Moving from Canada to the UK

The United Kingdom is a state located in northwestern Europe. The United Kingdom consists of four countries - England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The total area of the state is about 243,000 km2. The United Kingdom is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The minimum distance to Europe is 35 km. The capital is London, located in the south of England. The United Kingdom is called the land of fog and rain. The country's climate varies from region to region. England has a mild and humid climate due to the relative warmth of the seas that surround it. The average temperature is about + 11 °С in the south and + 9 °С in the north-east. Scotland is the coldest region of The United Kingdom. In the mountains in the north, there is snow from November to April-May. The climate of Wales and Northern Ireland is mild and humid.

[b]Interesting fact:[/b] You would need no less than 41 The United Kingdoms to match the size of Canada. But the population of The United Kingdom (68,46m) is 1.8 times bigger than Canada’s (38,01m).

The ethnic composition of the British population is rather diverse from European states. From the earliest periods of history, the British Isles have been shaped by three different ethnic communities - English(76%), Scots(5,8%), and Welsh(%3,1). The next minor groups are Indians(2.3%), Irish(1.9%), Pakistani(1,8%), Poles(0.9%) and others.

17% of the British population identify as Anglican-Christians. Another 17% identify as non-Angelic Christians like Baptists, Orthodox Christians, and non-Anglican Protestants. The next minor groups are Catholics (8%), Muslims (5%) and others.

The official language in the UK is English. English, as we know it today, is spoken by more than 86% of the population. Along with it, Welsh and Gaelic (Celtic group), as well as Irish and Scottish, are widely used in the country. Other languages spoken are Polish, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali, Arabic and the list goes on.

British people are known to be formal and impersonal, their politeness is more of tolerance rather than genuine relations. They are focused on individual achievements rather than collective, less emotional and rather “cold” than welcoming. Stereotypes tend to be somewhat true, but we should not put everyone under one umbrella. If you get to know British people closer, they will include you in their close group and be there for you.

Adapting to life in the UK can take over a few months of learning all the social and cultural norms. For example, pub culture is very true. You will be able to find a pub for every social event, as a family and group of friends. It is more of their quality time chatting, celebrating and watching entertainment.

52% of Brits admitted that their work takes away their personal life due to working hours. Many professional workers take work home consistently to meet placed expectations. However, each employee is entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holidays per year.

Education in Britain is undoubtedly one of the best there is. According to the law, all British citizens between the ages of 5 and 18 can study for free, as well as foreigners whose parents have the right of permanent residence in the country.

The British higher education system is considered one of the best in the world - this is demonstrated by the world rankings of higher education institutions. Programs in British universities tend to be shorter and more specialized, thus more affordable overall.

For domestic students in public-funded universities, the cost of tuition is a maximum of £9,250 per year for undergraduate programs and government funding is widely available. International students, depending on the program, could pay anywhere from £10,000 up to £58,600 (medical program).

London is the most expensive city to live in. A family of 3 can expect to spend a minimum of £2,100 - £2,800 per month without rent. As a single person, you can pay a minimum of £960 per month without rent. Rent in London is extremely expensive. Depending on the location, you can pay up to £1,800 (1 bed) and £3,300 (3 beds) in the city center; £1,300 (1 bed) and £2,200 (3 beds) outside the center.

The minimum wage in the UK will depend on your age. As of May 2022, teenagers from 16 - 17 years old get paid £4.81 per hour, 18 - 20 years old £6.83 per hour, 21-22 years old £9.18 per hour, and the national living wage is £9.50. The average salary for a full-time worker in the UK is about £31,300 according to the Statista.

Similarly to Canada and Australia, The United Kingdom has a point-based immigration system. To enter the county you must obtain a visa. There are numerous visa types to choose from depending on your situation. To gain a student visa, you must provide a letter of acceptance, show language proficiency and prove financial security.

If you are planning to live and work in the UK, you must get one type of work visa. Although it is called a “points-based system”, there are 4 requirements that are not negotiable: job offer(20p), required skills(20p), English proficiency(10p), and a salary higher than £20,480. Which in total gives you 50 out of 70 points. Where to get another 20?

If the negotiated salary is +£25,600 (20p), £23,039 - £25,599 (10p),£ 20,480 - £23,038 (0p). If you carry a STEM Ph.D. (20Pp) or Any Ph.D. (10p). If the profession you are applying for is in a Labour Shortage you automatically gain 20p.