Study (F-1, Study Permit, Tier 4): United Kingdom vs Canada
Side-by-side comparison of government fees, processing times, PR timelines, work rights, and cost of living — for African professionals.
the United Kingdom and Canada are two of the most popular study destinations for African professionals building international careers. This page breaks down the key differences. In the United Kingdom, processing typically takes 3–6 weeks. Post-study work routes also differ: the United Kingdom offers the Graduate visa — 2 years, while Canada has the PGWP — up to 3 years matching study duration // canada.
Study (F-1, Study Permit, Tier 4)
Applies to this pathway across all destinations
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Government Application Fees | Verify at gov.uk → | CAD $150 |
| Processing Time | 3–6 wks | — |
| Work Hours During Study | 20 hrs/week | 24 hrs/week |
| Post-Study Work Route | Graduate visa — 2 years (3 years for PhD) // gov.uk/graduate-visa | PGWP — up to 3 years matching study duration // canada.ca |
| Dependent / Family Rights | Student Dependant visa for spouse and children; must show £845/month per dependant | Open work permit for spouse; study permit for dependent children |
| Spouse Work Rights | Spouse may work up to 20 hrs/week during term; full-time during official holidays | Open work permit for spouse of qualifying full-time student at eligible institution |
| Typical Time to PR (yrs) | 7 yrsStudy → Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker → ILR; approximately 7 years total from start of studies | 3 yrsStudy + PGWP work experience → Express Entry CEC profile; CRS cutoff varies |
| PR Pathway Summary | Graduate Visa → Skilled Worker route is well-established; 5 years on Skilled Worker required for ILR | Study → PGWP → CEC Express Entry profile; Canadian study + work experience adds significant CRS points |
| 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 Study processing typically take in the United Kingdom?
In the United Kingdom, Study applications typically take 3–6 weeks to process. Times can vary by visa category and country of origin — always verify with the official government portal.
What are the government application fees for Study in Canada?
Government fees in Canada for Study are approximately CAD $150. 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 the United Kingdom?
International students on a study visa in the United Kingdom are typically permitted to work up to 20 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 Canada after completing my degree?
Canada offers the following post-study work route: PGWP — up to 3 years matching study duration // canada.ca. This allows graduates to gain professional experience before transitioning to a longer-term work visa.
Which country — the United Kingdom or Canada — offers a faster path to citizenship via Study?
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.