Are you a skilled foreign worker in the United States exploring better opportunities? Canada offers incredible benefits that make it an attractive destination for professionals like you. According to the Express Entry Year-End Report 2023, the United States consistently ranks as one of the top countries where candidates invited for Canadian permanent residency (PR) currently reside. With its shared border and strong ties, moving from the US to Canada is often a seamless transition for skilled workers. Here are 8 reasons why skilled foreign workers in the US should move to Canada.

Why Skilled Foreign Workers in the US Should Move to Canada? 

The United States has long been a prime destination for skilled foreign workers seeking career growth, financial stability, and a better quality of life. However, challenges such as restrictive visa policies, long waits for permanent residency, and uncertainties around immigration laws have made Canada an increasingly attractive alternative.

Here’s why skilled foreign workers in the US should consider moving to Canada:

Easier Path to Permanent Residency

Canada’s permanent residency (PR) programs, which serve as the equivalent of the US green card, offer several pathways, with the Express Entry system as a top choice. This program scores candidates on factors like age, education, job experience, and language skills.

Many skilled workers currently in the US are likely eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) in Canada, which enables them to create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly holds draws, selecting the highest-ranked candidates to apply for PR.

Top candidates may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) within weeks and could become PR holders within five months after submitting their ITA.

In contrast, the US employment-based green card process is often slow and uncertain, relying on employer sponsorship and potentially taking years or even decades for applicants from countries like India and China due to high demand.

Quicker routes to citizenship

Canadian permanent residents may apply for citizenship once they have resided in Canada for three out of the previous five years. This residence requirement provides a relatively streamlined route to Canadian citizenship, reflecting the country’s focus on integrating new residents.

In contrast, green card holders in the United States typically need to wait five years after becoming lawful permanent residents to apply for US citizenship. However, for those married to a US citizen, the residency requirement is reduced to three years. These timelines create different waiting periods based on individual circumstances but eventually offer green card holders the opportunity to obtain US citizenship.

High Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance

In Canada, work-life balance is a significant priority, with certain provinces even enacting laws that protect employees’ right to disconnect by limiting after-hours communication. Statutory holidays are also integral to Canadian work culture, providing paid days off to recognize occasions such as New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labor Day, and Christmas Day, which are celebrated nationwide, as well as other holidays specific to individual provinces. On average, Canadians enjoy 10 to 13 paid holidays annually, depending on the province.

By comparison, the U.S. observes 11 federal holidays, but private employers are generally not obligated to provide time off for these, apart from federal banks. Canadian provinces mandate a minimum of two weeks of paid vacation (equivalent to 4% of gross wages), which often extends to three weeks or more for longer-tenured employees. Additionally, Canadian laws require employers to pay out any accumulated vacation when employment ends. In contrast, many U.S. states offer no minimum vacation requirements, and few require payout of unused vacation time upon termination.

Understanding Severance Pay in Canada

Severance pay is intended to provide financial support to employees who are dismissed without cause or without an adequate notice period. In Canada, employment legislation in all provinces ensures that employees are given at least one week’s notice of termination, or equivalent pay if no notice is given. This minimum requirement may increase depending on the employee’s tenure and position within the company.

If a Canadian employment agreement does not include a termination clause, or if the clause is unenforceable or illegal, employees may be entitled to common-law severance. This means they could receive compensation based on factors such as their length of service, role, and overall circumstances, which may result in severance pay amounting to several months or even years of salary.

In contrast, in many US states, the principle of “at-will” employment applies, which allows employers to terminate an employee without notice or pay, as long as the termination is not discriminatory. This gives employers much more flexibility in making decisions regarding termination.

Healthcare funded by the government

Canada operates a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded through taxes, providing all permanent residents the opportunity to apply for public health insurance. This system ensures that every Canadian has access to essential medical services without direct costs at the point of care.

In Canada, if you lose your job, you do not have to worry about losing coverage for urgent medical needs or serious health conditions. Public healthcare remains available, even during unemployment. If you receive group health insurance through your Canadian employer, this is typically considered supplementary coverage. The cost for this additional coverage generally ranges from 75 to 140 CAD per month, depending on the plan provided by the employer.

In contrast, in the United States, losing your job often means the loss of employer-sponsored health insurance, which can jeopardize your access to necessary medical care. While working in the US, employees typically contribute much higher amounts toward health insurance premiums, with the average share being around 978 CAD (702 USD) per month, based on the Kaiser Family Foundation’s 25th Employer Health Benefits Survey.

Parental Leave Benefits

In Canada, new parents can take up to 76 weeks of paid time off through the federal Employment Insurance program. The birthing parent can opt for standard parental leave, which lasts up to 55 weeks, paying 55% of their earnings, capped at $668 per week. For extended parental leave, the birthing parent can take up to 76 weeks, with 55% of earnings (up to $668) for the first 15 weeks, followed by 33% (up to $401) for the remaining 61 weeks. The non-birthing parent can take 40 weeks of standard parental leave or 61 weeks of extended leave, receiving 55% and 33% of their weekly earnings, respectively, with similar payout caps.

In comparison, the US only provides 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave for any parent, regardless of the leave type.

In Canada, parental leave is divided into maternity leave for the birthing parent and parental leave, which can be taken by either parent. This structure allows for comprehensive family support during the early stages of child-rearing.

Canada’s Maternity leave

In Canada, the birthing parent is entitled to up to 15 weeks of maternity leave, during which they can receive Employment Insurance benefits. These benefits are paid at 55% of their average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $668 per week.

Additionally, new parents in Canada can take up to 69 weeks of parental leave, which can be shared between both parents. However, no one parent can take more than 61 weeks of leave. Parents can choose between two options for parental leave: the standard parental leave, which provides a set amount of pay for a shorter duration, or the extended parental leave, which spreads out the benefits over a longer period with lower weekly payments.

In contrast, the United States provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected parental leave under federal law. However, this leave is unpaid, meaning employees do not receive any financial compensation during this period.

Canada’s Old age security

In Canada, retirees can receive a monthly Old Age Security (OAS) pension of up to 989.63 CAD in 2024, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, which include reaching retirement age and meeting residency requirements. Additionally, low-income retirees may qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which offers an extra 1,086.88 CAD per month in 2024. Both the OAS and GIS are indexed to inflation to ensure that their value keeps pace with the cost of living.

These benefits are funded through tax revenue, not by the retiree’s previous employment contributions or earnings. The amount a retiree receives depends on how long they have lived in Canada and their age when they start claiming OAS benefits.

In contrast, the United States does not provide a comparable benefit to OAS for retirees. However, both Canada and the US offer other pension plans tied to the retiree’s work history: the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) in Canada, and Social Security in the US.

If you move to Canada, you can still receive any Social Security benefits you are entitled to based on your past work history and contributions in the United States.

*Note: The amount mentioned for OAS assumes the retiree delays their claim until age 70, which increases the monthly benefit.

Inclusive and friendly environment

Canada is renowned for its cultural diversity and its inclusive attitude toward immigrants. The 2021 Canadian census revealed that the country is home to individuals with over 450 different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. Additionally, Canada earned the top spot on Gallup’s 2019 Migrant Acceptance Index, with an impressive score of 8.46 out of 9, while the United States ranked sixth.

The Canadian government acknowledges the significant role that newcomers play in the country’s growth and works to facilitate their successful integration. To assist immigrants, the government provides access to free settlement services, including language courses in both English and French. These initiatives are designed to help newcomers adapt to life in Canada and ensure they have the support they need during their transition.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada offers skilled workers a better quality of life, strong job opportunities, and a welcoming environment. With competitive wages, excellent healthcare, and a robust social safety net, Canada provides a supportive foundation for career and personal growth. For US workers seeking new opportunities, Canada stands as an ideal destination for a fresh start.