🇺🇸 USA vs Canada 🇨🇦

Complete Comparison for Indian Students 2026

Quick Answer: USA or Canada?

Choose USA if you want highest salaries ($75K-$120K), world's top universities, and tech industry opportunities. Choose Canada if you want easier PR pathway, lower costs (30-50% cheaper), and work-life balance. Both offer 3 years post-study work rights.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor🇺🇸 USA🇨🇦 CanadaWinner
Total Cost (2 Years)₹25-80 Lakhs₹15-40 Lakhs🇨🇦 Canada
Post-Study Work3 years (STEM OPT)3 years (PGWP)🤝 Tie
PR PathwayH1B Lottery (30%)
No direct path
Express Entry (90%+)
Clear pathway
🇨🇦 Canada
Starting Salary$75,000 - $120,000
₹62L - ₹1Cr/year
CAD 60,000 - 90,000
₹37L - ₹55L/year
🇺🇸 USA

🇺🇸 Choose USA If...

  • ✅ You want highest possible salary
  • ✅ You're targeting top-ranked universities
  • ✅ You're in STEM (3-year work rights)
  • ✅ You want to work in Silicon Valley/Tech

🇨🇦 Choose Canada If...

  • ✅ You want guaranteed PR pathway
  • ✅ You have budget constraints
  • ✅ Your spouse wants to work
  • ✅ You want work-life balance