Canada vs USA Immigration 2026 — Especially Relevant After the H-1B Fee
This comparison has gotten a lot more attention since the September 2025 $100,000 H-1B fee — here's how the two systems actually compare on cost, timeline, and predictability.
Why This Comparison Matters More in 2026
The September 2025 $100,000 H-1B fee changed the calculus for many candidates who previously defaulted to the US path — see our full H-1B fee breakdown for what it means and who's exempt. Canada has become the most commonly cited parallel or alternative track since that change.
The Core Structural Difference
| Factor | 🇨🇦 Canada Express Entry | 🇺🇸 USA (H-1B → Green Card) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry mechanism | Points-based, no employer required | H-1B lottery (employer-sponsored), then PERM/I-140 for a green card |
| New employer cost (2026) | ~CAD $2,200-2,600 | $100,000 federal fee (new H-1B petitions) + standard fees |
| Time to permanent status | 6-18 months | H-1B holders from India/China can wait 40-80+ years for a green card (EB-2/EB-3 backlog) |
The EB-2 India backlog is the single biggest difference this comparison needs to highlight — it's not a processing delay measured in months, but a queue position problem measured in decades for Indian-born applicants specifically, due to per-country caps on US green cards.
Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇺🇸 USA |
|---|---|---|
| Government/visa fees | ~CAD $2,200-2,600 | $100,000 new H-1B fee (employer-paid) + PERM/I-140 legal costs |
| Required funds | ~CAD $14,690 liquid settlement funds | No settlement-fund requirement |
Which Should You Pursue?
- You're Indian-born and currently on H-1B → the EB-2 backlog alone makes Canada worth pursuing in parallel — there's no rule against running both.
- You have a strong US job offer and aren't from a backlogged country → the US route can still be faster to a green card for non-backlogged nationalities.
- You want a predictable timeline regardless of nationality → Canada's points system doesn't have per-country backlogs the way the US employment-based system does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $100,000 H-1B fee apply to me if I already have an H-1B?
No — it applies only to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. Extensions and transfers for existing holders are excluded.
Why is the wait so much longer for Indian applicants specifically?
US employment-based green cards are capped per country, not just per category — so countries with high demand (India, China) face far longer queues than the same category would take for other nationalities.
Can I pursue Canada and the US at the same time?
Yes — there's no rule against maintaining an Express Entry profile while also on H-1B or pursuing PERM. Many candidates run both in parallel.