Work Visa (Skilled Worker, H-1B, 482): Canada vs United Kingdom
Side-by-side comparison of government fees, processing times, PR timelines, work rights, and cost of living — for African professionals.
For African professionals planning a skilled-worker move, Canada and the United Kingdom each offer distinct routes — different salary thresholds, processing timelines, and paths to permanent residency. The typical path to permanent residency takes 2 years in Canada versus 5 years in the United Kingdom. Citizenship follows after 3 years in Canada and 6 years in the United Kingdom — a meaningful long-term difference for families planning to settle.
Work Visa (Skilled Worker, H-1B, 482)
Applies to this pathway across all destinations
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Government Application Fees | Verify at canada.ca → | Verify at gov.uk → |
| Processing Time | — | up to 16 wks |
| Work Hours During Study | — | — |
| Post-Study Work Route | — | — |
| Dependent / Family Rights | Open work permit for spouse/common-law partner; study permit for dependent children | Skilled Worker Dependant visa for spouse and children under 18; IHS £1,035/yr per dependant |
| Spouse Work Rights | Open work permit — spouse may work for any Canadian employer | Full unrestricted work rights on Skilled Worker Dependant visa |
| Typical Time to PR (yrs) | 2 yrsWork permit holders may apply to Express Entry via CEC; CRS score cutoff varies by draw | 5 yrs |
| PR Pathway Summary | Express Entry CEC pathway: Canadian work experience adds significant CRS points; targeted draws for key sectors | 5 years continuous Skilled Worker residence → ILR application; straightforward if absence limits respected |
| 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 Work Visa processing typically take in Canada?
Processing times for Work Visa in Canada vary by application type. Check the official government website for current estimates.
What are the government application fees for Work Visa in the United Kingdom?
Government fees in the United Kingdom for Work Visa are approximately current fee ~£1,846 + £1,035/yr IHS; treat as volatile. Fees are updated periodically — verify current rates on the official immigration website before applying.
Can my spouse or partner work in Canada if I hold a Work Visa?
Open work permit — spouse may work for any Canadian employer
How long does it take to qualify for permanent residency via Work Visa in Canada?
Most applicants become eligible for permanent residency in Canada after approximately 2 years of continuous residence under a qualifying Work Visa. Employment continuity and absence periods can affect eligibility.
Which country — Canada or the United Kingdom — offers a faster path to citizenship via Work Visa?
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.