Studying in Canada vs the USA: Six Great Reasons to Choose Canada

 The decision of whether to study in Canada or the USA is influenced by a number of aspects, including quick processing times for study permits, excellent educational institutions, and an open and friendly environment.

The advantages and disadvantages of studying in Canada vs the USA may be compared by prospective students who are considering going overseas. Even though the USA is a well-liked travel destination, Canada is currently the top destination for international students.

In recent years, Canada has overtaken the United States as the #1 destination for international students. Why do more students choose to study in Canada than in the United States?

1. Having trouble getting study permits

The difficult US visa regime may be one of the causes.

International students studying in the United States would need to reapply for their visas each year in accordance with a plan made by the Department of Homeland Security. On the other hand, the Canadian government promotes long-term residence for its students.

The procedure for applying for a visa to the United States is equally drawn-out and challenging, entailing extensive examination, questioning, and waiting. It is faster and quicker to obtain a Canadian visa, which makes it simpler for overseas students to obtain a study permit.

Processing time for a Canadian study permit is as little as three weeks. An American study permit, however, typically takes a lot longer.

2. Cost

Studying in the United States is more expensive than studying in Canada, and getting financial aid as an international student in the United States is far more difficult. In contrast to the United States, where it is extremely uncommon, Canadian colleges are more likely to provide financial help or scholarships to international students.

In addition, Canadian university tuition costs are typically 27% less expensive than those at US universities.

But there are other things to take into account besides tuition costs. Canada also has far lower living expenses. The lower cost of living in Canada may be a factor in why international students choose to study there.

3. Healthcare

The United States and Canada have many similarities, but one of Canada's largest distinctions is its universal healthcare system.

Since each province in Canada is responsible for managing its own healthcare system, each one offers a different level of coverage. Not all provinces provide insurance for transient residents like foreign students. However, students in provinces where overseas students are not accepted can typically choose to enroll in their school's insurance plan or use one of the many reasonably priced private insurance companies.

Many colleges in the US demand that foreign students apply for health insurance. These students frequently have to pay expensive charges for private healthcare as a result.

4. Welcoming Attitude

Canada is ranked as the world's most migrant-accepting nation by Gallup's Migrant Acceptance Index (MAI). A recent survey also showed that since the COVID-19 outbreak, Canadians have been more hospitable to immigrants than before.

Canada wants to welcome international students, which stands in stark contrast to what some perceive as the hostile U.S. approach towards foreigners.

The findings also support Canada's policy of embracing foreign students. In Canada, there are now 642,500 international students, up from 122,700 in 2000. According to a recent Statistics Canada survey, six out of ten foreign students who found employment after finishing their education became citizens within ten years of earning their study permit.

The number of foreign students studying in the United States, in contrast, increased at the weakest rate since 2009. These statistics demonstrate that foreign students are increasingly preferring Canada over the United States, which may be a result of the strategies used by the Canadian government to draw foreign students.

5. Employment Opportunities

With the support of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international students can work in Canada for up to three years after they graduate. This helps them find employment and serves as a stepping stone to citizenship and permanent residency. This is not the case in the United States, where you must be sponsored in order to work after college.

International students generally believe that they are not welcome in the United States, which will surely have an impact on their capacity to find employment there.

6. Canada Wants You to Stay

Canada is by far your best choice if you're a student interested in converting to permanent resident status after graduation. International students are widely seen in Canada as perfect immigrants. As more foreign students come to Canada, Canada's efforts to keep them there permanently increase as well.

Numerous alternatives are available from both the provincial and federal governments for foreign graduates who wish to move to Canada permanently. Canada issued a temporary governmental policy in April 2021 that made it possible for foreign graduates working there to qualify for permanent residency status. Canada's message to international students at the time was quite clear, according to immigration minister Marco Mendicino: "Your status may be transitory, but your contributions are lasting—and we want you to stay."

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There are few opportunities in the US for international students to obtain permanent status. The United States does not provide any unique immigration alternatives for foreign graduates, in contrast to Canada. It is quite difficult to become a permanent resident or green card holder in the United States without family links or a sponsoring employer.