If you’re a skilled worker planning to move abroad, deciding between a US green card and Canadian permanent residency (PR) might feel like a huge task. Both the United States and Canada offer popular immigration pathways for foreign workers with valuable skills and experience, but they function very differently. In the United States, skilled workers typically apply for an employment-based green card. In Canada, the most common route is the Express Entry system. Well, today we will be discussing all about the US Green Card v/s Canadian PR for skilled workers.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Green Card v/s Canadian PR Comparison Chart
While both countries value employment history, skills, and other credentials, the processes vary widely. Below is a comparison chart that gives you a quick overview of how the US and Canada stack up for skilled workers.
| US Green Card – Employment | Canadian PR – Express Entry | |
| Is a job offer usually required? | Yes | No |
| Employer sponsorship required? | Yes | No |
| Minimum typical time required | 1-3 years | 6 months |
| Favoured age for applicants | No | Yes, 20 – 29 |
| Cost | 2,000 to 5,000 USD | 1,525 to 2,000 CAD |
| Advantage for certain jobs? | Yes – “first preference workers” | Yes – workers with jobs in in-demand categories |
| Can you apply from outside the country? | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum language proficiency required? | No | Yes |
| Settlement funds required? | No | Sometimes |
| Source country matters? | Yes | No |
The primary thing to know about the US Green Card v/s Canadian PR for skilled workers is their benefits. Let us discuss them in detail.
Benefits Of US Employment-Based Green Card
If you’re able to qualify for an EB-1 visa, your application is treated as a high priority. Another plus is that even unskilled workers may be eligible under the EB-3 visa, provided they have a valid job offer.
Also, unlike Canada, your age does not directly affect your chances. Moreover, older applicants aren’t penalized in terms of eligibility or scoring.
Downsides Of US Employment-Based Green Card
While the US green card has its advantages, it’s also known for long processing times—especially for people from countries like India or the Philippines. In some cases, applicants might wait over a decade.
Additionally, the system is heavily dependent on employer sponsorship. You’ll likely need a job offer, and often must go through the PERM labor certification process. The bureaucracy can be hard to navigate, and processing varies greatly.
Benefits Of Canadian PR Via Express Entry
Canada offers a more transparent and faster pathway to PR for skilled workers. The Express Entry system is points-based, so applicants with high scores are invited to apply. A job offer is not required, which opens the door to many more candidates.
Another major benefit is that Canada does not consider your country of origin when determining your wait time. Plus, younger applicants (especially those aged 20–29) are rewarded with higher CRS scores.
If you’re not competitive under the Express Entry pool, you can still apply through one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Downsides Of Canadian PR Via Express Entry
To be eligible, you must take a language test and get your foreign education assessed. And while the system is faster, it can still be highly competitive—particularly in all-program or targeted draws.
In addition, unskilled workers typically don’t qualify under Express Entry. Also, candidates older than 29 start losing points for age, making it harder to meet the cutoff scores without other strong credentials.
Processing Time: US v/s Canada
Here’s a step-by-step comparison of how long each process typically takes:
US – Employment-Based Green Card
| Steps | Processing or wait time |
| Form I-140 submitted by employer | 5 to 21 months |
| Waiting for a visa number (visa bulletin) | Immediate availability to 15+ years |
| Submission of form I-485 | 15 to 38 months |
| Total | 20 months to 20 years |
Note: Visa number wait times depend on country of origin. Applicants from India, Mexico, or the Philippines often face long delays.
Canada – Express Entry PR Status
| Steps | Processing or wait time |
| Receiving an ITA | 1 week to 12+ months |
| Processing of PR application | 5 to 6 months |
| Total | 5 months to 1.5 years |
Note: The wait for an ITA depends on the candidate’s CRS score and category of draw. Competitive applicants usually get invitations quickly.
Well, another thing to know about the US Green Card v/s Canadian PR for skilled workers is their eligibility criteria. Let us discuss it in detail in the following section.
Eligibility: US Employment-Based Green Card
The US offers three main employment-based green card categories:
EB-1 (First Preference)
This is for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives. You may also not need a labor certification depending on your category.
EB-2 (Second Preference)
This category includes those with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Labor certification is usually required.
EB-3 (Third Preference)
This applies to skilled workers, professionals, and some unskilled workers. Moreover, a job offer and labor certification are typically required.
Refer to the table below for more details.
| Category | Eligibility criteria | Accepted supporting evidence | Job offer and/or labour certification required? |
| EB-1 (First Preference) – Priority Workers | Extraordinary ability: Demonstrated sustained national/international acclaim for qualifying fields. | Have either: – A 1-time achievement such as a Pulitzer or Olympic medal; or – 3 or more eligible achievements. | No. |
| Outstanding professors/Researchers: Recognized internationally, with at least 3 years of experience in your field. | Have 2 or more eligible achievements. | Job offer required, but no labour certification. | |
| Multinational managers/Executives: Employed outside the US for at least 1 year (within the last 3 years) by a related US employer. | Ensure your US employer meets the following criteria: – Intends to hire you in a managerial or executive capacity; – Has operated legally in the US for at least one year; and – Is a qualifying parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the foreign company where you worked as a manager or executive. | Job offer required, but no labour certification. | |
| EB-2 (Second Preference) – Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability | Advanced Degree: Master’s or higher (or bachelor’s + 5 years progressive experience). | – Provide copies of advanced US (or foreign equivalent) degrees; or – If qualifying based on bachelors degree + work experience, provide copies of advanced degrees and letters from current or former employers. | Job offer required; labour certification (or Schedule A designation) dependent on occupation. |
| Exceptional Ability: Significantly above ordinary in your field. | Have three or more pieces of acceptable evidence. | Job offer required, labour certification (or Schedule A designation) dependent on field. | |
| EB-3 (Third Preference) – Skilled Workers and Professionals | Skilled Workers: 2+ years of training or experience. | – Provide proof of experience (such as employer letters or degrees and transcripts); and – Show you meet all requirements detailed on the labour certification or Schedule A Designation application. | Job offer and labour (or Schedule A designation) certification required. |
| Professionals: Member of the professions + bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent. | Provide copies of degrees, transcripts, and degree equivalency evaluations (if applicable). | Job offer and labour certification (or Schedule A designation) required. |
EB-1: Extraordinary Ability Criteria
To qualify for the EB-1 category based on extraordinary ability, applicants must meet at least three or more of the following criteria:
- Received nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence.
- Are a member of associations that require outstanding achievements.
- Have been featured in major media or trade publications.
- Have served as a judge of others’ work, either individually or on a panel.
- Authored articles published in respected trade or professional journals.
- Made significant original contributions to their field—scientific, artistic, scholarly, athletic, or business.
- Had their work displayed in notable exhibitions or showcases.
- Held a leading or critical role in a distinguished organization.
- Earn significantly more than others in their field.
- Achieved notable success in the performing arts.
EB-1: Outstanding Professors And Researchers
Applicants in this EB-1 subcategory must demonstrate at least two of the following accomplishments:
- Won significant awards or prizes for outstanding work.
- Have made original scientific or scholarly contributions.
- Are members of associations that require exceptional performance.
- Have had their work cited or featured in professional publications.
- Have judged the work of others in the same academic or scientific field.
- Authored books or articles published in international journals.
EB-2: Exceptional Ability Requirements
Those applying under the EB-2 category for exceptional ability must provide evidence for at least three of the following:
- A degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized institution in their field.
- Employer letters confirming 10+ years of full-time work experience in the occupation.
- A valid license or professional certification in their field.
- Proof of a salary or compensation that reflects exceptional ability.
- Membership in professional associations.
- Recognition from peers, government bodies, or industry organizations for contributions in their field.
- Other comparable evidence showing they are significantly above average in their field.
EB-3: Skilled And Unskilled Workers
Under EB-3, even unskilled workers—those whose jobs require less than two years of training—can apply for a green card, provided they:
- Have a valid, permanent job offer.
- Undergo the labor certification process (unless exempt under Schedule A).
Schedule A includes occupations that are pre-certified by the U.S. Department of Labor due to a shortage of qualified U.S. workers. If your job is listed under Schedule A, you may be exempt from the labor certification requirement, which can speed up the green card process.
You can also apply for an EB green card either within the U.S. (by adjusting your status) or from abroad (through a U.S. embassy or consulate). In both cases, you’ll need to submit Form I-485 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of your application for permanent residency.
Steps to Apply for US Green Card:
- Employer files labor certification (like Canada’s LMIA)
- Submit immigrant petition (I-140)
- Wait for visa number to be available
- Submit I-485 to get green card
Express Entry Requirements For Canadian PR
There are three Express Entry programs you may qualify for:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For those with 1+ year of recent Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
This is for skilled workers with international or Canadian experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For people with experience in a skilled trade.
Below is a table for your better understanding:
| Work experience | Language proficiency | Education | Settlement funds? | Additional requirements | |
| CEC | 1 year, Canadian, in the past 3 years. | CLB 7 for TEER 0/1; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 | N/A | N/A | |
| FSWP | 1 year, continuous, in past 10 years (TEER 0–3) | CLB 7 | Canadian high school diploma (or foreign equivalent) | Yes. | Must score 67/100 on Skilled Worker Grid. |
| FSTP | 2 years in last 5 in key trade | CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing) | N/A | Yes. | Must have a job offer or trade certificate. |
Note: Job offers can waive settlement fund requirement.
Other Immigration Pathways
Another thing to know under the US Green Card v/s Canadian PR for skilled workers is other possible immigration pathways available.
Well, both the US and Canada offer other PR options like family sponsorship, humanitarian programs, or startup visas.
Spouse Sponsorship: Canada v/s US
Both countries allow permanent residents to sponsor their spouses. Here’s how they compare:
| US Green Card Holder | Canadian Permanent Resident | |
| Eligible relationship(s) | Spouses | Spouses, common-law, conjugal partners |
| Sponsor residency requirements | Reside in the US | Be a PR for 5 years + reside in Canada |
| Financial support required? | Yes, Affidavit of Support | Yes, Undertaking Agreement |
| Cost | ~$2,000 (in US); ~$1,300 (from abroad) | 1,205 CAD |
| Can you sponsor a spouse in/outside the country? | Yes | Yes |
| Interview required? | Often | Sometimes |
| Can a spouse work while waiting? | Yes, with permit | Yes, with permit |
| Minimum sponsor age? | 18 | 18 |
| Time to process? | 2.5 to 4 years | 11 months to 2.8 years |
| Does nationality matter? | Yes | No |
Whether you choose the US or Canada depends on your goals, profile, and how quickly you want to move. Moreover, Canada’s system is faster, more transparent, and doesn’t usually require employer sponsorship. The US, on the other hand, can be a better choice for older applicants or those with strong employer backing in high-demand fields.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
