Canada vs UK vs USA which is the best option to study for International students (part -2)

If you are planning to go abroad for studies and are confused about which one to choose, Canada vs. UK vs. USA, then please do check Part 1 also (link below)

Let’s continue with the factors that affect your study journey decision

Canada vs UK vs USA Which is the best option to study for International students

7) Immigration opportunities: 

Canada: Canada is struggling with the aging issue, and as per the federal government data, by 2035, millions of Canadians will retire, and there will be only three workers for every retiree, meaning that 25% of the population will be retired by then, Mint reported. This is the reason, when it comes to developed nations, only Canada is accepting immigrants in bulk. Even as per the data, by 2025 Canada would need 3,95,000 immigrants, 3,80,000 immigrants by 2026, and 3,65,000 by 2027. There are many projects run by the Canadian government, such as Express Entry, the provincial nominee program, the Canadian education experience, and the rural community immigration pilot. It takes from 6 months to four years, depending on your profile, but Canada is known for being a faster PR study destination

UK: International students whose main objective in the UK is to get permanent residency can apply for PR after living in the UK for at least five years. Though the specific duration totally depends on the type of visa you possess. But still, it is more than that of Canada. 

USA: The USA has the most complex and cumbersome process when it comes to getting permanent residency. This process takes several years. Let’s understand by the example of Indian students. To apply for PR first, the Indian students will have to select employment-based immigration, which requires them to have a job offer letter from a US employer. The employer then must sponsor the candidate for an H1B visa, and then, after working for a few years, the candidate can apply for permanent residency.

Immigration: Canada > UK > USA 

Winner: Canada

8) Part-time work opportunities

Canada: Canada has recently introduced 24-hour part-time work options for international students, which means the students can work up to 24 hours part-time during their study period, whereas on break and vacation periods, there is no such limit. The average per-hour wage in Canada is somewhere between CAD 13 and 25, depending on job profile and location. 

UK: Like any other country, the UK allows international students to work for 20 hours per week. There is no limit on part-time work during the vacation period. The minimum wage as of 2024 in the UK for students 23 or older is around £11, whereas for the students 18-20 age group is £8

USA: The USA also allows international students to work for 20 hours per week during the classes on period, whereas during the holidays and break period it can reach up to 40 hours per week. The average pay is $10-20 per hour.

Part-time work opportunities: Canada > UK > USA

Winner: Canada

9) Economy  

Canada: Canada is at number 9th in the largest economy tally of the world. It has abundant natural resources. Oil, gas, and minerals are vital to the Canadian economy. The country has a strong manufacturing sector, a flourishing services sector, and a strong commitment to promoting innovation and technical developments.

UK: The UK has the 6th rank in the global tally of the largest economies of the world. The manufacturing, services, financial, and creative industries all contribute to the UK economy. London is a major international financial hub that draws in foreign capital. 

USA: The US maintains its position as the richest country and largest global economy with a GDP of more than $28.78 trillion as of 2024. Its economy is incredibly diverse and driven by key industries like manufacturing, services, banking, and technology. The US has always encouraged creativity and entrepreneurship and provided healthier business environments. 

Economy: USA> UK> Canada

Winner: USA

10) Safety and Security 

Canada – Canada is known for multiculturalism; it is known for welcoming local people, plus many immigrants of different nationalities, such as Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Nepali, and so on. As per the latest 2024 Global Peace Index, Canada ranks 11th in the tally. Canada can be considered one of the safest countries in the world. 

UK: International students in the UK are entitled to free medical care through the National Health Service. The UK is also known for multiculturalism, and many expats live their lives peacefully. In the global peace index, the UK ranked 34th. 

USA: The US ranked poorly in the global peace index; it is ranked 136th in the tally, and we all know the gun culture in the USA. This is the reason many brilliant students refrain from getting enrolled in a high-crime-rate region in the USA.

Safety and Security: Canada>UK>USA

Winner: Canada

11) Living Cost

Canada: Canada has recently increased its living costs under the GIC regime. A GIC is nothing but a savings bank account you need to open while going to Canada for studies and put somewhere around CAD $20,635 to show the authority that for a year, you can support yourself. GIC was a mandatory requirement for the SDS category, but lately Canadian authorities have scrapped the student direct stream process, so GIC is not compulsory now, but it is always advisable to show living costs for a year to increase the Canada study visa approval. Please note that the living cost is different from the tuition fee. 

UK: In the UK, international students need to show funds for nine months; it is just over €1100 per month, so 1,100*9 = €9,900. 

USA: In the USA, international students need to show funds between US$ 10,000 and 25,000 for one year of living costs. It totally depends on your institution’s location, lifestyle, etc. 

Living cost: USA>UK>Canada

Winner – Canada (Low living cost)

Every country has its own pros and cons, plus studying abroad is a very big decision, and proper planning and homework can definitely help to understand the scope and return on investment of that particular country, so proper awareness, information and updates can make the task very easy, so it is important to consider all the important factors in consideration while making the decision.

Please note – the above information is shared by the research done by me. always refer to the official website of the country and keep updated with the latest news and updates

If you are curious to know all the factors while choosing the best option to study abroad, check the given link for better clarity

Part- 1 link below

Canada vs UK vs USA Which is the Best Option to Study? (Part 1)