United Kingdom vs Canada: student visa
United Kingdom or Canada for a student visa? Side by side: $239 vs $255 all-in, 3 weeks vs 4 to 8 weeks decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- United Kingdom is cheaper ($239 vs $255 all-in)
- United Kingdom decides faster (3 weeks)
- Canada asks for less money in the bank ($43,000 vs $45,000)
United Kingdom vs Canada: student visa side by side
| United Kingdom | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | Sticker | eTA / Sticker |
| Process | sticker visa | sticker visa |
| Biometrics | Required | Required |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $180 | $71 |
| vistolane filing fee | $59 | $184 |
| All-in per traveller | $239 | $255 |
| Decision window | 3 weeks | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Validity | 6 months | Up to 10 years |
| Stay | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Funds to show (student visa) | $45,000 | $43,000 |
| student visa route | Student | Study Permit |
Which is cheaper?
United Kingdom costs $239 all-in ($180 government fee plus $59 filing) and Canada costs $255 ($71 plus $184). United Kingdom is cheaper by $16 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
United Kingdom: 3 weeks (3 weeks (15 working days)). Canada: 4 to 8 weeks (Visitor visa: varies by country of residence). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
United Kingdom asks for about $45,000 and Canada about $43,000 for a student visa. Canada is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
United Kingdom: sticker visa with biometrics. Canada: sticker visa with biometrics. The steps are the same shape, so documents prepared for one largely serve the other.
Which should you pick for a student visa?
For study, the visa is the smaller decision; compare first-year funds ($45,000 vs $43,000), post-study work rights and whether dependants can join. Canada has the lower funds bar; the institution's licence to sponsor matters in both.