If you are considering migrating to the United States or Canada it is important that you compare the immigration programs to determine the best option for you. This is a brief overview of the ways to migrate to both the United States and Canada.
United States Immigration
To permanently migrate to the United States, the most well-known pathway is by obtaining a Green Card. However, it is highly competitive and very difficult to obtain a Green Card. Green Card Holders are officially known as Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) and as an LPR in the United States, you are permitted to accept offers of employment without restriction, own property, receive financial assistance and join the Armed Forces. As an LPR you may also be able to apply for US Citizenship if you meet the relevant criteria. To be eligible to apply for a Green Card, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
Employment-Based Green Cards
Obtaining a Green Card through Employment is one of the most common categories of eligibility to obtain permanent residency in the United States. There are around 140,000 employment-based visas that are available through the fiscal year. The following are employment-based visa categories:
Immigrating to Canada
The Canadian immigration system has numerous opportunities for skilled migrants and international students to migrate to Canada temporarily or permanently. It is arguably a more open and attainable means of migrating than the United States immigration system. Canada intends to welcome 411,000 permanent residents in 2022.
Canada’s pathway to permanent residence is the Express Entry System and is the equivalent of the Green Card in the United States. This system is divided into three visa programs that are dependent on the skills and professional experience of the applicant:
In addition to the Express Entry System, each Province or Territory in Canada also have their own immigration programs referred to as Provincial Nominee Programs. This allows each Province and Territory to select skilled workers based on the needs of employment sectors and those experiencing labor shortages.
Canada also works to facilitate opportunities for international students. International students can travel to Canada to study at an educational institution and once their studies are completed there are opportunities available through the post-Graduate work Permit program to remain in Canada and gain valuable work experience. This pathway can also lead to international students applying for permanent residency in Canada.
What is the Destination with the Best Immigration Opportunities?
While the United States and Canada both have equal opportunities for skilled workers and international students, Canada’s immigration programs are more attainable and offer more visa options to obtain permanent residency.
Adriana Chipman
Juris Doctor (University of Melbourne)
Adriana is one of our immigration agent assistants. She graduated from the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne at the end of 2020. She is currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training at Leo Cussen Centre for Law in Melbourne, Victoria.
With her experience in volunteering for not-for-profit organisations in addition to conducting legal research, drafting documents, and engaging with clients
Adriana works to assist our team in any and all administration matters relating to immigration.
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