Why choose Canada over USA?
Explore healthcare, quality of life, and diverse culture.
Why choose Canada over USA? In this article, I will be walking you through reasons why you should consider travelling to Canda rather than the United States of America.
The United States of America is regarded as the land of dreams, where relentless effort can lead to great success. It’s a place where everyone can achieve their goals. Unsparingly, millions of immigrants’ troop into the country every day seeking a better life.
Just like the United States, Canada has also become a home to millions of immigrants. Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, Canada welcomed a total of 468,817 immigrants. This figure is an increase from 2000-2001, when approximately 252,527 immigrants came to Canada.
On the other hand, more than 2.8 million migrants had encounters with United States immigration authorities in 2023, compared to more than 2.7 million migrants in 2022. The numbers are likely to increase ever year.
The aim of immigrants migrating to this country is to improve their standard of living, get better education and so on. But why should you choose Canada rather than travelling to the United States, here are reasons.
Why choose Canada over USA?
Education
The United States is a popular destination for international students likewise Canada. Both nations have become famous for their effective learning system, conducive environment for learning, healthy competition among students and lots more.
However, Canada is a better choice for any student willing to travel abroad. Wondering how this has come to be, here are reasons why you should choose Canada over USA for your education purpose.
Cost
Studying in the United States more expensive than the cost of studying in Canada. On average, Canadian university tuition fees are 27% more economical than tuition fees at US universities.
In addition to the tuition fees, financial aid is a lot harder to get as an international student in the United States. Canadian universities are more likely to offer financial aid or scholarships to international students, something that is very rare in the United States.
Employment Opportunities for students
Why choose Canada over USA? For international students, job opportunities is another reason why you should choose Canada over USA. International students can work in Canada for up to three years after they graduate on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
These permits allow student to get a job and also have access to permanent residence. However, this is not the case in the United States where no employment after graduation is allowed unless you have been sponsored.
Students who wants to earn while studying will have to choose Canada than opting for the United States
Welcoming Altitude
According to Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index (MAI), Canada ranks as the world’s number one most accepting country for migrants. Student won’t have any difficulties settling in unlike in the United States where it takes time. Upon arriving in Canada, you become a part of the great family.
Healthcare System
Canada and the United State boost of a great healthcare system. However, Americans pay more for healthcare than Canadians, and they can also face unexpected or sudden costs.
The cost of healthcare in the United States—both for individuals and the government—is by far the highest in the world, yet the United States also has the worst health outcomes overall of any high-income nation.
It is important to note that both the U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems are filled with highly capable medical professionals who offer top-flight care. Both countries have also ensured that healthcare workers are well paid.
Safety
Why choose Canada over USA? Still on the subject matter, another reason why you should opt for Canada rather than US is safety. Both nations are safe, however, Canada has a much lower crime rate than most other countries in the world. It also and a much lower rate of gun violence than compared to the United States.
In 2022, Gun crimes are three times higher in the United States than in Canada. According to the Small Arms Research project, there are 121 firearms for every 100 residents in United States. But Canada has an estimated 35 guns per 100 residents.
When it comes to safety, Canada consistently does well in global surveys on safety, progress, and quality of life. Canada is regularly ranked in the top 10 safest countries in the world as defined by the Global Peace Index.
Job Opportunities
Its important to understand that both countries boost of great opportunities for job seekers, however, Canada comes first in terms of job opportunities when the two country is compared.
The country has introduced various programs for immigrants looking to work due to its ongoing labor shortage problem. Canada has to fill jobs since many citizens are close to their retirement age—or have retired already.
Canada has several workers’ programs that act as pathways for international students to stay and work in the country. It’s a much easier process than the USA, which has a long-winded process.
In addition, Canada has an advantage regarding a smoother work visa application process, which is worth considering if you plan to move abroad. Below are some advantages of working in Canada
- Generous employee benefits, such as: free Healthcare insurance, gym-memberships, and long vacation leaves
- Implementation of a 4-day work week (not for all companies, but for some.)
- Paid travel expenses and experiences
- Paid maternal and paternal-leave benefits
Cost of Living
Why choose Canada over USA? Cost of living is one reason why you should opt for Canada rather than travelling to the United States. On average, Canada’s food, transportation, and housing prices are lower than the USA’s.
Though expenses in both countries depend on the city and lifestyle of the resident, however, Canada is cheaper than the United States.
Using a city in both countries as example, a better comparison is Toronto and New York, both the most populated cities in their respective countries. New York is 28.3% more expensive in consumer prices than Toronto.
Diverse Multi-cultural Population
Yes, you can also choose Canada ahead of the United States because of its diverse multi-cultural population. In 1988, Canada passed the Canadian Multiculturalism Act into law. One of the first of its kind in the world, it enshrined into law the federal government’s commitment to fostering a diverse society.
Canada prides itself on its multicultural population. Today, Canada is home to people from more than 200 countries, and a vast range of races, religions, and cultures.
Study conducted by Statistics Canada has found that a majority of immigrants feel a sense of belonging in Canada. As an immigrant, its easier settling down in Canda than the United states.
Thriving Economy
Canada is known as one of the most economically stable countries in the world. 2020 Covid-19 hit the world like a wild fire and many countries suffered lasting economic effects, however, Canada bounced back stronger than ever.
By the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, Canada’s economy was bigger than before the pandemic, growing at a pace of 6.7%.
To maintain post-pandemic growth, employers and provinces look to overseas workers to fill labour market gaps. With higher-than-ever immigration targets and a strong economy, prospective newcomers are positioned for success in Canada.
Obtaining Study Permits
As a student willing to study abroad, it is advisable to choose Canada rather than the United States.
In US, the Department of Homeland security has put forward a proposal that would require international students to reapply for their visa every year that they are in school in the United States. In contrast, the Canadian government encourages its students to stay in the country for as long as possible.
The U.S. visa application system is also a lengthy and complicated process, requiring intense scrutiny, questioning and plenty of waiting. The Canadian visa process is simpler and shorter, making it easier for international students to get a study permit.
A Canadian study permit can be processed in as little as 3 weeks. On the other hand, an American study permit frequently takes much longer.
Work Permit
Getting a work permit in Canada is much easier than securing one in US. Though both nations provide lots of options to get a work visa, Canada offers over 80 immigration programs, with most pathways created for qualified foreign workers to easily enter the country.
Canada is a popular destination for foreign workers looking for a better life, not only because of its high wages but because of the good quality of life it offers for immigrants.
Stable Political System
Canada has a very stable political system and greatly values democracy compare to the United State. In 2020, Canada ranked number five on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s world democracy index, ahead of all North American nations.
Leaders IN Canada are democratically elected, and there is very little political unrest in the country. When Canadians are dissatisfied with the government, they can freely protest and lobby for change or elect a different party in the next elections.
Political system in US is also stable, however, Canada has the edge in this scenario. Canada is a member of the United Nations, through which it has participated in many peacekeeping missions. It is also a member of NATO and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the cost of living in Canada?
The cost of living in Canada is $1826, which is 1.87 times more expensive than the world average. However, the Cost of living in Canada is, on average, 9.2% lower than in United States, and rent in Canada is, on average, 27.8% lower than in United States.
Who has a better healthcare system between US and Canada?
Both nations boost of a great healthcare system. However, the cost of healthcare in Canada is cheaper compared to the United States.
Who offers the most salary between Canada and US?
Canada and the USA provide high-salaries and great benefits for immigrant workers. However, a person working in Canada typically earns $36,000 dollars a year while a person working in the USA typically earns around $35,300 per year.
Why should I choose to work in Canada rather than the US?
You should opt to work in Canada rather than the US because of the numerous work opportunity. In addition, Canada’s open immigration policy and welcoming workplace environment are important factors.
Is it easy to find a job in Canada?
Finding a job in Canada can be easy, provided you prepare for it, take proper training, and are flexible. However, an immigrant must familiar themselves with the country’s recruiting process and work culture.
You must be eager to learn and ready to work hard. It is advisable you also connect with those around you.
What is the highest paid city in Canada?
As of 2024, the highest paid city in Canada is currently Calgary, Alberta. Calgary is Located in western Canada. The city is popular for its booming energy industry, with many of its residents working in oil and gas exploration, production, and refinement.
Conclusion: Why choose Canada over USA?
In this article, we have spoken about why you should consider travelling to Canda rather than the United States of America. Though both nations are blessed with good infrastructure, education system, good healthcare service, Canada tends to be more welcoming than the United States.
The safety in Canada is ranked ahead of the United States. Cost of living in Canada is also cheap to when compared with that of United States. As of 2021, the median income for households in the US and Canada (after tax) was $70,784 and $68,400, respectively.
Canada also boosts of a very stable political system and greatly values democracy compare to the United State. In 2020, Canada ranked number five on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s world democracy index, ahead of all North American nations. Getting a work permit in Canada is also much easier than securing one in US.