Study in Canada vs USA: Key Differences and Benefits

One of the key differences between Canada and USA is the study permit process. The Canadian study permit process is simplified with no interview requirement, lower cost, and less wait time. In comparison, the USA study permit is more expensive, includes an interview requirement that can include an appointment wait time of 226 days alone (for US embassy/consulates in New Delhi), in addition to application processing time.  Here are the study permit requirements for each country: 

USA 

• Types:  

• M-1 for full-time international students of vocational schools and training 

• F-1 for full-time international students of a college or university or English language institute. 

• Length of Coverage: 60 days after the end date of your program 

• Cost: $251 CAD application fee + Visa Issuance Fee (cost depends on nationality).  

• M-1 and F-1 Visa Requirements:  

• Student acceptance from SEVP approved school 

• Completed online visa application including photo 

• Interview 

• Application fee 

• Required documentation such as passport, application fee payment receipt, etc. See the US Government Student Visa page for more information.  

• Additional documentation as needed. 

  Canada 

• Types: Contact IDP Canada’s student counsellors for more information. 

• Length of Coverage: 90 days after the end date of your program. 

• Cost: $150 CAD 

• Study Permit Requirements 

• Letter of acceptance from college or university (designated learning institution) 

• Attestation letter 

• Required documentation such as proof of acceptance, proof of identity, proof of financial support. See Canadian Government study permit page for more information 

• Additional documents as needed. 

Note: After completing your study permit application, you will automatically receive a visitor or temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization.  

Is healthcare in Canada free for international students? Depending on the province you study in, you will have access to free health coverage. Here are the provinces that provide free healthcare for international students: 

• Alberta 

• British Columbia  

• New Brunswick 

• Newfoundland and Labrador 

• Northwest Territories 

• Nova Scotia (with some restrictions) 

• Nunavut (with some restrictions) 

• Prince Edward Island (with some restrictions) 

• Quebec (if you are from one of their ten partnership countries) 

• Saskatchewan 

In the USA, international students do not receive healthcare coverage and have to pay for health insurance through either: 

• Private Health Insurance Plan 

• College or University Plan 

Private health insurance in the USA can cost between $679 CAD and $1358 CAD per year. While it is not necessary to have health insurance to apply for a student visa in the US, it may be a requirement for school.  Regardless of whether you study in the US or Canada, it is recommended that students have healthcare coverage or insurance because treatment or medication can get very expensive.

Is Canada a good place to study? Canada’s quality of education remains one of the top reasons why international students choose the country (ICEF Monitor). The OECD Better Life Index shows that Canada scores better than the USA in education. Students are known for performing well in Canada regardless of socio-economic status, first language, and country of origin.  

Canada’s student skills also score higher than the United States, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment. Canada’s student skills receive a score of 517, ranking 5th of 41 countries. In comparison, USA’s student skills have a score of 495, ranking 19 of 41 countries.

Cost of Living 

It is cheaper to live in Canada than the US according to Investopedia, despite people in both countries having similar annual incomes. This is due to factors like: 

• Social benefits 

• Healthcare coverage 

• Cost of study 

For example, the monthly cost of rent of a 1-bedroom apartment in New York City is $5,512.31 CAD, while in Toronto it is $2,677.72 CAD. These rates vary, of course. 

Cost of Study 

Canada is known for having the lowest tuition rates for international students in comparison to Australia, UK and the US (QS Top University Rankings). Canada’s average international undergraduate degree tuition costs 43,485 CAD per year. In comparison, in the US tuition costs significantly more at $57, 279 CAD per year.  

Financial Aid and Scholarships 

Canada offers many financial aid opportunities for international students, at the university, provincial and federal level with bursaries and scholarships available. The United States has less financial aid opportunities, with no federal programs, but does have state funding and scholarships for specific institutions.  

Is Canada a better place to live than the USA? Canada is known for its high quality of life and, according to the OECD Better Life Index, Canada exceeds the United States in education, environment, health, safety, and work-life balance. 

Also, according to QS Top Universities Best Student Cities, three Canadian cities rank high among the top 20 best student cities in the world 2024:  

• Toronto (ranked 11th) 

• Montreal (ranked 13th) 

• Vancouver (ranked 18th) 

Canada is known for being a safer place to study than the USA. According to the Global Peace Index, Canada is ranked 11th in the world as one of the most peaceful countries. In comparison, the United States is ranked 131st in the world.  

Canada’s homicide rate is 1.2, which is lower than the OECD average of 2.6. The United States’ homicide rate is 6, which is nearly double the OECD average.

Both Canada and the USA have a high quality of support network that is above the average (OECD Better Life Index). However, Canada is known for its diverse and welcoming population and its prioritization of multiculturalism. In 1988, Canada’s policy of multiculturalism was the first of its kind in the world. Currently, 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration and it is projected that by 2036, 30% of Canada’s population will be immigrants, a growth from 20.7% in 2011. In comparison, immigrants currently only make up 13.6% of the US population.  

Not only is Canada known for its diversity, which is ideal for international students, it has a national strategy for international education, while the US does not. Prominent international organizations have created the US for Success Coalition to try and improve this situation.

Is it easier to find a job in Canada or USA? Both countries have a healthy labour market and a low unemployment rate compared to other parts of the world, which generally means that there are more employment options available for jobseekers. In both Canada and the US, only 0.5% of the population has been unemployed for a year or longer, which is lower than the OECD Better Life Index average of 1.3%. Canada’s employment rate is 69.97%, which is higher than the US.  How much you earn after graduation also plays a big factor in where you choose to study. Here’s a breakdown of the average USA vs Canada salary for international students: 

• Canada: $40,809 per year (Glassdoor) 

• US: $58,991 per year (Glassdoor)  

While international students earn more in the US, it is important to note that the cost of living is significantly higher in the United States than Canada.  

Canada’s immigration process is known for being easy and streamlined, while the USA’s system has a reputation for being complex and difficult.  

Canada offers several permanent residency programs for international student graduates: 

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program 

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) 

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry) 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry) 

• Provincial Nominee Program 

• Rural Northern Immigration Pilot 

The Government of Canada also has a Come to Canada Tool and cheat sheet chart of immigration programs to help you find what is available to you.  

For international students in the USA, you can gain permanent residency through: 

• A green card application that is employee-sponsored with a full-time job offer. 

• A green card application that is self-sponsored employment-based without a full-time job offer through typically EB-1A Extraordinary Ability or EB-2 National Interest Waiver.   

• Marriage to a person with US citizenship 

• Sponsorship from a relative with US citizenship or who is a legal permanent resident 

• TheU.S. Department of State diversity lottery program. 

There are many reasons why Canada is such a popular place for international students. The Canadian Bureau for International Education’s International Student Survey indicates that top draws for international students coming to Canada are safety (79%), quality of education (70%), and a tolerant, inclusive environment (50%). Nearly 60% of international students want to apply for permanent residency and most would recommend Canada to other international students.  

For students looking for quality education in a safe, inclusive environment, with a low cost of living and a healthy labour market, Canada may be the right choice for you. 

Choosing the right place to study as an international student is an important choice and involves a lot of considerations. Wherever you choose to study, make sure it’s the right place for your education and career goals. 

If you’re looking for more information about being an international student in Canada, follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, or book an appointment with one of our counsellors today.