Immigrating to Canada vs. the U.S.
Regulations and Policies
One of the main differences is that the United States maintains a priority date system. You can check the status of your application. Canada has no tracking system for persons who leave or enter the country while the U.S. keeps records. Moreover, it is easier to renew your visitor visa in Canada than in the USA. Visitors find it more difficult to extend their visas in the U.S. Another difference is that the USA has a quota for work permits and immigrants who arrive in the country while Canada does not. Basically, the two countries have different immigration rules and systems. Many people claim that it is easier to immigrate to Canada than the United States.
As a rule, the U.S. immigration is employment-based. This means that you need a work permit to come to the USA. A student visa is another option, but the length of stay depends on the course of study. With a work permit, you are allowed to apply for a permanent residence status. The situation is different in Canada. It is more difficult to immigrate via a work permit. However, if you have a skilled occupation, work experience, and are educated (e.g. a postgraduate degree), you will likely qualify.
Multiculturalism vs. the Melting Pot
Canada encourages immigration and solicits immigrants unlike the U.S. Canadians embrace multiculturalism and the importance of diversity, tolerance, and multicultural policies that define national identity. In the past, the U.S. chose a different approach to national identity and mainly – the melting pot. This approach to national identity assumes that immigrants will mainly see themselves as citizens rather than persons belonging to ethnic or cultural minorities. The main idea behind this concept is that societies become more homogeneous which contributes to a strong national identity. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, is associated with the politics of recognition, the politics of difference, and identity politics. There are other factors that make Canada more inviting than the U.S. While problems such as income inequality and crime are a source of concern in the U.S., the number of Americans who seek to immigrate to Canada is relatively small. The fact that Canada shares a common border with the U.S. limits unauthorized immigration. This, on the other hand, eases public anxiety about immigration. Plus Canada’s lower birth rate and a smaller and aging population mean that the country needs immigrants. This is an important factor for population growth. Other Factors to Consider
There are other factors that play a role, including geography, climate and weather conditions, industry and sectors, and so on. When it comes to languages spoken, Canada is a bilingual country. English and French are official languages. Economic, regional, and global factors also shape immigration.