Permanent Residency (Express Entry, ILR, 189): United Kingdom vs Canada
Side-by-side comparison of government fees, processing times, PR timelines, work rights, and cost of living — for African professionals.
For African professionals considering permanent settlement, the United Kingdom and Canada differ significantly on points systems, processing times, and the road to citizenship. The typical path to permanent residency takes 5 years in the United Kingdom versus 1 years in Canada. Citizenship follows after 6 years in the United Kingdom and 3 years in Canada — a meaningful long-term difference for families planning to settle.
Permanent Residency (Express Entry, ILR, 189)
Applies to this pathway across all destinations
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Government Application Fees | £2,885 ILR application fee | CAD $850 processing + CAD $515 RPRF = CAD $1,365 total |
| Processing Time | — | 16–26 wks |
| Work Hours During Study | — | — |
| Post-Study Work Route | — | — |
| Dependent / Family Rights | Qualifying family members can apply for ILR simultaneously | Spouse and dependent children included on PR application; become PRs on landing |
| Spouse Work Rights | ILR — full and unrestricted work rights in the UK | PR status — full and unrestricted work rights in Canada |
| Typical Time to PR (yrs) | 5 yrsMust have completed 5 years on qualifying visa first (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, etc.) | 1 yrsExpress Entry draw-to-ITA to landing typically 6–12 months from invitation; profile build may take longer to reach CRS cutoff |
| PR Pathway Summary | No single absence >180 days; total absences ≤450 days in 5-year qualifying period; Life in the UK Test; IELTS B1 | Points-based CRS system; employment in Canada, education, and language all contribute score; targeted draws for specific occupations |
| Path to Citizenship (yrs) | 6 yrs | 3 yrs |
| Healthcare Access | NHS — free at point of use; IHS surcharge £1,035/yr required for most visa holders | Provincial health (OHIP/MSP); 3-month wait in some provinces; no premium in most |
| Effective Tax Rate at Median (%) | 30% | 30% |
| Credential Recognition Body | UK ENIC | WES (Canada) or ICAS |
| Primary City Cost Index (London=100) | London · 100 | Toronto · 83 |
Next step
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Permanent Residency processing typically take in the United Kingdom?
Processing times for Permanent Residency in the United Kingdom vary by application type. Check the official government website for current estimates.
What are the government application fees for Permanent Residency in Canada?
Government fees in Canada for Permanent Residency are approximately CAD $850 processing + CAD $515 RPRF = CAD $1,365 total. Fees are updated periodically — verify current rates on the official immigration website before applying.
Can my spouse or partner work in the United Kingdom if I hold a Permanent Residency?
ILR — full and unrestricted work rights in the UK
How long does it take to qualify for permanent residency via Permanent Residency in the United Kingdom?
Most applicants become eligible for permanent residency in the United Kingdom after approximately 5 years of continuous residence under a qualifying Permanent Residency. Employment continuity and absence periods can affect eligibility.
Which country — the United Kingdom or Canada — offers a faster path to citizenship via Permanent Residency?
Canada offers citizenship after around 3 years of PR residency, while the United Kingdom requires approximately 6 years. Naturalisation conditions vary — confirm requirements with each country's authority.
Data verified 2026-05-21 · Sourced from official government websites. Always verify fees and deadlines directly.