As of 2025, both Canada and the United States offer various work permit options for international workers. However, recent policy changes in both countries have introduced new eligibility criteria and processing requirements. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the current work permit systems in Canada and the USA, highlighting key differences and updates.
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| Canada vs. USA Work Permits: A 2025 Comparison for International Workers |
Canada Work Permits: Recent Changes and Current Landscape
Canada's work permit policies have undergone significant revisions to address labor market needs and immigration levels.1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employer Requirements: Effective October 28, 2024, employers can no longer use attestations from accountants or lawyers to prove the legitimacy of their business. Instead, the program will rely on information-sharing agreements with provincial and territorial authorities, along with existing employer registries, to verify the legitimacy of businesses.Wage Thresholds: Starting November 8, 2024, the starting hourly wage for foreign workers hired through the high-wage stream will be 20% higher than the current median wage in the applicable province or territory. Jobs that do not meet this wage threshold will now be reclassified under the low-wage stream, which imposes stricter rules and additional obligations on employers.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Eligibility Changes: Graduates with degrees unrelated to long-term shortage occupations will now only qualify for a two-year PGWP instead of the usual three years. Graduates from public colleges in fields linked to long-term shortage occupations, such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, will still be eligible for a three-year PGWP.Language Proficiency: PGWP applicants are now required to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels set as follows: CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates.
3. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
Eligibility Restrictions: Eligibility for spousal open work visas is now limited to spouses of highly qualified workers in industries experiencing severe labor shortages, including C-suite executives, researchers, engineers, attorneys, and technicians. Additionally, the eligibility of work permits for spouses of students enrolled in specific programs, such as doctoral, master’s, and professional courses, will be restricted. However, spouses of those working in the construction and healthcare sectors will still qualify for these permits.🇺🇸 USA Work Permits: Current Policies and Updates
The United States offers several work visa options, each with specific requirements and limitations.
1. H-1B Visa
. Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty and a job offer from a U.S. employer in that specialty.. Application Process: The employer must submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor and then file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
. Duration: The H-1B visa is initially granted for up to three years, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of six years.
. Annual Cap: There is an annual cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 available for applicants holding a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution.
2. Automatic Work Permit Extensions
Policy Update: In December 2024, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a rule allowing immigrants with expired work authorization to continue working for 18 months while waiting for renewal. This measure addresses the significant backlog in processing employment authorization documents (EADs)Comparative Overview: Canada vs. USA Work Permits
| Feature | Canada (2025) | USA (2025) |
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Primary Work Visas | Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | H-1B Visa, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) |
Employer Sponsorship | Required for most work permits | Required for H-1B; not required for EAD holders |
Language Proficiency | Required for PGWP applicants (CLB 5–7) | Not required for most work visas |
Spousal Work Permits | Limited to high-demand sectors and specific programs | Available for H-4 visa holders; eligibility varies |
Processing Times | Subject to delays; backlogs reported | Subject to delays; backlogs reported |
Work Permit Duration | Varies; typically 1–3 years depending on program and occupation | Varies; typically 3–6 years depending on visa type |
Annual Caps | No general cap; specific programs may have limits | H-1B visa cap of 65,000; additional 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders |
Recent Policy Changes | Stricter eligibility criteria, wage thresholds, and language requirements | Implementation of automatic work permit extensions for certain immigrants |