While immigrants are looking for ways to move to Canada, Canadians are interested in relocating to the UK through the sponsored worker visa. Some Canadians find more opportunities and higher job mobility in the UK, and are also drawn by the ability to explore Europe.
In this context, the UK-sponsored worker visa allows Canadians to work in the UK for an approved employer if they meet the requirements.
This article will provide a comprehensive understanding of sponsored worker visas for Canadians in 2025. It will cover why Canadians need a sponsored worker visa, the role of the LMIA, key requirements, and the application process.
Why Canadians Might Need a UK-Sponsored Worker Visa
Before a Canadian can apply for a sponsored worker visa, they must secure an eligible job from a licensed UK employer. An eligible occupation is simply a specific job role (categorized by SOC codes) and skill level that meets the requirements for a sponsored worker visa.
The eligible occupations are usually listed in either the Appendix Immigration Salary List (9) or the Appendix Skilled Occupations (9).
To get the UK-sponsored worker visa, Canadians need an employer who will facilitate their employment in the UK by gathering and submitting all required documentation to the immigration authorities, covering all processing fees for the visa application, and proving that the position cannot be filled by a local worker.
After securing the visa, the sponsoring employer has the responsibility of assisting the Canadian employee with travel arrangements and relocation logistics, monitoring the employee’s compliance with visa conditions, and ensuring that he/she adhere to all visa requirements, employment terms and local laws.
After 5 years of holding this visa, the Canadian can decide to extend the visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if they are eligible.
Key Requirements for the UK Sponsored Worker Visa for Canadians in 2025.
Since the UK-sponsored worker visa is for non-UK citizens, Canadians can also apply for it.
They first have to secure a job offer from a UK employer who has been granted a valid sponsorship license by the Home Office. With the sponsorship license, the employer can assign a CoS to the Canadian employee so that they can apply for a visa.
As discussed in the section above, the job must be on the list of eligible occupations and meet the specified skill level. You can check if your occupation meets this requirement on the UK government’s official website.
Ensure that the salary attached to your job offer meets the minimum salary thresholds for your occupation. You can check the ‘going rate’ for your occupation; nevertheless, if you are a health professional, the minimum salary is 25,000, while for other occupations it is 38,700.
Canadians are considered nationals of a majority English-speaking country, hence, they are exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency.
Unless your sponsor certifies that they will be responsible for supporting you upon arrival in the UK, you need to have at least 1,270 pounds (i.e., 2,309.97 CAD) to support yourself for the first month in the UK.
You also need to submit a police certificate that shows you have a clean criminal record and your immigration history to show that you adhere to previous immigration regulations.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Canadians to Apply for the UK Sponsored Worker Visa in 2025
To find a job with sponsoring employers in the UK, interested Canadian applicants can check can check on online job boards (such as LinkedIn and Indeed), official company websites, etc.
When they have secured a job offer, the licensed UK employer is supposed to assign them a CoS, which contains all information about their employment and allows them to apply for a visa.
Before you start your application, it is wise to gather your application documents to ensure a smooth application process. The documents you will need are your Canadian passport, CoS reference number, proof of funds (such as bank statements), criminal record certificate, TB test certificate if required, etc.
Once your documents are ready, you can go to the UK government’s website and fill out the online visa application form. You will be required to pay the visa application fee of 769 pounds (1,398.71 CAD), and an immigration health surcharge (IHS) of 1,035 pounds (1,922.68 CAD)
You have to book and attend a biometric appointment at any UK Visa Application Centers (VACs) or the UK Embassy in Ottawa, where you will submit your fingerprints and photographs. The final step is to wait for your visa to be processed and to receive the embassy’s decision by mail.
