| H1B Visa |
Canadian Permanent Residence |
| Can only work for the sponsoring employer; cannot change sponsoring employer |
Free to work on any job; for anyone; anywhwere in Canada (except Quebec) |
| Must leave the US if laid-off or if company shuts down (out of status issues) |
Free to stay in the country and find another job |
| Cannot start their own business |
Individuals can easily start a business by registering with the Minsitry of Consumer Relations |
| Many individuals and families face the risk of being sent back to their home country if their Green Card is not approved before the 6 year limit on H1Bs expires |
No such risk as a Permanent Resident. Upon landing in Canada, new immigrants receive a permanent residence visas that can be compared to having a US green card |
| Cannot sponsor other family members aside from spouse |
Permanent residents can sponsor other dependent family members (spouse, parents, children, etc.) |
| Travelling outside of the USA can face renewal risks when returning |
Permanent residents can travel anywhere, anytime as long as the 6 month requirement is met |
| Spouses needs a separate sponsor to be able to work in the USA |
Spouses can legally work in Canada without the need of employment sponsorship |
| It takes years to get citizenship. First, a long wait for the green card, and then a longer wait for the citizenship |
Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after three years of stay in Canada |
