Is it better to immigrate to Canada or the United States? It is true that the United States has long been the most sought-after destination for university graduates from around the world. But recently, many young people are also turning their attention to Canada. Because of their proximity, the two countries have always competed for international talent. Both offer good prospects for young professionals, and many of them try to go to one of the two countries every year.
Immigration policy
The United States has a population of approximately 350 million. Over 500,000 legal immigrants enter the U.S. each year (representing 0.15% of the population). The procedures for obtaining work visas are difficult and demanding. In recent years, the country has introduced even more restrictive immigration policies.
Canada has a population of 36 million and receives more than 300,000 immigrants each year (which is about 1% of the population). This is one of the highest annual immigration rates in the world. Immigration to Canada is also not easy, but easier than in the United States. Especially if you have qualifications in a profession where there is a shortage in the country. Also not to be underestimated is the fact that Canada has a very elderly population with many jobs to be filled in the coming years due to retirements.
Entry visa
In the United States, entry visas are divided into two categories: Immigrant (permanent residence) and nonimmigrant (temporary residence). The most common and easily accessible visas among young people are the F-1 (study visa) and the J-1 (cultural exchange visa).
In Canada, the most commonly used and accessible visas for young people are the WHV (International Experience Canada) or the study visa. Unlike in the US, there is also the possibility to enter Canada directly. If your profession is one of those in which there is a shortage in the country, you can apply for an express entry visa, and if you reach a certain score, you can enter Canada even without a company having to sponsor you.
Languages
In the United States, more than 80% of the population speaks English. Spanish, spoken by almost 15%, is the second language, so knowing English is sufficient.
In Canada, about 60% of the population are native English speakers and more than 20% are native French speakers. In addition, there are many other languages spoken by minorities living in the country. In any case, English and French are the official languages of the country. To move to the western provinces, it is enough to know only English. In Quebec, it is enough to know only French. Recently, however, more and more companies are requiring employees to be fluent in both languages.
Professions and salaries
In the United States, professions in engineering, computer science, and generally all scientific professions guarantee better salaries. On average, a graduate’s first salary is about $60,000/year.
In contrast, the professions that guarantee the best salaries in Canada are those in the medical field. On average, the first salary of a graduate is about $45,000/year, well below the American level.
Universities
Studying at a Canadian university is much cheaper than studying in the United States. Canada has only a handful of higher education institutions that are among the top 100 universities in the world. In addition, the standards of all Canadian universities are quite high on average, compared to the large differences that exist among American universities.
Quality of life
Despite the vastness of the territory, the population of Canada is more homogeneous in terms of social values and distribution of wealth than in the United States, where income disparities are greater.
The many leading science and technology companies in the U.S. offer the opportunity to work with the best companies in the world. With the possibility of higher income, more career opportunities and more job satisfaction than Canada can offer.
In Canada, there is a public health care system that is accessible to all, unlike in the US.
The strong racial tensions that exist in American society are not felt in Canada, or are felt to a much lesser degree.
The weather in the United States is extremely varied. In Canada, on the other hand, the weather is extremely cold almost everywhere.
Two of the ten cities with the best quality of life in the world are Canadian while there is not one in the United States.
Immigration to Canada or the United States, conclusion
If you want to achieve something, if you are ambitious, if you work hard and if you have ideas you believe in, there is no better place than the United States where anything is possible. As the famous phrase ‘There is no success like American success’ says.
If you have a family and want more security (health care, good schools for children, fewer guns and more security in general). If you are comfortable in the middle class, do not want too much stress and love a quiet life, Canada is for you.
So, to emigrate to Canada or to the United States? It really depends on you, the type of work and life you are looking for.
All of this, unfortunately, depends a lot on whether you can get a visa.
