8 Reasons Skilled Foreign Workers in the U.S. Should Consider Moving to Canada

If you're a skilled foreign worker in the United States thinking about new opportunities, Canada offers numerous reasons to consider making the move.

With strong ties between the U.S. and Canada and a shared border, relocating can be a smoother transition compared to other destinations. Here's why skilled workers might find Canada a great fit:

1. Faster Permanent Residency Pathways

Canada offers quicker routes to permanent residency (PR), equivalent to a U.S. green card. Through programs like Express Entry, candidates are scored based on age, education, work experience, and language skills. Many skilled U.S.-based workers qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, making them eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.

Candidates with high scores may receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR within weeks, and successful applicants can secure residency in just a few months. In contrast, obtaining a U.S. employment-based green card often involves a lengthy wait, especially for applicants from high-demand countries like India and China, with wait times potentially exceeding a decade.

2. Quicker Citizenship Eligibility

Permanent residents in Canada can apply for citizenship after living there for three out of the last five years. By comparison, U.S. green card holders need to wait five years—or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

3. Better Work-Life Balance

Canada emphasizes work-life balance through laws in certain provinces that grant employees the "right to disconnect" after work hours. Canadian workers also enjoy 10-13 paid statutory holidays each year, depending on the province. All employers must provide at least two weeks of paid vacation, with longer tenures earning more.

In contrast, while the U.S. has 11 federal holidays, private employers are not required to observe them, and many states do not mandate paid vacation.

4. Employment Security with Severance Pay

Canadian laws require employers to provide notice or pay in lieu of notice during layoffs, with more generous terms for longer-serving employees. Without a proper termination clause, common-law severance can result in months or years of additional compensation. Meanwhile, many U.S. states operate under "at-will" employment, allowing terminations without notice.

5. Universal Healthcare

Canada offers a universal healthcare system funded by taxes, ensuring access to essential medical care regardless of employment status. While Canadian employers may offer extended coverage, public healthcare remains a fundamental benefit. In the U.S., job loss often means losing employer-sponsored health insurance and facing significant out-of-pocket costs.

6. Paid Parental Leave

Canadian parents benefit from up to 76 weeks of paid leave under the Employment Insurance program, combining maternity and parental leave options. Parents can choose between standard or extended benefits based on their needs.

By contrast, the U.S. provides only 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave.

7. Old Age Security (OAS)

Canadian retirees can access Old Age Security payments, currently up to CAD 989.63 monthly, with additional support for low-income retirees through the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Unlike the U.S., these benefits are not tied to employment history and are indexed to inflation.

8. Welcoming Culture

Canada is celebrated for its multicultural and inclusive society. The 2021 census reported over 450 ethnic or cultural origins, and Canada ranked first on Gallup's Migrant Acceptance Index in 2019. Newcomers benefit from free settlement services, language classes, and integration support, making Canada a welcoming home for immigrants.

Canada offers numerous pathways and benefits that make it an attractive option for skilled foreign workers in the U.S. seeking stability, healthcare, and a better work-life balance.