How To Apply For a Canadian Visa From the UK

Canada welcomes thousands of newcomers to become permanent residents every year.

In fact, in 2023 alone, Canada plans to invite 465,000 newcomers to become permanent residents.

Canada has a wide variety of opportunities for those who want to move to Canada from the UK to start a new life, especially for skilled workers. What’s more, the more experience you have in your skilled profession, the better your chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residency.

Most people who aren’t Canadian or U.S. citizens, however, will need a visa for Canada to enter the country legally. So let’s take a closer look at how to determine whether you qualify and apply for a Canada visa from the UK.

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa From the UK

Starting your Canadian visa application from the UK can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the application process and numerous immigration programs. To help you find your best pathway to Canada, take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Canadian visa from the  UK. 

Step 1. Have an Evaluation Done

Now, you might be asking, “Why should I pay for a service that I could get for free or figure out myself and probably don’t even need?” 

Canada has more than 100 immigration or visa programs, with different eligibility criteria, application methods, and document requirements. Sifting through these programs to find one that’s right for you can be time-consuming and confusing. 

This is why having an experienced immigration and Canadian visa expert handling your application is so vital. They have valuable insights into these programs and will be able to determine not only which ones you qualify for but which ones you’re more likely to have a successful application.

Remember, if you apply for the wrong program or make a mistake on your Canadian visa application, it will either be delayed or simply rejected. You also won’t be able to get a refund, making it vital to get the application right from the get-go.

So if you want to save time and money, it’s recommended to have an assessment done by a paid Canadian visa expert. Yes, there are free evaluations out there, but the results are more than likely generalized rather than based on the specific nature of your case.

Step 2. Choose Your Visa Program

Now that you know which Canadian visa programs you qualify for and which are best suited to your individual needs, it’s time to select your preferred immigration program or visa for Canada. 

If you have chosen to work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer, they will present you with your evaluation results. It is then completely up to you which visa or immigration pathway you choose.

Step 3. Gather Your Documentation

The next step is to start gathering your required documents before you apply for your visa for Canada from the UK. Using a paid immigration representative or service means you should be provided with a list of required documents and forms that need to be completed. Alternatively, this information is also available on the official government website. 

It’s important to note that some documents will take longer than others to acquire.  So, it’s best to apply for these immediately to avoid any delays in the Canadian visa application process.

Step 4. Complete and Submit Your Application

Now that you have everything you need, you can apply for your Canadian Visa from the UK. Depending on the visa or immigration program, you will likely need to create an online application profile. You will also have a specific amount of time to submit your Canadian visa application and supporting documentation. 

If you are applying for permanent residency, this will be a separate application. If successful in your visa application, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You will need to accept this invitation and submit your application within 60 days of receipt.

Step 5. Pay Your Application Fee

When you apply for a Canada Visa from the UK, you will be required to pay your government application fees. Most applications and payments are made online. You will, therefore, need a valid credit card to pay your fees.

Once you’ve submitted your application and paid your fees, you will need to submit your biometrics. You may also be required to provide additional documents and schedule an interview. 

You will then be notified of the status of your application or, alternatively, use the new application status tracker.

If you are applying for permanent residency in Canada, you will have 60 days to do so once you’ve been notified.

So, now that you know how to apply for a Canadian visa from the UK – Ready to start the process? Find out whether you qualify to move to Canada, permanently, with the help of our immigration professionals at CanadaMigration.org.