In today’s globalized world, many individuals aspire to move abroad for better job opportunities, education, and a higher standard of living. The United Kingdom (UK) and Canada are two popular destinations for immigrants due to their strong economies, high-quality education systems, and excellent healthcare facilities.

If you are perplexed on which country to choose for permanent residency, then you should keep reading this article. Here, we will be highlighting which of the PR visas are better considering various factors.

UK PR Visa

The UK PR Visa, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows non-British citizens to live and work in the UK permanently without any restrictions. Also called settlement, it allows them to apply for British citizenship. Here’s what you need to know about the UK PR Visa:

Eligibility Criteria:

1. You must have spent a certain amount of time in the UK with a valid visa before applying for ILR. The exact time required depends on the type of visa you hold.

2. You must have a clean criminal record and meet the English language requirement.

3. You must pass the Life in the UK test, which tests your knowledge of British values, history, and culture.

4. You must earn enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.

UK PR Visa Application Process

1. Gather all the required documents, including your passport, biometric residence permit (BRP), and proof of address.

2. Fill out the online application form on the UK government’s website.

3. Submit your application along with the required fee (currently £2385 for most applicants).

4. Wait for a decision from the Home Office (the processing time can vary).

5. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a biometric residence permit (BRP) that shows your ILR status.

 

UK PR Visa Success Rates

According to the latest data from 2021-2022, 98% of UK PR Visa applications were successful. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as nationality and type of visa held. For example, applicants from certain countries may face additional scrutiny due to immigration rules or security concerns. It’s essential to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and provide all the necessary documents to increase your chances of success.

 

Canada PR Visa

The Canada PR Visa allows immigrants to live, work, and study in Canada permanently without any restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about the Canada PR Visa:

 

Eligibility Criteria

1. You must meet the minimum language proficiency requirement in either English or French (CLB 7 for most programs).

2. You must have enough money to support yourself and your family without relying on public funds (currently around CAD 13,000 for most programs).

3. You must have enough education or work experience in a skilled occupation (at least one year full-time or equivalent part-time).

4. You must pass a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for six months or more since age 18.

 

Canada PR Visa Application Process

1. Create an account on the IRCC website and complete your profile (you’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and contact details).

2. Submit your application online along with all the required documents and fees (currently CAD 850 for most programs). Note that some programs require additional fees or biometrics appointments at a visa application center (VAC).

3. Wait for a decision from IRCC (the processing time can vary depending on factors such as program type and backlog).

4. If your application is successful, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document that shows your PR status.

 

Canadian PR Visa Success Rates

According to the latest data from 2021-2022, 97% of Canada PR Visa applications were successful for most programs (such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs). However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as program type and nationality. For example, applicants from certain countries may face additional scrutiny due to immigration rules or security concerns. It’s essential to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and provide all the necessary documents to increase your chances of success. Conclusion: Both the UK PR Visa and Canada PR Visa offer

 

Similarities between the UK PR Visa and Canadian PR Visa

When it comes to permanent residency (PR) visas, two countries that often come to mind are the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. Both countries offer PR visas that allow skilled workers to live and work in their respective countries permanently. While there are some differences between the two visas, there are also several similarities that make them both attractive options for immigrants.

 

1. Skilled Worker Requirements

Both the UK and Canadian PR visas require applicants to have skilled work experience. In the UK, this is known as the Skilled Worker Visa, while in Canada, it is called the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Both programs require applicants to have a certain number of years of work experience in a skilled occupation, as well as meet other eligibility criteria such as language proficiency and education requirements.

 

2. Language Proficiency

Another similarity between the UK and Canadian PR visas is the language proficiency requirement. Both countries require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English or French, with Canada also accepting proficiency in other languages such as Spanish or Portuguese under certain circumstances. This requirement ensures that immigrants can communicate effectively in their new country and integrate into society.

 

3. Education Requirements

Education is also an important factor in both the UK and Canadian PR visa programs. In the UK, applicants must have a recognized qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or higher, while in Canada, applicants must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education at a recognized institution. Both countries also accept alternative forms of education, such as work experience or professional qualifications, under certain circumstances.

 

4. Application Process

The application process for both the UK and Canadian PR visas is similar in many ways. Applicants must first create an online profile and provide all necessary documentation, including proof of work experience, language proficiency, and education. Both countries also require applicants to pay a processing fee and provide biometric information such as fingerprints and photographs. Once all requirements are met, applications are reviewed by immigration officials, who decide on whether to grant PR status.

 

5. Processing Times

Processing times for both the UK and Canadian PR visas have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of 2022-2023, both countries are making progress in reducing wait times. In the UK, processing times for Skilled Worker Visas range from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the application (Source: GOV.UK). In Canada, processing times for FSWP applications range from 6 months to 1 year (Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Both countries are also implementing measures to improve processing times and reduce backlogs caused by high demand for PR visas.

 

6. Costs

The costs associated with applying for both the UK and Canadian PR visas can be significant, but they vary depending on the specific program and circumstances of the applicant. In the UK, the Skilled Worker Visa application fee is £610 (Source: GOV.UK), while in Canada, the FSWP application fee is CAD 850 (Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Both countries also charge additional fees for biometric information collection and processing (Source: GOV.UK and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). It’s important for applicants to carefully consider these costs when deciding which PR visa program is right for them.

 

Which is better, the Canadian PR or the UK PR?

When it comes to immigration, Canada and the UK are two popular destinations for skilled professionals from around the world. Both countries offer permanent residency programs, commonly known as PR (Permanent Residency), that allow individuals to live, work, and study indefinitely. However, the question arises: Which is better, the Canadian PR or the UK PR? In this section, we will compare both programs based on various factors.

 

1. Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for both programs are different. Let’s take a look at them:

 

a) Canadian PR

To apply for a Canadian PR, an individual needs to meet the following requirements:

i) Age: Between 18 and 49 years old (points are awarded based on age)

ii) Language Proficiency: CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 7 or higher in English or French (points are awarded based on language proficiency)

iii) Education: Completion of a one-year diploma or degree program at a recognized institution (points are awarded based on education level)

iv) Work Experience: At least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation (points are awarded based on work experience)

v) Adaptability: Points are awarded based on factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience in Canada.

vi) Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates need to receive an ITA through the Express Entry system to apply for PR.

 

b) UK PR

To apply for a UK PR, an individual needs to meet the following requirements:

i) Age: No upper age limit (points are not awarded based on age)

ii) Language Proficiency: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B1 or higher in English (points are not awarded based on language proficiency)

iii) Education: Completion of a recognized degree or diploma program (points are not awarded based on education level)

iv) Work Experience: At least five years of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation (points are not awarded based on work experience)

v) Adaptability: Points are not awarded based on adaptability factors.

vi) Visa Application: Candidates need to apply for a visa and meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker Visa route.

 

Our Verdict Based on Eligible Criteria

Based on the above criteria, it is evident that the Canadian PR has more stringent requirements than the UK PR. This could make it more challenging for some individuals to qualify for the Canadian PR compared to the UK PR. However, this also means that the Canadian PR may attract more highly skilled and experienced individuals, which could lead to a more talented pool of immigrants in Canada. In contrast, the UK PR may attract individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences due to less stringent requirements.

 

2. Processing Time and Costs

The processing time and costs associated with both programs also differ significantly. Let’s take a look at them:

 

a) Canadian PR

i) Processing Time: The processing time for a Canadian PR application can vary widely, from around six months to over two years, depending on various factors such as application volume and complexity. However, as per the latest data from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), as of October 2022, the processing time for most applications is around 18 months.

ii) Costs: The cost of applying for a Canadian PR is CAD 850 per person (as of October 2022). This includes fees for biometrics, the right of permanent residence fee, and processing fees. Additional fees may apply to dependent family members.

iii) Express Entry System: The Canadian government uses an online system called Express Entry to manage applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs. Candidates need to create an Express Entry profile and score enough points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to receive an ITA through regular draws held by IRCC. The CRS score required for an ITA can vary widely but is generally around 450 points or higher.

iv) Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): In addition to federal economic immigration programs such as Express Entry, some provinces offer their PNPs that allow individuals with specific skills or work experience to apply for provincial nomination directly. Provincial nomination can provide additional points in the CRS score and improve chances of receiving an ITA through Express Entry draws.

v) COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on processing times and costs associated with Canadian PR applications due to travel restrictions and reduced staffing levels at IRCC offices. As a result, some applicants have experienced delays in processing times and increased costs due to additional fees for biometric services outside Canada.

 

b) UK PR:

i) Processing Time: The processing time for a UK PR application can vary widely depending on various factors such as application volume and complexity. However, as per the latest data from UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), as of October 2022, the processing time for most applications is around six months for applications made outside the UK and three weeks for applications made inside the UK.

ii) Costs: The cost of applying for a UK PR is GBP 2389 per person (as of October 2022). This includes fees for biometrics, healthcare surcharge fees, immigration health surcharge fees, visa fees, and application fees. Additional fees may apply to dependent family members.

iii) Skilled Worker Visa Route: The UK government introduced a new Skilled Worker Visa route in December 2020 as part of its post-Brexit immigration reforms. This route replaced several previous routes such as Tier 1 General Visa and Tier 2 General Visa. The Skilled Worker Visa route allows individuals with specific skills or work experience to apply directly without needing a job offer from a sponsoring employer. However, sponsoring employers still need to obtain a sponsorship license from UKVI before hiring foreign workers on this route.

iv) COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has had less impact on processing times and costs associated with UK PR applications compared to Canada due to less stringent travel restrictions and better staffing levels at UKVI offices.

 

Our Verdict Based on Processing Time

Based on the above information, it is evident that both programs have their unique processing times and costs associated with them. While Canada’s processing times can be longer due to higher application volumes and complexity levels compared to the UK’s shorter processing times due to lower application volumes and simpler processes, Canada’s costs are generally lower compared to the UK’s higher costs due to additional fees such as healthcare surcharge fees and immigration health surcharge fees required by the NHS (National Health Service). However, it should be noted that these costs may vary widely depending on various factors such as family size and dependent family members’ ages. Overall, both programs have their unique advantages and disadvantages regarding processing times and costs that applicants should consider carefully before making their decisions about which program is better suited for their needs.

 

Conclusion

While both the Canadian PR and the UK PR have their unique benefits, it’s crucial to weigh all factors before making a decision. Individuals should consider factors such as job opportunities, processing times, cost of living, and long-term career prospects before deciding which program is best for them.