Thinking of working or studying in the UK?
The UK is an attractive destination for work, studies or just a good holiday. The UK’s vibrant economy and society has attracted workers, students and migrants from around the world for generations, and we are keen to be the destination of choice for Canadians, skilled workers, young people seeking new experiences and students.
There are a number of visa categories that allow you to work or study in the UK. Although Canadian nationals are entitled to visit the UK, and to study there for short periods, without a visa, most people who want to work or study in the UK will require a visa of some kind.
We can not tell you what visa is best for you – only you can know what your intentions, needs and circumstances are. The information below may help you make your decision, and contains links to more detailed information about each category.
Working
Studying
| Kathryn's Story Kathryn first went to London in 2004 for a working holiday, in between her first and second year of MBA studies. The visa allowed Kathryn to take an extended holiday in the UK and combine this experience with an internship at a major London bank. After returning to Canada to finish her MBA, Kathryn decided to head back to London. She applied for a visa as a highly skilled worker; she enrolled her biometric data at our Toronto Visa Application Centre on 21 December, and had her visa within 5 working days. She is now back in the UK pursuing a career in the City. Kathryn tells us that she is impressed by the speed and efficiency of the UK visa application process, "The online application is clear and easy to follow and I was amazed at how fast my application was processed. Also, the appointments were punctual at the Toronto Visa Application Centre, so no long lines! The entire process was encouraging and I am now enjoying my work experience and life in London!" Brieanne's Stroy |
| Brieanne found the UK visa process to be "fast, efficient and incredibly easy". She first took a student visa to study at the London School of Economics in Summer 2006. She stayed in the UK studying and then working until January 2008 when she came home. Three months after coming back to Ontario she decided to return to the UK to build a career. In March 2008 she applied to return to the UK through the post-study worker scheme, which allows graduates of UK universities to live and work in the UK. "I was notified via email that my visa was approved within 2 working days! I am now happily back in the UK, living and working in London and incredibly grateful for the ease and speed of my recent experience in obtaining a UK Visa!" |
