Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement Work Permits for UK Citizens
The Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA) lets UK citizens work in Canada without an LMIA as investors or specialized knowledge workers. Employers usually pay a CAD 230 compliance fee, and the work permit costs CAD 155.
RCIC R412319 | Since 1991 | 25,000+ clients worldwide | 2026 Canadian Choice Award
CUKTCA at a glance
CUKTCA permits are part of the International Mobility Program. Younger UK citizens may also look at International Experience Canada.
Who can use CUKTCA?
Investor
IRCC describes an investor as a manager or specialist who is responsible for setting up an enterprise, is not paid by a Canadian source and does not engage in direct transactions with the general public.
Specialized knowledge worker
You need knowledge at an advanced level of expertise and proprietary knowledge of your company product, service, research, equipment, techniques or management.
UK youth
Eligible young UK citizens can use a working holiday or young professionals placement. See International Experience Canada.
Skilled UK workers
If no agreement fits, an LMIA work permit or Express Entry may be the better route.
A note on CPTPP and the UK
The UK acceded to CPTPP, and Canada announced in July 2026 that it ratified the UK accession protocol. IRCC business people guidance currently lists the UK under CUKTCA. Check IRCC for any change before your employer files.
Six steps to a CUKTCA work permit
Match
Confirm your UK citizenship and whether you fit investor or specialized knowledge worker.
Role
Match your duties and company knowledge to the IRCC definition.
Employer files the offer
Your employer submits the offer in the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee.
Offer number
You receive the 7-digit offer of employment number.
Apply
Apply online with your documents and biometrics.
Start and extend
Plan any extension before the permit ends.
Government fees (IRCC): work permit CAD 155, employer compliance fee CAD 230 (unless exempt) and biometrics CAD 85 per person if needed. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay. Our own fees are quoted after your consultation.
Related work permit guides
Free trade agreement permits
The overview of every agreement and worker group. Read the guide
Intra-company transfer
Moving managers and specialists within one company. Read the guide
International Experience Canada
Working holiday and youth programs. Read the guide
CPTPP permits
For listed Pacific countries. Read the guide
What our clients say
See our 1,000+ verified Google reviews: Toronto HQ (89 reviews) | Karachi (970+ reviews) | Dubai (51 reviews)
UK citizen work permit questions
IRCC lists the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (CUKTCA) for UK citizens.
No. CUKTCA permits are LMIA-exempt, but the employer must submit an offer of employment and pay the compliance fee unless exempt.
A manager or specialist who is responsible for setting up an enterprise, is not paid by a Canadian source and does not engage in direct transactions with the general public.
The UK acceded to CPTPP and Canada announced ratification in July 2026. IRCC currently lists UK workers under CUKTCA, so check IRCC for current rules.
The work permit fee is CAD 155, the employer compliance fee is CAD 230 unless exempt and biometrics are CAD 85 if needed.
Yes. See our International Experience Canada guide for working holiday and youth placements.
Check your UK route before your employer files
Book a Strategy Consultation and a licensed RCIC will check your citizenship, your role and your employer steps before anything is filed.
Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R412319) who has been associated with the immigration consulting industry since 1991.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: IRCC.
