Both countries let you stay and work after graduation — but only one of them publishes a points table that converts your study into permanent residency. Here is the honest 2026 comparison.
Canada remains the stronger pure-PR play: Express Entry gives a defined, points-based route from PGWP to PR in ~2–3 years. The UK offers world-class universities and a 2-year Graduate Route, but PR (ILR) generally needs 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa with a sponsoring employer.
| Factor | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇬🇧 UK | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-study work visa | PGWP — up to 3 years | Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD) | Canada |
| Defined PR route | Express Entry (CRS points) + PNPs | No direct route — 5 yrs Skilled Worker → ILR | Canada |
| Typical study → PR timeline | 4–6 years total | 7–8 years total | Canada |
| Sponsor dependency for PR | Not required (federal EE) | Employer sponsorship required | Canada |
| Tuition (master’s, per year) | CAD 20,000–35,000 | £18,000–35,000 | Even |
| Work rights while studying | 24 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week (term time) | Canada |
| Spouse/partner rights | Open work permit (master’s+) | Dependants restricted for most taught courses | Canada |
| Salary levels (tech/finance) | Good, taxed moderately | Higher London salaries, higher costs | UK |
| 2026 policy watch | Study-permit caps + PAL continue; PGWP field-of-study rules | Graduate Route retained after MAC review; salary thresholds up | Even |
Study (1–2 yrs) → PGWP (up to 3 yrs) → 1+ year skilled Canadian experience → Canadian Experience Class draw via Express Entry. Your CRS score is boosted by Canadian education and work history, and Provincial Nominee Programs add a +600-point safety net. The route is transparent — you can calculate your score before you even fly.
The Graduate Route is a genuine 2-year open work visa — excellent for CV-building and repaying loans. But it does not count towards ILR. To settle, you must switch to a Skilled Worker visa (sponsor + salary threshold, raised again in 2025-26) and then complete 5 continuous years. Many Indian graduates use the UK for brand-name education and early-career salary, then either settle long-term via employer sponsorship or pivot elsewhere.
Choose the UK if a 1-year master’s (lower total cost), London-market salaries, or a specific university brand matter more to you than a guaranteed settlement clock. Choose Canada if permanent settlement for you (and your spouse) is the primary goal.
Our counsellors map your budget, profile and timeline against both systems and give you a single, defensible recommendation — free.
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