VISA AND IMMIGRATION CONSULTING
Live and work in the United Kingdom or Canada. For UK, through a skilled worker (Employer sponsorship) visa and standard visitor visa. For Canada, through a skilled worker (Temporary work permit) visa, PR visa (Express entry), and Temporary resident (Visitor) visa. A 5-year skilled worker visa in the UK provides eligibility to have an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or a Permanent Residence. Married applicants also have the privilege of relocating with their spouse and children if interested.
1) UNITED KINGDOM SKILLED WORKER VISA
OVERVIEW
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
It also allows you to work in UK waters.
ELIGIBILITY
YOUR JOB
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
• work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
• have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do and the date you got your CoS
The specific eligibility depends on your job.
You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.
Knowledge of English
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.
If you’re not eligible for a Skilled Worker visa
You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.
HOW LONG YOU CAN STAY
Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
HOW TO APPLY
You must apply online.
How you apply depends on whether you’re:
• outside the UK and are coming to the UK
• inside the UK and extending your current visa
• inside the UK and switching from a different visa.
If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa.
Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’.
HOW LONG IT TAKES
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
GETTING A DECISION
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.
If your application is successful, your decision email will tell you what you’ll get to prove your immigration status and what you need to do next.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS
You, your partner or children will each need to:
• pay the application fee
• pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
• prove you have enough personal savings.
IF YOU WORK IN PUBLIC SECTOR HEALTHCARE
If you’re a doctor or nurse, or you work in health or adult social care, check if you’re eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead. It’s cheaper to apply for and you do not need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AND CANNOT DO
With a Skilled Worker visa YOU CAN:
• work in an eligible job
• study
• bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if you meet the eligibility requirements
• take on additional work in certain circumstances
• travel abroad and return to the UK
• apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements
• do voluntary work
Any voluntary work you do must be unpaid and for one of the following:
• a registered charity
• a voluntary organisation
• an associated fundraising body (an organisation that raises money for a charity or voluntary organisation)
• a statutory body (a government-appointed body, for example Historic England)
YOU CANNOT:
• apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• change jobs or employer unless you apply to update your visa
If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Skilled Worker visa.
2) UK STANDARD VISITOR VISA
If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
You must meet the eligibility requirements and only do permitted activities.
VISA FEES
Standard Visitor visa £127 6 months
Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons £220 11 months
Standard Visitor visa for academics £220 12 months
2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa £475 6 months per visit
5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa £848 6 months per visit
10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa £1,059 6 months per visit.
LONG-TERM STANDARD VISITOR VISA
You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.
If you’re under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.
You may be given a shorter visa than requested if UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) believe you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa you applied for.
You will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or if your application is refused.
Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.
DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION YOU'LL NEED RO APPLY
You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK.
You’ll need to provide the following information in your application;
• the dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
• where you’ll be staying during your visit
• how much you think your trip will cost
• your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
• your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
• how much you earn in a year (if you have an income)
• details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:
• details of your travel history for the past 10 years
• your employer’s address and telephone number
• your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
• the name and address of anyone paying for your trip
• the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK
• a certificate proving that you’ve had a tuberculosis (TB) test if you’re visiting for more than 6 months.
You need to provide additional documents if you’re visiting the UK:
• to study
• as an academic
• for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’
• for medical reasons
PROVING YOUR IDENTITY AND PROVIDING YOUR DOCUMENTS
As part of your application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Allow time to attend your appointment, as the visa application centre could be in another country.
At your appointment, you’ll need to:
• prove your identity with your passport or travel document
• have your fingerprints and a photo (biometric information) taken
• provide the required documents that show you’re eligible for a Standard Visitor visa.
You’ll get your passport or travel document back on the same day. The visa application centre may keep some of your other documents while processing your application. You’ll be told what they’ll need when you apply.
HOW LONG IT TAKES TO GET A DECISION
Once you’ve applied, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
You’ll get an email when the Home Office has made a decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.
3) CANADA PERMANENT RESIDENCE (PR) VISA THROUGH EXPRESS ENTRY
Express Entry is an online system that is used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.
There are 3 immigration programs managed through Express Entry:
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a federal immigration program allowing skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency via Express Entry. It requires intermediate language skills and TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs, making it ideal for former students and temporary workers.
Eligibility Requirements:
Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled, full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid Canadian work experience in the last 3 years.
Skill Level:
Experience must be in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Language Skills: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC 0 or A; CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
Processing Times:
Generally processed within 3-4 months.
THE FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a key Canadian immigration pathway under Express Entry for skilled foreign workers with work experience, skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3), and proficiency in English or French. Candidates must score at least 67 points based on age, education, experience, and language, and do not necessarily need a job offer to apply, though they must prove settlement funds.
Key Requirements & Details
Work Experience:
At least 12 months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 10 years.
Language Proficiency:
Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, listening) in English or French.
Education:
A Canadian credential or a foreign credential verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
Selection Factors (67 Points): Applicants must score a minimum of 67 out of 100 on a points grid assessing age, education, work experience, language proficiency, adaptability, and arranged employment.
Settlement Funds:
Candidates must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families, unless they are currently authorized to work in Canada or have a valid job offer.
THE FEDERAL SKILLED TRADE PROGRAM
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade, particularly construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Key roles include electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC mechanics, often requiring certifications like the Red Seal for mobility.
HOW THE EXPRESS ENTRY WORKS :
1• We create a profile and enter the pool.
2• Candidates with the most points in rounds are invited.
3• If you're invited to apply, we fill out the application.
4• The application is reviewed and a decision is made.
PROCESSING TIMES
Times vary by program and country.
Your application may take longer than the times shown. They’re not a maximum or a guarantee.
FEES
Your application: $CAN 1,525
Fees for your family members:
Spouse: $CAN 1,525
Dependent child: $CAN 260
This doesn't include your visa consultant's or representative's fees. This fees is paid to the Canadian Embassy as part of the requirements for the PR visa.
STEPS FOLLOWED
STEP 1• WHO CAN APPLY
Compare eligiblity requirements for all 3 programs
Check your score
Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
STEP 2 • GET YOUR DOCUMENTS READY
Language test, education, job offer, funds, police certificates
STEP 3 • CREATE YOUR PROFILE
Submit your profile to enter the pool, what to do if your work permit expires
Rounds of invitations
Scores of latest rounds, how the rounds work, types of rounds
STEP 4 • APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Submit the online form, upload documents, pay your fees
STEP 5 • AFTER YOU APPLY
Biometrics, processing, application status
STEP 6 • IF YOUR APPLICATION IS APPROVED
Confirm your permanent resident status or prepare to arrive in Canada
4) CANADA SKILLED WORKER VISA (TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT)
TYPES OF WORK PERMITS
There are 2 types of work permits. The type you can apply for depends on your eligibility.
Employer specific work permit - Most common
You need a job offer.
Your employer may need a labour market impact assessment (LMIA).
Open work permit
For special circumstances
You don’t need a job offer.
You can work for most compliant employers in Canada.
You’re only eligible in certain situations.
EMPLOYER SPECIFIC WORK PERMIT
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as
• the name of the specific employer you can work for
• how long you can work
• the location where you can work (if applicable)
Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you
a copy of your employment contract
1 of the following:
• a copy of a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)
• an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)
To get this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.
If your employer doesn’t need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, they must give you a copy of the employment contract.
If you want to bring your family with you, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you while you work in Canada.
FEES
CA$155
This does not include your visa consultant's or representative's fees
PROCESSING TIMES
Times vary by work permit type and from country to country.
STEPS FOLLOWED
STEP 1 • WHO CAN APPLY
Requirements you need to meet to get a work permit
STEP 2 • HOW TO APPLY
Get the forms you need and apply for a work permit
STEP 3 • AFTER YOU APPLY
Biometrics, processing, and documents before you arrive
STEP 4 • PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL
What you should know before you arrive in Canada for work
STEP 5 • WHEN YOU START WORKING
Conditions, documents and rights for foreign workers in Canada
OPEN WORK PERMITS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF FOREIGN WORKERS
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that
- is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
- regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
- You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
Some jobs require a medical exam.
FEES
Open work permit holder fee: CA$100
This does not include your consultant's or representative's fees
PROCESSING TIMES
Times vary by type and country
FAMILY MEMBERS ELIGIBILITY
Your family member’s eligibility depends on
• whether you’re on a pathway or have already applied for permanent residence.
• what type of worker you are in Canada (Find your National Occupation Classification [NOC] code to help you find the answer.)
* Any high-skilled occupations in TEER 0 or 1
* Any high-skilled occupations in TEER 2
* Any high-skilled occupations in TEER 3
If your family member is not eligible to apply for an open work permit, they may be eligible to apply for another work permit. If they don’t plan to work, they may be eligible to visit or study.
As of January 21, 2025, at 5:00 UTC, the eligibility requirements have changed for open work permits for family members of workers.
If you applied before January 21, 2025:
We’ll continue to process all applications that were received before January 21, 2025.
Applications received before January 21, 2025 will be processed under the previous eligibility criteria.
If your open work permit was already approved and hasn’t expired, it stays valid.
Some family members of foreign workers in Canada may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
A family member is defined as a
spouse or common-law partner
dependent child,
dependent child of the dependent child (for example: grandchildren)