card)to make the non-refundable payment for the eTA.

Documents You Need to Apply for a Canadian Visa 

If your visit to Canada from the UK will be over 6 months, here are the required documents for a Canadian visa application. They may vary, depending on the type of visa you're applying for. 

Here's a general list of documents you may need:

• A valid UK passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned stay in Canada.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Completed application forms and any additional forms required for your specific visa type.
• An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) if applying for a study permit.
• A job offer from a Canadian employer if applying for a work permit.
• A medical examination result.
• Proof of no criminal record.
• Receipt from the payment of the visa application fee.

Check the specific requirements for the visa type you're applying for on the Canadian government's website.

Travel Checklist

How much does a Canadian visa cost for UK citizens?

The cost of a Canadian visa for UK citizens depends on the type of visa:

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): CAD $7 (approx. £4).
2. Study permit: CAD $150 (approx. £88).
3. Work permit: CAD $155 (approx. £91).

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and additional fees may apply for biometrics, medical examinations, or other services. Check the Government of Canada's website for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.

How to get a certified translation

The official language in Canada is English and French, which makes it easy enough for UK citizens to use their documents in Canada because English is also the official language in the UK. However, what do you do if your documents are in one of the other languages used in the UK? If any of your documents are in Scots, Welsh, Irish or any of the other languages spoken in the UK, you need to have them translated by a certified translator, you will need to submit your translated documents with a certification from the translator. Translayte provides legally certified translation services Canada, attested by a stamp to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the translation, thus meeting the requirements for Canadian visa applications. 

Here is an example of our certified document translation. 

Translayte guarantees to translate your documents to the accepted standard for Canada visa application. Our service will ensure that you do not have to allocate extra time for your visa processing needs. The translation process takes from as little as 12 hours to 48 hours, with same-day delivery for urgent cases.  

Get in touch with our team today to consult on our competitive fees and have your documents translated in no time.

Conclusion

Understanding the Canada visa requirements for UK citizens is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you'll be well-prepared for your journey to Canada. Happy travels!