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:
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.
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.
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. To get a Canadian work permit, you typically need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and, in many cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) supporting your employment.
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.
Study Permit Application: It is important to note that a study permit is not a visa and does not guarantee your entry into Canada. When IRCC approves your study permit, it automatically issues your eTA, so you do not need to apply for one separately. If your course lasts 6 months or less, you usually do not need a study permit at all, only an eTA.
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. 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 as a UK citizen
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, such as a police certificate.
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.
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:
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): CAD $7 (approx. £4).
Study permit: CAD $150 (approx. £88).
Work permit: CAD $155 (approx. £91). Open work permits carry an extra CAD $100 holder fee.
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), if required: CAD $85 per person.
Please note that the fees above match IRCC’s list as updated on 30 April 2026, but they are subject to change. Check the Government of Canada's website for the most up-to-date information on visa fees.
How to get a certified translation
Canada’s official languages are 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, IRCC asks for an English or French translation by a certified translator, together with a copy of the original. If the translator is not certified, IRCC asks for an affidavit sworn by the translator instead (IRCC translation requirements). 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 Canada visa applications. Common examples include birth certificates and academic certificates.
Translayte guarantees translating 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. See all our certified translation services.
Get in touch with our team today to consult on our competitive fees and have your documents translated in no time. Get a quote online.
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!
