Canada vs. USA: Which Work Permit Is Better for International Students?

Toronto/Washington, D.C. – For Indian students aiming to study abroad, Canada and the United States remain the top choices. According to government statistics, over 427,000 Indian students are currently studying in Canada, while more than 255,000 pursue higher education in the U.S. Both countries allow international students to work after graduation, providing valuable work experience and career opportunities.

In Canada, students can work under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, while in the U.S., the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program serves a similar purpose. However, the rules, flexibility, and benefits of these programs differ significantly.

Why Students Choose the U.S. and Canada
Indian students often select these countries not just for work opportunities, but also for the chance to study at top-ranking universities. The U.S. hosts prestigious institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford, while Canada offers world-class universities such as University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia.

Cost of Education
The U.S. is known for its expensive higher education, with annual tuition ranging from ₹20–50 lakh, and private universities potentially exceeding ₹1 crore per year. Living expenses in cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco can reach ₹1–1.5 lakh per month, including housing, food, healthcare, and transport.

In contrast, Canada is relatively affordable. Annual tuition fees range between ₹13–23 lakh, and cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, and Winnipeg offer lower living costs. Canada also provides a government-funded healthcare system and subsidized housing, helping students save significantly.

How OPT Works in the U.S.
U.S. students on OPT can work for 12 months in a field related to their degree. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) graduates can extend their work period by 24 months, allowing up to 3 years of work. OPT also opens the pathway to an H-1B visa, although this depends on the lottery system, making long-term residency uncertain.

How PGWP Works in Canada
Canada’s PGWP offers up to 3 years of open work authorization, depending on the length of the course. Students can work in any field or company, providing greater flexibility. PGWP holders can also enter the Canadian job market directly, and permanent residency (PR) is more accessible via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), often within 1–2 years.

PGWP vs. OPT: Which Is Better?

• Duration & Flexibility: PGWP generally allows 3 years of work in any field, while OPT offers 12 months, extended to 3 years only for STEM students. OPT requires students to work only in a field related to their course.
• Path to PR: Canada provides an easier path to PR through PGWP and CEC. In the U.S., students must first secure an H-1B visa, work for several years, and then wait for a green card, which can take many years.
• Salary vs. Stability: OPT can offer higher salaries, especially for STEM students, but long-term stability is uncertain. PGWP offers lower salaries on average but greater job security and stability, with fewer worries about permanent residency.

Conclusion
For students pursuing STEM degrees, the U.S. OPT program can be highly rewarding, offering competitive salaries and potential H-1B visa opportunities. For those aiming to settle permanently, Canada’s PGWP provides greater flexibility, job stability, and an easier route to permanent residency, making it the ideal choice for long-term career planning.