Study (F-1, Study Permit, Tier 4): Canada vs United Kingdom
Side-by-side comparison of government fees, processing times, PR timelines, work rights, and cost of living — for African professionals.
Choosing where to study is more than tuition fees — post-study work rights and PR pathways matter just as much. Here is how Canada and the United Kingdom compare for African students. Post-study work routes also differ: Canada offers the PGWP — up to 3 years matching study duration // canada, while the United Kingdom has the Graduate visa — 2 years.
Study (F-1, Study Permit, Tier 4)
Applies to this pathway across all destinations
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Government Application Fees | CAD $150 | Verify at gov.uk → |
| Processing Time | — | 3–6 wks |
| Work Hours During Study | 24 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week |
| Post-Study Work Route | PGWP — up to 3 years matching study duration // canada.ca | Graduate visa — 2 years (3 years for PhD) // gov.uk/graduate-visa |
| Dependent / Family Rights | Open work permit for spouse; study permit for dependent children | Student Dependant visa for spouse and children; must show £845/month per dependant |
| Spouse Work Rights | Open work permit for spouse of qualifying full-time student at eligible institution | Spouse may work up to 20 hrs/week during term; full-time during official holidays |
| Typical Time to PR (yrs) | 3 yrsStudy + PGWP work experience → Express Entry CEC profile; CRS cutoff varies | 7 yrsStudy → Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker → ILR; approximately 7 years total from start of studies |
| PR Pathway Summary | Study → PGWP → CEC Express Entry profile; Canadian study + work experience adds significant CRS points | Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker route is well-established; 5 years on Skilled Worker required for ILR |
| Path to Citizenship (yrs) | 3 yrs | 6 yrs |
| Healthcare Access | Provincial health (OHIP/MSP); 3-month wait in some provinces; no premium in most | NHS — free at point of use; IHS surcharge £1,035/yr required for most visa holders |
| Effective Tax Rate at Median (%) | 30% | 30% |
| Credential Recognition Body | WES (Canada) or ICAS | UK ENIC |
| Primary City Cost Index (London=100) | Toronto · 83 | London · 100 |
Next step
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Study processing typically take in Canada?
Processing times for Study in Canada vary by application type. Check the official government website for current estimates.
What are the government application fees for Study in the United Kingdom?
Government fees in the United Kingdom for Study are approximately current fee ~£363 + IHS £776/yr; treat as volatile. Fees are updated periodically — verify current rates on the official immigration website before applying.
How many hours per week can I work during my studies in Canada?
International students on a study visa in Canada are typically permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during term time. Work rights may be unrestricted in official holiday periods — confirm with your institution and visa authority.
What post-study work options are available in the United Kingdom after completing my degree?
the United Kingdom offers the following post-study work route: Graduate visa — 2 years (3 years for PhD) // gov.uk/graduate-visa. This allows graduates to gain professional experience before transitioning to a longer-term work visa.
Which country — Canada or the United Kingdom — offers a faster path to citizenship via Study?
Canada reaches citizenship eligibility in approximately 3 years after gaining PR, compared to 6 years in the United Kingdom. Both pathways require meeting language or civics requirements.
Data verified 2026-05-21 · Sourced from official government websites. Always verify fees and deadlines directly.