How do I get the right to work in the UK?
There are a few visa options depending on what you are entitled to. A common option for many Canadians is the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme. This visa is for applicants between the age of 18-30. It allows you to stay and work for up to 2 years and you are only able to obtain this visa once. If this is the visa you are interested in, more helpful guidelines can be found by clicking the button below. Other options include sponsorship visas (most of our US candidates have this visa), UK passport (if you or a parent were born in the UK), or applying for the ancestry visa (if you have a grandparent who was born in the UK).
To learn more about your eligibility and how to apply for an Ancestry Visa or UK Passport please visit the government websites below:
Ancestry Visa (One of your grandparents was born in the UK)
UK Passport (You or one of your parents were born in the UK)
Youth Mobility Guide
Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa for the UK. This visa will allow you to live and work within the UK for up to 2 years. It will take at least a few months to complete the visa process with the longest stretch being the time between booking your BRP appointment and receiving word that your visa has been approved. Staff at Aurelia Education provide support and assistance with the visa process so don't worry if all of this information seems overwhelming. We're here to help! If you require more detailed information than what is provided below, or have any direct questions, please refer to the government website for further assistance or send us a message.
Last updated: August 2020
Eligibility
Canadian Citizen
Age 18-35 (you can apply at 17, but you must be 18 on or before the visa start date; you can move to the UK at 36, as long as you were 35 on the date of the application)
No dependents (children under 18 either living with you or for whom you are financially responsible)
A minimum amount of funds, as outlined on the government website, in your bank account. Please ensure you have read the most up to date requirements as you will need proof of this from your bank.
Please visit the government website below for information on how to apply if you are currently residing outside of Canada.
Beginning the Process
The Official Guidance Document (button below) will give you information on all of the requirements for your documents as well as the limitations on the work you may do. Read it twice, if not three times, to ensure you aren't missing anything.
Once you have read through and are ready to begin the application process officially, you can begin to fill in and submit the formal form (button below). Be sure to have all required documents at hand.
What You Need
Current passport and all previous passports (if you have them)
Dates of all international travel, including travel to the UK
Birth dates and birthplaces of your parents
Accurate UK postcode to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (your permanent school or accommodation arrangement)
It is likely that at this time in the process you have not yet found a place to live, that is fine. You can provide the post code of your school, or of the area/city/town you are living in as the documents will make their way to the local post office and you can pick them up there upon arrival.
Credit card to process payment
Proof of funds in your bank account (dated for the day you submit and pay for your application). Please refer to the government website’s document guide for what is deemed as acceptable proof of funds.
Funds to pay for the application, the health surcharge and the processing fee. This is separate to the amount you need to have in your account on the date you submit your application.
This information can change often, so please refer to the government website’s document guide for any additional documents you may need and for the most up to date information.
Receiving Your Visa
Once you’ve successfully submitted your online application, you will be prompted to book an in-person Biometrics appointment. If you are living in Toronto, Ottawa, or Edmonton, appointment slots are available a few times a week. If you are living further from Ontario or Alberta, the total process could take a little longer as you will need to travel to attend your appointment - try to plan accordingly. The turn around time on visa applications can very, but there are priority services available for an additional cost to receive your visa back sooner if needed.
While at your Biometrics appointment, please enquire about how you will be notified/updated on the status of your visa approval. This is usually done via email or telephone call.
When you receive the package, it should contain several documents including your returned passport containing the entry sticker (this will indicate the dates you are able to enter the UK). This should also include details for where to pick up your BRP card (Biometric Residence Permit) upon arrival. This card will be valid for the full length of your Youth Mobility Visa and is extremely important (look at it as another passport- you cannot travel without it). Please bring ALL documents provided in your returned visa package as you may need them to collect your BRP.
