If you are currently in the USA or planning to go there, you might think your future is tied only to the US. However, waiting for a US green card can take decades, especially for Indian applicants. At Globexa Immigration, we advise clients: instead of spending your life waiting for US PR, consider Canada as a faster, reliable, and flexible option for permanent residency (PR).
You have only one life, and waiting 10–20 years for US PR can be stressful and uncertain. Canada offers opportunities to secure PR quickly, while still allowing you to work or do business in the US.
1. Why Choose Canada While Living in the USA?
Several factors make Canada a smart choice for US-based H1B holders:
Faster PR Process – Canada provides multiple PR pathways that can take just 2–3 years.
Peace of Mind – Your family will have a secure country to call home, reducing anxiety about US immigration issues.
Flexible Work Options – Continue your H1B job in the US while starting a PR pathway in Canada.
Family Benefits – Spouse and children can work and study in Canada, sometimes tuition-free.
The US job market is attractive, but uncertainties like H1B visa renewals, anti-immigration policies, and country-specific quotas make Canada a safer long-term option.
2. Pathways to Canadian PR by Globexa Immigration
Depending on your circumstances, there are several ways to secure Canadian PR while in the USA:
1. Open Work Permit under Special Public Policy
H1B holders may qualify for open work permits.
Allows both you and your spouse to work in Canada.
Provides Canadian work experience, which is valuable for PR applications.
2. Intra-Company Transfer
If your employer has offices in both the US and Canada, you can transfer to Canada.
You receive a closed work permit for your company.
Spouse gets an open work permit, and kids can study in Canada.
3. Study Visa
If other work options aren’t available, a Canadian study visa is another route.
One spouse can pursue a two-year master’s program while the other works on an open work permit.
This leads to Canadian PR after gaining work experience.
4. LMIA-Based Closed Work Permit
If a Canadian company is willing to hire you using your US experience, they can provide a closed work permit through LMIA.
Spouse receives an open work permit, creating a pathway for PR.
3. Special Categories in Express Entry
Globexa Immigration recommends exploring special category draws, which have lower CRS cutoffs than the Canadian Experience Class.
Healthcare Jobs: Personal support workers, pharma assistants
Education Jobs: Early childhood educator assistants
Gaining six months of experience in these fields, along with short certificate courses in Canada, can make you eligible for PR quickly.
4. Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP)
The RCIP program focuses on 14 communities across Canada. Working or studying in these communities for one year can qualify you for PR.
Communities are in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
Both students and spouses on open work permits can use this program to get PR.
5. French Language Option
For those who want a cost-effective approach, learning French can also lead to Canadian PR:
Achieve B2 level (CLB 7) in French.
Combine with CLB 9 English proficiency.
Eligible for PR from outside Canada without study or work permits.
Suitable for people who cannot spend money on study or work permits.
6. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Studying or working in provinces like Ontario can qualify you for PNP, which can lead to Canadian PR:
Requires a full-time job offer.
Best for tech professionals living in the GTA.
After endorsement, PR of Ontario eventually converts to PR of Canada.
7. Canadian Experience Class
If you study in Canada and gain one year of Canadian work experience, you may qualify under the Canadian Experience Class:
CRS cutoff is usually above 525.
Combining Canadian study + work experience helps achieve this score.
8. Recommended Strategy for H1B Holders
Open Work Permit – if eligible under special public policy.
Intra-Company Transfer – if your company supports transfers to Canada.
Study Visa – one spouse studies while the other works.
LMIA-Based Work Permit – find a Canadian employer.
Special Category Draws – healthcare and education fields.
RCIP – rural communities with one-year work/study.
French Language Option – achieve B2 level French for PR.
PNP – provincial nomination programs like Ontario PNP.
By combining one or more of these strategies, you can secure Canadian PR in 2–3 years while continuing to work in the USA. This provides security, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
While the USA remains an attractive destination with high wages and opportunities, Canadian PR is a safety net and a long-term investment in your family’s future. You can work in the US while having Canada as a stable home base.
At Globexa Immigration, we guide clients through all available pathways for Canadian PR — including open work permits, study visas, RCIP, PNP, and French language options.
