Canada vs UK in 2026: Where Should You Go? (Salary & Visa Truth)

Last updated: February 2026

If you’re an Indian student planning a Master’s abroad in 2026, Canada and the UK are usually the top two options.
Both are strong. Both can work.
But in 2026, the decision is less about “which country is best” and more about visa stability, realistic salaries, and how quickly you can convert study into a job.

Quick answer first (most students fit into one of these)

Salary truth (what students should expect, not what ads say)

Let’s keep this simple: your first job abroad is rarely a “dream salary.” It’s a starter role with a ramp-up period.
The country choice matters, but your skills + portfolio + location + timing matter more.

Canada salary signals (practical benchmark)

Canada’s Job Bank publishes wage ranges by role and region. For example, “software developers and programmers” shows
wage ranges by province/territory and overall market ranges. Use this as a reality check while selecting cities and budgeting.
(Example source: Job Bank wage page for software developers/programmers.)

Official reference: Job Bank wage data for software developers/programmers. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

UK salary truth (strong market, but visa-linked job thresholds matter)

In the UK, salary can be decent for many graduate tech roles, but your long-term stay typically depends on switching into a work route.
That’s where salary thresholds and eligible occupation codes become important (more on this in the visa section).

Visa truth in 2026 (this is where most students get surprised)

UK: Graduate Route is changing

The UK Graduate visa (post-study) currently allows you to stay and work for a period after completing your course.
As per GOV.UK, the Graduate visa duration is 2 years (or 3 years for a PhD/doctoral qualification),
but it is also noted that the duration will change to 18 months from 1 January 2027. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

What this means in plain English: if you plan UK, your job search strategy has to start early—often from the first semester.

UK: Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds are real

If you want to stay longer-term, you typically need a sponsored role.
GOV.UK states the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa is the higher of £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for the job. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Translation: a job offer is not enough—your offer needs to meet role eligibility and salary requirements.
Some graduates qualify under lower thresholds in specific cases, but you should plan based on the standard rule, not exceptions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

UK: Dependants rules tightened for many taught Master’s students

The UK has restricted which student visa holders can bring dependants. GOV.UK details that only certain students
(for example, specific postgraduate research programs or government-sponsored routes) can bring family members. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

If bringing a spouse is part of your plan, this needs to be checked program-by-program before you apply. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Canada: PGWP is a major reason students choose Canada (but eligibility matters)

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can provide a longer runway after study, but it depends on meeting eligibility rules,
including program and institution requirements. Always verify your program is PGWP-eligible before you pay deposits. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Canada: Policy updates have tightened in recent years (caps, attestations, work hours)

Canada has introduced policy measures affecting international students, including caps and processes such as attestation requirements
(for example, a provincial attestation letter) depending on the year and intake. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Also, Canada has changed off-campus work rules (the limit is no longer the temporary “full-time” relaxation that existed earlier).
Current guidance notes a 24 hours per week off-campus work limit during regular academic sessions (subject to conditions). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

So… Canada or UK? A practical decision framework

Choose Canada if:

• You want a longer post-study runway and can commit to a longer timeline.
• You’re comfortable navigating changing policy requirements, and you will verify eligibility early.
• You’re planning a pathway where time after graduation helps (job search + work experience planning).

Choose UK if:

• You want speed (1-year Master’s) and you are ready to start job preparation from day one.
• You already have a strong profile (projects, internships, portfolio) and can target sponsor-ready roles.
• You want UK brand exposure and are realistic about the post-study timeline changing from 2027.

India-specific examples (what we see on ground)

• Student A (Pune, CS): Strong GitHub + 2 internships → UK can work well because they can interview early and target sponsor-ready roles.
• Student B (Mumbai, Mechanical → Data): Transition profile, needs time to build projects → Canada often works better because the longer runway reduces pressure.
• Student C (Tier-2 city, average academics): Needs a safer plan → country choice matters less than correct program, right location, and a strong “parallel plan” for employability.

Common mistakes to avoid (this saves money)

• Choosing a country first, and choosing a course later.
• Assuming post-study work time is fixed forever.
• Budgeting based on “part-time work will cover everything.” (It rarely does.)
• Ignoring sponsor/job eligibility rules until the last semester.

Final word from IMFS

Canada vs UK is not a “better/worse” choice in 2026.
It’s a fit decision: your budget, your timeline, your career target, and your risk comfort.

If you want, we can help you shortlist 6–10 programs across both countries and build a practical plan:
intake timeline, documents, scholarship strategy (where applicable), and a job-readiness roadmap.

Sources referenced: UK Graduate visa page (duration and change date), UK Skilled Worker salary rule, UK student visa dependants guidance,
Canada PGWP guidance, Canada off-campus work hours guidance, and Canada study permit policy updates. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}