Canada PR vs. US Green Card: Best Choice for Skilled Workers?
Canadian PR vs. US Green Card for Skilled Workers: Which Pathway Is Right for You?
Thinking about immigrating as a skilled worker but not sure whether to aim for the United States or Canada? You’re not alone. Many professionals around the world find themselves weighing the options between a U.S. employment-based green card and Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry. Each country offers unique advantages—and a few challenges—to consider before making your move.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences between the two programs to help you make the best decision for your future.
Key Highlights
- Canadian Express Entry doesn’t require a job offer or employer sponsorship
- U.S. green cards often require employer sponsorship and can involve long wait times
- Canadian PR processing is typically faster—within 6–12 months
- Canada uses a points-based system that favours younger candidates
- Both systems offer different advantages for skilled and unskilled workers
- Both countries offer family sponsorship options for permanent residents
Employment-Based Green Card vs. Canadian Express Entry: A Quick Overview
Let’s start with a side-by-side look at the most popular skilled worker immigration pathways: the U.S. employment-based green card and Canada’s Express Entry program.
| U.S. Green Card (Employment-Based) | Canadian PR (Express Entry) | |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer required? | Yes | No |
| Employer sponsorship needed? | Yes | No |
| Typical processing time | 1–3 years (or more) | 6–12 months |
| Age preference | None | Yes – ages 20–29 score highest |
| Cost | $2,000–$5,000 USD | $1,525–$2,000 CAD |
| Language test required? | No | Yes |
| Settlement funds needed? | No | Sometimes |
| Can apply from outside the country? | Yes | Yes |
Why Skilled Workers Choose the U.S. Green Card
Pros:
- High-priority workers (EB-1) may receive faster processing
- Unskilled workers may qualify under EB-3
- No penalty for applicants over a certain age
Cons:
- Long wait times for applicants from countries like India and the Philippines
- Employer sponsorship and job offers are almost always required
- PERM labour certification and complex paperwork often needed
- Visa bulletin wait times can delay processing significantly
Why Canada’s Express Entry Is So Popular
Pros:
- No job offer required
- Transparent points-based system (CRS)
- Much faster overall processing time
- Country of origin does not affect processing time
- Pathway to PR through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Younger applicants (20–29) receive more points
Cons:
- Language tests and educational assessments are mandatory
- Applicants over age 29 lose points as they age
- Unskilled workers do not qualify under Express Entry
- Very competitive—high CRS scores are often needed
Real-Life Examples to Paint the Picture
Susan’s Journey to a U.S. Green Card
Susan, a 35-year-old plumber from Sweden, secures a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer. After a two-year apprenticeship and five years of experience, she qualifies under the EB-3 category. Her employer files an I-140 petition, which is approved in seven months. She waits 13 more months to process her green card application and is finally approved after an interview—20 months later.
Roger’s Path to Canadian Permanent Residency
Roger, a 40-year-old engineer from India, recently completed a PhD at a Canadian university. After taking an approved English test, he creates an Express Entry profile and receives his Invitation to Apply (ITA) within three weeks. Five months later, he gets his Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and becomes a Canadian permanent resident.
Typical Processing Timelines
U.S. Employment-Based Green Card
- I-140 Petition: 5–21 months
- Visa Bulletin Wait Time: Up to 15+ years depending on country
- I-485 Green Card Application: 15–38 months
- Total time: 20 months to 20+ years
Canadian Express Entry
- Receive ITA: 2–6 weeks (for highly competitive profiles)
- PR Application Processing: 5–6 months
- Total time: 5 months to 1.5 years
Eligibility Breakdown
U.S. Employment-Based Categories:
- EB-1: Priority workers with international acclaim or multinational experience
- EB-2: Advanced-degree holders or individuals with exceptional ability
- EB-3: Skilled workers and professionals
Canadian Express Entry Programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 1 year of recent Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 1 year of work in the last 10 years, language test, education assessment
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 2 years in a skilled trade + job offer or certificate
To find out how you rank in the Canadian immigration system, try our Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Family Sponsorship: U.S. vs. Canada
Both countries allow permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, but Canada offers options for common-law and conjugal partners too. Processing times are typically quicker in Canada (11–28 months) compared to the U.S. (up to 4 years).
| U.S. Green Card | Canadian PR | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible partners | Spouses only | Spouses, common-law, conjugal |
| Residency requirement | Must reside in the U.S. | Must reside in Canada and be PR for 5 years |
| Typical processing time | 2.5–4 years | 11 months–2.8 years |
| Interview required? | Often | Sometimes |
| Work permit while waiting? | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between Canadian and U.S. immigration. If speed, transparency, and flexibility matter most to you—and you’re a skilled worker with strong language skills—Canada’s Express Entry might just be your best bet. It’s also a great option if you want to apply without needing a job offer.
On the other hand, if you already have a solid U.S. job offer and don’t mind longer wait times,
