Canada PR vs USA Green Card for Indians: Which is Better?
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Canada PR offers faster, points-based residency without employer dependency, while the Green Card involves long waits and sponsorship. Here is a detailed Canada PR vs USA Green Card for Indians where we break down processing time, costs, and more.
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If you're an Indian professional looking to settle abroad, you're probably stuck between two popular choices: Canada PR vs USA Green Card. While both pathways lead to permanent residency, their actual processing procedures and necessary qualifications and approval procedures show complete differences from each other.
As of 2026, the Canada PR vs USA Green Card debate has become even more critical for Indians because the waiting times and processes have changed dramatically. While Canada PR can be yours in just 6-18 months through Express Entry, the USA Green Card might make you wait 10-20 years due to country quotas. Let's break down everything you need to know about Canada PR vs USA Green Card to help you make the right decision for your future.
Overview of Canada PR vs USA Green Card
When comparing permanent residency in Canada vs USA, understanding the basic key differences is very important for making an informed decision. So, let's understand it briefly:
|
Factor |
Canada PR |
USA Green Card |
|
Processing Time for Indians |
6-18 months (Express Entry: 5-6 months) |
10-20+ years (EB-2: 12-15 years, EB-3: even longer) |
|
Job Offer Required |
No (for Express Entry) |
Yes (for most categories except NIW) |
|
Selection System |
Points-based (CRS) – based on age, education, language, experience |
Employer-sponsored – depends on job offer and labor certification |
|
Country-Based Quota |
No country limits – all nationalities treated equally |
Yes – 7% per country cap creates massive backlogs for Indians |
|
Application Cost |
CAD 1,525-2,000 (approx. INR 95,000-1,25,000) |
USD 2,000-5,000+ legal fees (approx. INR 1,65,000-4,15,000+) |
|
Language Test |
Mandatory (IELTS/CELPIP for English or TEF/TCF for French) |
Not required for employment-based Green Card |
|
Age Factor |
Maximum points for ages 20-29 |
Age not considered |
|
Citizenship Timeline |
3 years of physical presence (1,095 days) |
5 years as Green Card holder |
|
Employer Dependency |
Independent application – not tied to employer |
Fully dependent on employer sponsorship |
|
Immigration Targets 2026 |
500,000+ new PRs annually |
140,000 employment-based annually (with per-country limits) |
Also Read: Top 20 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students
Processing Time for Canadian PR vs American Green Card
Check below the processing time for both Canadian PR and American green card, as it will surely help you in your decision-making:
|
Program |
Canada PR Time |
USA Green Card Time |
|
Express Entry (FSW/CEC) |
5-6 months |
N/A |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
7-19 months |
N/A |
|
Employment-Based EB-2 |
N/A |
12-15+ years for Indians |
|
Employment-Based EB-3 |
N/A |
15-20+ years for Indians |
|
National Interest Waiver (NIW) |
N/A |
1.5-2 years (+ backlog wait) |
|
Priority Date (current as of Feb 2026) |
Not applicable |
December 1, 2013 (EB-2 India) |
Canada Immigration vs USA Immigration Fees Breakdown
The immigration costs to Canada are much cheaper than the expenses involved in obtaining a US Green Card because people must account for both attorney fees and potential delays, which extend processing times and lead to increased total costs.
|
Cost Component |
Canada PR |
USA Green Card |
|
Government Fees |
CAD 1,525-2,000 |
USD 2,000-5,000 |
|
Legal/Consultant Fees |
CAD 2,000-5,000 |
USD 3,000-10,000+ |
|
Language Test (IELTS) |
CAD 300-400 |
Not required |
|
Educational Credential Assessment |
CAD 200-300 |
Varies |
|
Medical Exam |
CAD 300-500 per person |
USD 200-500 per person |
|
Biometrics |
CAD 85 per person |
USD 85 per person |
|
Total Approximate Cost |
CAD 4,500-8,500 (INR 2.8-5.3 lakhs) |
USD 5,500-16,000 (INR 4.5-13.2 lakhs) |
You might find this helpful: Everything You Need to Know About Intakes in USA
Canada PR vs USA Green Card: What Should Indians Choose in 2026?
You must decide between Canadian permanent residency and American Green Card status based on your expected waiting times and your visa-free travel needs. The assessment lets you determine which option suits your needs through evaluation of various time spans, employment needs, and your goals for permanent residency.
|
Situation |
Better Option |
Why |
|
You want to settle abroad as soon as possible |
Canada PR |
Processing usually takes 6–18 months, so there’s no long waiting period |
|
You are okay waiting 10–20 years for permanent residency |
USA Green Card |
Indian applicants face long backlogs due to country limits |
|
You don’t have a job offer yet |
Canada PR |
Express Entry allows you to apply without employer sponsorship |
|
You already have a US employer willing to sponsor you |
USA Green Card |
Most Green Card categories depend on employer support |
|
You want freedom to change jobs or cities |
Canada PR |
PR is not tied to one employer or location |
|
You’re comfortable staying with the same employer for many years |
USA Green Card |
Job change during the process can delay or affect your application |
|
You want a clear and predictable timeline |
Canada PR |
Points-based system with defined steps |
|
You can handle uncertainty and long queues |
USA Green Card |
Processing depends on priority dates and visa bulletin movement |
|
Your goal is faster citizenship |
Canada PR |
Citizenship possible after 3 years of residence |
|
You are focused on higher salaries in specific industries |
USA Green Card |
Some sectors offer higher pay, but with longer settlement time |
Make the Right Choice Between Canada PR & USA Green Card with GetGIS
When looking at Canada PR vs USA Green Card for Indians in 2026, the choice is becoming increasingly clear. The Canadian permanent residency program provides a faster, more affordable, and independent route to permanent residency, which takes 6 to 18 months to process, while the USA Green Card requires a 10 to 20-year waiting period. Canadian permanent residency presents a better option for Indian professionals because of its points-based system and absence of country quotas and employer dependency requirements. The USA provides better salaries for specific industries, but its extended processing times and unpredictable results create obstacles for applicants. Your best option to establish an enduring international career without extended waiting periods is to obtain Canadian permanent residency.
Ready to start your Canada or USA journey? Connect with GetGIS for expert guidance on visa processing, job opportunities, and complete post-landing settlement support to make your Canadian dream a reality.
Also Read
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster between Canada PR or USA Green Card for Indians in 2026?
Can I apply for Canada PR without a job offer?
What's cheaper, Canada immigration or USA immigration?
Does my nationality affect Canada PR processing time?
How long until I can get citizenship, Canada vs USA?
Can I apply for both Canada PR and USA Green Card simultaneously?
