Skilled workers considering immigration often compare two popular options: the US employment-based green card and Canada’s Express Entry permanent residency (PR) system. While both pathways aim to attract global talent, they differ in timelines, requirements, and accessibility.
Main immigration routes
In the US, most skilled workers apply through employment-based green card categories: EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3. These categories require a job offer, and usually employer sponsorship.
In Canada, skilled workers use the Express Entry system, which evaluates applicants using a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A job offer is not required for most categories under Express Entry.
Processing time and eligibility
The Canadian PR process is typically faster. High-ranking candidates may complete the process within 5 to 18 months.
In comparison, a US green card can take between 20 months to more than 20 years, especially for applicants from countries like India or Mexico due to visa backlogs.
Job offers and sponsorship requirements
A US green card almost always requires a job offer and an employer to file a petition.
Canadian PR does not require either. Instead, it relies on a scoring system based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Cost comparison
Applicants for a US green card may spend between USD 2,000 and USD 5,000.
For Canada, the cost ranges from CAD 1,525 to 2,000.
Language and education requirements
The US green card process generally does not require a language test, though certain categories value advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
Canada mandates proof of English or French proficiency and often requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Effect of age and Nationality
In the US system, age has no impact on eligibility or priority. However, an applicant’s nationality significantly affects waiting times for a green card.
Canada’s system rewards applicants aged 20 to 29. Points gradually reduce with age.Canada does not factor nationality into processing.
Visa categories and flexibility
The US EB-1 visa gives priority to those with extraordinary ability, researchers, and multinational executives. The EB-2 and EB-3 categories are open to advanced degree holders, professionals, and skilled workers.
In Canada, three main pathways under Express Entry are available:
In the US, for example, a licensed plumber from Sweden with a full-time job offer and approved labour certification secured her green card in just under two years.
In Canada, a 40-year-old engineer from India with a Canadian PhD, strong language skills, and no job offer received an invitation to apply in three weeks and completed the PR process in five months.
Spousal sponsorship
Both the US and Canada allow permanent residents to sponsor their spouses. Sponsors in both countries must meet minimum age and financial support requirements.
In the US, the process can take between 2.5 to 4 years.
In Canada, common-law and conjugal partners are also eligible. Processing time in Canada ranges from 11 months to nearly three years.
Which wins for skilled talent?
The US offers multiple green card tiers, including paths for unskilled workers under EB-3, but the process can be long and complex.
Canada’s system is transparent and quicker for most skilled workers, especially those without a job offer.
Applicants should assess their qualifications, timeline expectations, and eligibility under both systems before making a decision.
Main immigration routes
In the US, most skilled workers apply through employment-based green card categories: EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3. These categories require a job offer, and usually employer sponsorship.
In Canada, skilled workers use the Express Entry system, which evaluates applicants using a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A job offer is not required for most categories under Express Entry.
Processing time and eligibility
The Canadian PR process is typically faster. High-ranking candidates may complete the process within 5 to 18 months.
In comparison, a US green card can take between 20 months to more than 20 years, especially for applicants from countries like India or Mexico due to visa backlogs.
Job offers and sponsorship requirements
A US green card almost always requires a job offer and an employer to file a petition.
Canadian PR does not require either. Instead, it relies on a scoring system based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Cost comparison
Applicants for a US green card may spend between USD 2,000 and USD 5,000.
For Canada, the cost ranges from CAD 1,525 to 2,000.
Language and education requirements
The US green card process generally does not require a language test, though certain categories value advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
Canada mandates proof of English or French proficiency and often requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Effect of age and Nationality
In the US system, age has no impact on eligibility or priority. However, an applicant’s nationality significantly affects waiting times for a green card.
Canada’s system rewards applicants aged 20 to 29. Points gradually reduce with age.Canada does not factor nationality into processing.
Visa categories and flexibility
The US EB-1 visa gives priority to those with extraordinary ability, researchers, and multinational executives. The EB-2 and EB-3 categories are open to advanced degree holders, professionals, and skilled workers.
In Canada, three main pathways under Express Entry are available:
- Canadian Experience Class: for those with recent Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: for those with work experience in or outside Canada
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: for tradespeople with specific qualifications
In the US, for example, a licensed plumber from Sweden with a full-time job offer and approved labour certification secured her green card in just under two years.
In Canada, a 40-year-old engineer from India with a Canadian PhD, strong language skills, and no job offer received an invitation to apply in three weeks and completed the PR process in five months.
Spousal sponsorship
Both the US and Canada allow permanent residents to sponsor their spouses. Sponsors in both countries must meet minimum age and financial support requirements.
In the US, the process can take between 2.5 to 4 years.
In Canada, common-law and conjugal partners are also eligible. Processing time in Canada ranges from 11 months to nearly three years.
Which wins for skilled talent?
The US offers multiple green card tiers, including paths for unskilled workers under EB-3, but the process can be long and complex.
Canada’s system is transparent and quicker for most skilled workers, especially those without a job offer.
Applicants should assess their qualifications, timeline expectations, and eligibility under both systems before making a decision.
You may also like
Amber heat health alert across UK as high temperatures risk 'danger to life'
Bike Tips: What are the disadvantages of riding a bike in half clutch, should the clutch be pressed completely while changing gears, know the tips..
JioStar urges content producers to embrace balanced deals with shared risk model
Who is Michelle Agyemang - England's star goal scorer named one-to-watch at Euros 2025
Rajnath meets Belarus defence minister in Qingdao
