Is it easier to settle in the USA or Canada after completing my master’s?

Question

Divya Rastogi · Accepted Answer

Generally, Canada offers a more straightforward pathway to permanent residency (PR) for international students after completing a master&rsquo;s degree. Canada&rsquo;s post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to stay and work for up to three years, gaining Canadian work experience, which boosts your eligibility for PR through the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Canada&rsquo;s points-based PR system favors individuals with Canadian education and work experience, making it easier to transition from studying to settling.
On the other hand, study in USA has a more complex immigration process. After your studies, you can work under the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program, typically for one year, or up to three years for STEM graduates.
To stay long-term, you&rsquo;d need an H-1B work visa, which is competitive due to its lottery system. While possible, settling in the U.S. can be more challenging due to fewer direct PR pathways for students, and it usually requires employer sponsorship.
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Mohit C · Answer

Generally, settling in Canada after a master's is more predictable and accessible than in the U.S. because of the friendly immigration policies for students in Canada. Options such as the PGWP and the Express Entry system provide a direct path for international graduates to work and apply for PR without employer sponsorship. This is ideal if you want a clear timeline for transitioning from study to work to residency.
In the U.S., there is an OPT program which does allow work after graduation, but again, long-term residency and a green card depend on winning the annual H-1B visa lottery. The H-1B visa can develop into a green card in specific circumstances, but quite often it is a waiting game. So, the more one wants to "settle," the simpler and more predictable the alternatives in Canada are compared with those in the U.S.