If you are looking for a job abroad, you may be interested in working in the United States or Canada. Both countries offer various work visa options for foreign workers with different skills, qualifications, and goals. However, there are also some differences between the two countries’ work visa systems that you should know before applying. Here is a comparison of some of the main aspects of US work visa and Canada work permit.
Types of Work Visas:
The US has several types of work visas for temporary and permanent workers. Some common ones are:
•H-1B visa: for workers in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
•L-1 visa: for intra-company transferees who are managers, executives, or have specialized knowledge
•O-1 visa: for individuals who possess exceptional skills or accomplishments in fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
•P-1 visa: for athletes and entertainers who are internationally recognized
•E-1/E-2 visa: for treaty traders and investors who conduct substantial trade or investment between the US and their home country
•TN visa: for professionals from Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Canada also has various types of work permits for temporary and permanent workers. Most common ones are:
•Employer-specific work permit: for workers who have a job offer from a specific employer in Canada
•Open work permit: for workers who do not need a job offer or an employer to apply, such as spouses of skilled workers or students, refugees, or vulnerable workers
•International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit: for young people from eligible countries who desire to travel and work in Canada for a maximum period of two years
•Caregiver work permit: for workers who provide care for children, elderly people, or people with medical needs in Canada
•Agricultural worker work permit: for workers who perform seasonal agricultural work in Canada
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
The eligibility requirements and application process for US work visas vary depending on the type of visa and the category of worker. In general, applicants need to:
•Have a valid passport
•Have a job offer or an employment contract from a US employer
•Have an approval of a petition from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
•Meet the specific criteria for their visa category
•Submit a visa application at a US embassy or consulate located in their country of origin
Some visas may also require:
•A labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) to show that there are no qualified US workers available for the position
•Additional steps or documents depending on the visa type
The eligibility requirements and application process for Canada work visa or permit also depend on the type of permit and the category of worker. In general, applicants need to:
•Have a valid passport
•Have a job offer or an employment contract from a Canadian employer (unless they are applying for an open work permit Canada offers)
•Have a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to show that there is a need for foreign workers in the occupation (unless they are exempt from this requirement)
•Meet the specific criteria for their permit category
•Apply online or on paper to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Some permits may also require:
•Additional steps or documents depending on the permit type
The Bottom Line
US work visa and Canada work permit are both viable options for foreign workers who want to work abroad. However, they have different types, requirements, and processes that applicants should consider before applying. Depending on your skills, qualifications, goals, and preferences, you may find one country more suitable for you than the other.
If you need more information or assistance with your work visa application, you can contact us at 8595338595 or via email at web@jobsvisas.com. We are a professional immigration consultancy that can help you find a job and apply for a work visa in the US or Canada.
