Between 2022 and 2023, Canada hopes to boost its economic recovery from the pandemic by welcoming over 4 million immigrants.
Meanwhile, Indians account for roughly 70% of the 85,000 US H-1B visas issued each year.
While both the US H1-B and Canada PR visas are globally popular for PR, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article will walk you through all of the important aspects of life in Canada on PR vs. the United States on H1-B and what to expect. Continue reading to determine what is best for you.
H1B Visa and Canada PR Visa Comparison
Not sure which visa is best for you? Here’s a comparison chart to help you understand the H1-B visa vs. Canada PR.
What exactly is an H1B visa?
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H1B is a non-immigrant visa for temporary workers to work for American companies in the United States.
- It is a visa sponsored by an employer. As a result, an employer must both offer you a job and petition for your H1 B visa.
- This work permit necessitates a visa stamp as well as clearance to work in the United States for the employer.
What exactly is a Canadian PR Visa?
Permanent residency in Canada is a status that allows an immigrant to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
To become a permanent resident, you must apply through one of Canada’s 60+ immigration programmes.
Moving Visa Pathways to the United States
While in the United States, the H 1B visa holder can apply for and obtain a Green Card.
Options for obtaining a Green Card:
- Investors based on employment or family based immigration
- Special Immigrants (Religious Workers/Foreign Medical Graduates/Permanent Residents who have been absent from the United States for more than 12 months)
Canada Immigration Routes
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There are several options for Indians looking to immigrate to Canada.
-
Express Entry into the Federal Economic Class
- Federal Skilled Employee
- Skilled Trades Administration
- Class on Canada Experience
- Provincial Economic Classification
- Immigration to Quebec
- Immigration for Business
- Temporary Status
- Sponsorship of a Family Class
Criteria for Eligibility
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US
- US bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- The degree requirement for the occupation is industry standard.
- A specialised degree or its equivalent is required by the employer.
- A holder of an unrestricted state licence, registration, or certification that allows you to work in a specialty occupation.
- Education, training, or practical work experience in the specialty occupation equivalent to completion of a degree
- Expertise in the specialty occupation is recognized through responsible positions in the specialty.
Canada
- Be a Canadian permanent resident
- Be physically present in Canada at the time of the PR application Meet the residency requirement
- Not be subject to an effective removal order; not have been convicted of any offence involving the misuse of a PR Card; and not be a Canadian citizen.
The scope of obtaining citizenship
United States
A US H1B visa is not as dependable because your existence in the United States is dependent on your job. If your current employer fires you, you will have little time to find another job in the United States.
Before applying, you must have held a Green Card for at least 5 years. In addition, you must establish residency in the state or USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) district where you intend to apply.
Canada
After three years (1,460 days) as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship. You must pass a citizenship test and, if necessary, file taxes. If you are looking for permanent residency, Canada is unquestionably the better option.
Job Security
United States
The H1B criteria in the United States are constantly changing. As a result, working conditions for immigrants in the United States can change at any time. However, there is no such thing as job security in the United States. It is always dependent on the employer-employee relationship.
Canada
On the contrary, employee retention in Canada is much higher. But one of them is job security. However, in Canada, 85 percent of professionals with secure jobs had pensions. And 94% were paid even when they were sick. Their visa requirements are more consistent.
What is the Procedure for Obtaining a US H1-B Visa?
|
Canada PR visa |
US H-1B visa |
|
| Sponsorship requirements | Not required | You need an employee sponsorship. You can’t self apply for a green card unless you have a PHd or are at the top of your field. |
| PR Pathway | Express Entry System | H1- B visa to Green Card |
| What does it allow you to do? | Allows you to get a Permanent Resident Status in Canada. | Allows you to arrive with a temporary work visa (H1-B) for 3 years. You can then extend the visa (for 3 years) or convert to a Green Card status. |
| Permanent Residence Process | You must meet a minimum score of 65 to be eligible for Express Entry
If you have a good CRS score, you will receive an Invitation to Apply by the government and then receive your PR visa |
After 6 years of living in the US with the H1B visa, you need to have your green card process started (by your employer) to be able to extend your H1B further
Another option requires you to leave the country for a year and reapply for a H1-B visa |
| Lottery system | No lottery system
You will receive an Invitation to Apply for a Canadian PR if you meet all the eligibility requirements and have a good CRS Score |
The lottery system randomly selects H1-B applications for approval
If the number of H1-B applications received by the US is more than their annual target, the government conducts a Lottery system for employees (working in profit based organizations) Depending on your luck, your application may be picked up You have 3 chances to get a H1B visa via the lottery system in 3 years |
| How long until you get a PR? | You must have lived and worked in Canada for 3 years | Green card takes 15 to 20 years, with multiple H1B extensions |
More on the US H1B Visa:
H1-B Visa Documentation
A typical list of documents required for an H1B petition is as follows:
- a passport photocopy
- Copies of academic degrees
- Current employment letter
- a copy of your previous employment
- Any certifications should be copied.
H1-B Visa Application Procedure
Step 1: You must satisfy the H1B eligibility requirements.
Step 2: The employer obtains approval from the Department of Labor in the United States for the Labour Condition Application (LCA).
Step 3: Your employer in the United States must file an H1B petition with USCIS and obtain approval.
Step 4: The foreign employee must apply for a visa.
Step 5: You must have a valid passport and fill out the Visa application form completely. Then you must pay the fee.
Step 6: Attend the visa interview at your home country’s nearest US consulate.
Step 7: Get his/her passport stamped at the designated US consulate in his/her home country.
Step 8: Once your H1B visa has been approved, you can enter the United States and begin working for the sponsoring employer.
H1B Visa Fees
Currently, the standard H1B filing fee is $460. This is the fee for the 1-129 petition. From October 2, 2020, the H1B visa filing fee will be $555.
H1B Visa Processing Time
The processing time for H1B applications ranges from 3 months to 1 year. H1B premium filings are approved within 1 to 15 days.
Do you intend to apply for an H1-b visa in the United States? Find out more about this visa.
More Information on Canadian PR Visas:
Documentation for Canadian PR
Here are the primary documents required for the PR application.
- Passport must be valid.
- Official identification proof
- Birth certificate or age verification
- Certificates of education
- IELTS test result card with a valid score
- Certificate of Medical Fitness
- Certificate of police clearance
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be required to submit additional documents.
Canada PR Application Procedure
Step 1: Review the eligibility criteria to determine whether you are eligible to apply for PR.
Step 2: Before beginning the application process, complete your language ability tests. Take the IELTS exam and obtain the required scores. Check to see if you need to take a French language test.
Step 3: Submit your application to the Canadian immigration programme of your choice.
Step 4: Submit all necessary documents.
Step 5: Arrange for proof of financial support to support your stay in Canada.
Step 6: If your application is approved, you will be issued a Confirmation of Canadian Permanent Residence (CoPR) card.
Step 7: Apply for a Permanent Resident Card.
Note: It should be noted that Express Entry is the quickest way to immigrate to Canada.
The cost of PR in Canada
|
Category |
Cost in CAD |
| Application Fee | 550 |
| Right to Permanent Resident Fee | 490 |
| To include spouse/ common-law partner | 550 |
| To include spouse/common-law partner with Right to Permanent Resident Fee | 550 + 490 |
| To include a dependent child | 150 |
Canada PR Processing Time
The process time for Canada PR is 5 to 8 months.
Working in Canada as a permanent resident vs. an H1-B visa holder
|
Canada PR visa |
US H-1B visa |
|
| Stability | High | Very low, due to changing immigration policies |
| Freedom to switch jobs | Easy to switch jobs and move cities in Canada | Visa restrictions make it very risky for H1B holders to switch their jobs. H1B gives you the freedom to shift from one employer
If you switch jobs, your new employer has to apply for your H1B, and reapply for your green card by porting your old green card application date with the new date However, you have to go through all the processes again |
| Job opportunities | It is difficult to get a job due to the lesser number of cities in Canada, but you can apply for a job in the Job Bank | You have more job opportunities in the US |
| Business opportunities | You can be an entrepreneur in Canada and it is easy to start a business as a Canadian PR holder | less. Visa restrictions may be applicable to those looking to start their own business |
Ten of the most-wanted jobs in the US
|
In-Demand Jobs |
Average Salary |
Projected Growth by 2024 |
| Home Health Aide | $22,600 | 38% |
| Physical Therapist | $84,020 | 35% |
| Registered Nurse | $68,450 | 16% |
| Software Engineer | $98,270 | 19% |
| Information Security Analyst | $90,282 | 19% |
| Occupational Therapist | $81,910 | 27% |
| Web Developer | $66,130 | 24% |
| Data Scientist | $111,267 | 16% |
| Operations Manager | $97,730 | 7% |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $64,280 | 26% |
Ten of Canada’s Most In-Demand Jobs
|
In-Demand Jobs |
Average Salary |
NOC Code |
| Sales Associate | $50,255 | 6411 |
| Driver | $44,836 | 7511 / 7521 / 7452 |
| Receptionist | $31,304 | 1414 |
| Welder | $40,927 | 7327 |
| Web Developer | $62,522 | 2175 |
| Business Development Manager | $85,000 | 4163 |
| General Labourer | $29,250 | 7611 |
| Project Manager | $90,000 | 0211 / 0213 / 0711 / 1221 |
| Heavy-Duty Mechanic | $70,000 | 7312 |
| Merchandiser | $48,610 | 6222 |
Taxation:
The federal tax rate in the United States is graduated for some states. This means that they are higher for higher incomes and lower for lower amounts.
You can expect an 18% income tax on average. Employees in the United States can expect to earn around $52,000 per year on average.
Canada
Canada has a higher average effective tax rate of 28%. According to the survey, the average annual take-home pay for a Canadian employee is $35,500.
Taxation is a significant difference between the two countries. What matters is your annual salary after taxes.
Cost Of Living
Financial Implications of US H1B Visa vs. Canadian PR
|
Aspects |
With US H1B Visa |
With Canada PR |
| Average Salary | $83,619 – $100,461 | $38,805 – $50,213 |
| Average Tax | 18% | 28% |
| Cost of Living | $700 – $1,000 per month | $1,650 – $2,500 per month |
| Healthcare | No Free Treatments | Medicare Coverage |
| Cost of Education | $10,000 – $15,000 per year | $6,135 – $10,733 per year |
The United States
The salary structure in the United States is far more appealing than it is in Canada.
In the United States, annual living expenses are estimated to be between $10,000 and $12,000 per person. This ranges between $700 and $1,000 per month.
Canada
In terms of food security and health care, Canada provides more generous government benefits. The cost of living in Canada is higher.
Every month, it is estimated to cost between $1,650 and $2,500 per person, or about $5,158 for a family of four. Nonetheless, the Canadian government compensates it with a slew of social services.
The cost of living in Canada is higher than in the United States, but healthcare is free or low-cost.
Job Opportunities in Canada vs. the United States
|
Canada |
United States |
| The Canadian economy is strong, and it is the 10th largest economy in the world
The Canadian job market offers fewer options compared to the USA Indians having Canadian work experience can apply through the Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program |
The USA features the biggest economy in the world. Therefore, getting a job in the USA is much easier for migrant workers
As the USA job market promotes innovation, there is always a demand for highly skilled workers |
Key Takeaway: Canada presents a fast-growing environment that is more appealing to foreign nationals looking for work.
Work Hours Per Day
United States
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average employee in the United States works 34.4 hours per week, or 8.8 hours per day. This equates to approximately 1794 hours per year.
Canada
In Canada, the standard working hours for federal employees are 8 hours per day. It amounts to 40 hours per week, or 2086 hours per year.
Takeaway: Working in the United States allows you to spend more quality time at home.
Healthcare
United States
In the United States, health care is linked to insurance coverage. Typically, your employer will provide you with health insurance.
In the United States, no treatment is free. The deductible must be paid by you. Medicare only covers certain categories, not all.
In a 2018 study on access and quality, the United States ranked 29th globally.
Canada
On the other hand, in Canada, basic health care is free. Health-care costs are also lower in this area. The healthcare system in Canada is more humane.
It is provided through Medicare, a provincial and territorial publicly funded healthcare system.
The basic requirement for Medicare is provincial or territorial health insurance coverage. It excludes tourists, visitors, and transient passengers visiting the province.
Key Takeaway: Canada wins with its ‘Medicare’ cover.
United States Education Cost
The cost of attending an American university varies depending on the institution and programme of study.
Tuition and other fees for higher education in the United States range from $3,660 to $35,830 for public two-year courses and private non-profit four-year courses.
Every child in the United States has access to free public schools.
Mitchell also urges Biden to lift restrictions on foreign students.
Canada
Studying at a Canadian university is much less expensive than studying in the United States, and Canada has some of the best universities in the world. International students are also given government funding.
There are numerous opportunities to earn money while studying, including off-campus jobs and paid internships.
Students in the United States are not permitted to work independently as they are in Canada. Being an Uber driver is currently the most sought-after part-time job in Canada, as it is one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in the country.
Key Takeaway: The cost of studying in the United States is higher than in Canada, with fewer opportunities for students to earn extra money.
Permanently Residing in Canada vs. the United States: A Comparison
| General comparisons | ||
|
Canada PR visa |
US H-1B visa |
|
| Weather | Harsh winters with negative temperatures in Northern Canada. Milder winters in Vancouver and other warmer cities | Mostly mild winters and warm summers |
| Salary | up to 40% less than US | Higher than Canada |
| Housing | Expensive in Canada | On H1B, buying a house is affordable. However buying a house is risky investment due to job instability |
| Cost of living | Higher in big cities like Toronto (Up to 4000 CAD/month) | Lesser than Canada even in a big city in US like Chicago |
| Groceries | Higher due to imported goods | Affordable |
| Taxes | Unless your salary is above 150k or more, Canadian taxes are similar to the US (Up to 35% of your salary)
Canada has no medical taxes as healthcare is free However, the sales taxes in Canada are higher (around 13-15%) as compared to the US (10% tax) |
|
| Auto insurance | More than 2000 dollars for Car insurance | Less than 1000 dollars for car insurance |
| Driving ticket | There is a severe penalty charged in Canada | Penalty is lesser than Canada |
| Safety | Canada is a lot safer compared to US, especially big cities like Toronto | Gun violence is seen in public places, even in good neighbourhood as owning a gun is legally allowed |
- On the Average Life Satisfaction Ranking, Canada ranks seventh with a score of 7.6. The United States has a score of 7.0.
- According to the World Happiness Index, Canada is ranked 9th, while the United States is ranked 19th.
- According to the research, the United States has a population density of 84 residents per square mile, whereas Canada has a population density of roughly 3 people per square kilometer.
- According to the Global Economic Competitiveness Index, Canada received 79.59 points out of a possible 100. However, with an 83.7 point total, the United States defeated Canada.
- In 2019, Canada’s unemployment rate was 5.67 percent. The unemployment rate in the United States was 10.2 percent in July 2020.
- Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa are among the best cities to live in Canada. Denver, Charlotte, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Boston, Portland, and many other cities in the United States are among the best places to live.
The United States of America’s 5 Most Valuable Advantages H1B Visa and Permanent Residency in Canada
|
Canada PR visa |
US H-1B visa |
|
| Healthcare | Healthcare is free, but you have to pay for dental and medical prescriptions if you don’t have health insurance | Quite expensive without insurance with your employer. Also includes variable pay per visit to your doctor |
| Education | Cheaper than the US with Top Universities in the world to choose to study
There is government funding provided for international students in Canada |
Education costs are much higher in the US.
While you get merit-based scholarships in the US, there are no government waivers for international students |
| Post-study work | Easier to work while studying and to get a PR post-graduation
You can work part-time off campus (if you don’t have a job on-campus) giving students more sources of income including paid-internships |
Difficult to work off-campus during study
However the money you make on-campus in the US is much higher than what you make in Canada |
| Work permit for a Spouse | A Canada PR spouse can get a ‘Spouse Dependent Work Permit’ to work full time in Canada
Spouses of international students in Canada can also apply for an ‘Open Work Permit’ After working for a year they are eligible to apply for a Canadian PR via the CEC program (under Express Entry) |
Only spouses of H1B visas can work in the US via the H4 dependent visa and can continue doing so as long as the H1B holder’s visa is valid |
| Family reunification | A PR holder can sponsor spouse and children under 22 years for a PR visa after 3 years of living in Canada | An H1-B visa holder cannot sponsor a spouse and children, but can do so upon being a green card holder
There are a limited number of visas available every year |
| Maternity leave | About 1 to 1.5 years of Paid maternity leaves in Canada, including some paternity leaves as well | About 5 to 6 weeks of maternity leaves and some paternity leaves |
| Citizenship | After 3 years of holding the PR status, you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship | After 3 to 5 years of becoming a green card holder, you will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship |
Note:
- You can have an unlimited number of H1-B Visas throughout your lifetime.
- If you (a H1-B visa holder) are fired before the end of your allowed employment period, your employer is responsible for the expense of your return journey to your home country.
H1B Visa Restrictions vs. Permanent Residence in Canada
|
US H1B Visa |
Canada PR |
| There is an annual limit to the number of petitions approved each year | Immigration to Canada could be difficult and more expensive |
| You can only extend the H1B visa once for a total maximum stay of six years | You may not be able to patronize some favorite chains on Canadian soil that you find in the US |
| There are strict dates that the H1B visa holders should adhere to; like filing petition up till 1st of April and starting work from 1st October | Housing costs are comparatively much higher in Canada |
| Requirement of a job offer can be a drawback as finding a sponsoring employer may be a difficult task | Lower prices of commodities in Canada have lately hurt job prospects. Ensure that you have a job lined up. |
| The H1B visa petitioning fees to be paid by the employer is steep and may therefore disincentive employers from sponsoring | Living expenses and domestic travel within Canada is pretty expensive when compared to the United States |
Do you need assistance deciding which visa kind is best for you? Get professional assistance with your visa application.
Other Important Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
On an H1B visa, how long may I stay in the United States?
The H1B visa is given for a maximum of three years at a time. It can, however, be extended for another three years. An H1B visa holder can only stay for a total of 6 years.
What is a H 1B Approval Notice, and what does it mean?
The USCIS H-1B Approval Notice certifies the validity of your H-1B status for the dates specified on the form.
Is it possible for me to travel to Canada with an H1B visa?
Yes, you certainly can. Except for short journeys of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico, you must have a valid H-1B visa in your passport to return to the United States from any country.
Can a Canadian publicist work in the United States?
With a Canadian PR, you are unable to work in the United States. To work in the United States, you’ll need an H1 visa.
What does it mean to have a prevailing pay rate?
Contrary to popular belief, prevailing pay is a misnomer. It isn’t the average wage in a particular country. Essentially, it is the market rate rather than a wage. The prevailing wage rate for union workers is usually significantly higher than the market rate.
How can I maintain my PR and H1B status in Canada?
You can have both a US H1B work visa and Canadian permanent residence at the same time. To preserve your PR, you must spend two out of every five years in Canada.
If I have a US visa, will I need a Canada visiting visa?
You certainly do. To travel or transit through Canada, most visitors with a US visa will need an eTA or a tourist visa.
Is it possible for L2 visa holders to apply for a Green Card in the United States?
The l2 visa holder is usually reliant on the l1 visa holder. They are sometimes included in the process of adjusting their status. This is also known as a Green Card application.
What does it mean to have a TN visa status?
The TN status allows people of Canada and Mexico to work as NAFTA professionals in the United States.
Conclusion
When comparing the H1B Visa in the United States to the Permanent Resident Visa in Canada,
|
Aspects |
US H1B Visa |
Canada PR |
| Job Opportunities | Many Options | Limited Options |
| Average Working Hours | 1,794 Hours/Year | 2,086 Hours/Year |
| Job Security | Unreliable | Reliable |
| Average Salary | $83,619 – $100,461 | $38,805 – $50,213 |
| Average Tax | 18% | 28% |
| Cost of Living | $700 – $1,000 Per Month | $1,650 – $2,500 Per Month |
| Healthcare | No Free Treatments | Medicare Coverage |
| Cost of Education | $10,000 – $15,000 Per Year | $6,135 – $10,733 Per Year |
| Scope for Citizenship | After 5 Years | After 3 Years |
Before you move to Canada, here are some helpful hints:
- Inquire with your company about working remotely from Canada.
- Have enough money in your bank account to last at least 9 months.
- Start networking for opportunities in Canada before you move, rather than waiting for a PR.
- Before you move to Canada, look for a place to stay.
- Before you move, transfer your assets from India to Canada, such as retirement accounts and bank accounts.
Do you require assistance with your visa application? We can assist you.
How Can Prominent Assist You?
Prominent Overseas Careers specializes in Permanent Residency Visas, Work Visas, Study Visas, Temporary Visas, and Dependent Visas for Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Germany, and Hong Kong.
Aside from these services, Prominent provides its customers with personalized services such as:
- Profile Evaluation: Professional advice based on an in-depth evaluation of the client’s profile to determine visa success chances.
- Documents & Review: Detailed, error-free documentation drafted to meet specific formats based on the visa type.
- A dedicated Case Officer: A consultant who will assist clients throughout the process.
- Visa Filing: Prominent ensures that visa applications meet all of the standard requirements of the relevant immigration authorities and governing bodies.
- Test Preparation: Free online courses are available to assist aspirants in improving their Language Proficiency for important exams such as IELTS, French, TOEFL, and PTE.
- Visa & Interview: Aspirants who attend visa interviews with verified documents are given guidance.
- Post-Landing Service: After receiving their visas, Prominent assists clients in settling down in their new country with a comfortable stay.
Additional services provided to job seekers include:
- Resume Writing: We have a dedicated team of resume experts who will craft the best resumes to meet the requirements of immigration authorities and potential employers. This greatly increases their chances of being chosen. This greatly increases their chances of being chosen.
- Profile Marketing: Prominent is well-known for producing best-in-class portfolios that boost applicant profiles on job boards. And, yes, this is a free service!
Additional services for students seeking a study visa include:
- Admission Counseling: Comparisons of the best programmers, colleges, and countries to study in, including arranged mentor ship from current students.
- Writing Services: Admission Essays, Student CV, Statement of purpose (SOP), Letter of recommendations (LOR), and other critical services are provided by a dedicated team.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Assist in locating the best Scholarship programmers, Education loans, Study abroad loans, and also assist in locating paid internships.
With Prominent, you can expect a one-stop solution for all of your visa needs, including profile evaluation, documentation, application drafting, and post-visa services.
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