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  • 7/10/2025
Transcript
00:00Welcome to Untapped Mindset, where we uncover the real stories behind global decisions.
00:05If you're thinking about moving abroad in 2025, two countries likely top your list the United
00:10States and Canada. But which one is actually better for immigrants? Today we're diving deep
00:15into eight categories. Immigration process, cost of living, job market, healthcare, education,
00:21culture, quality of life, and long-term stability. The answer might surprise you so stick around
00:26until the end where I'll break it all down in a final scorecard. 1. Immigration process
00:31Let's start with the immigration process, often the biggest hurdle for anyone starting a new life.
00:36Canada's immigration system is designed to welcome. With its points-based express entry program,
00:42the provincial nominee program, and student-to-permanent residency pathways,
00:46Canada offers multiple structured ways to migrate legally. The government even sets annual targets
00:52for immigration and usually meets them. In 2023, Canada welcomed over 430,000 new immigrants.
00:59For context, that's more than the U.S., even though it has a much smaller population.
01:04The United States? It's more complicated. The main paths include the H-1B work visa which
01:09runs on a lottery system family sponsorships, and the diversity visa lottery. Green card
01:15applications often take years, and quotas can change with every administration.
01:19While both countries offer hope, Canada wins on clarity, speed, and fairness.
01:252. Cost of living
01:26Because where you live impacts how much you can save, spend, and invest. Housing in the U.S.
01:31can be more affordable, especially outside big cities. A three-bedroom house in Texas might cost
01:37less than a tiny apartment in downtown Toronto. But there's a catch healthcare in the U.S. is expensive.
01:43Without insurance, even a hospital visit can bankrupt you. Canada has universal healthcare,
01:48meaning most medical services are covered. However, the cost of rent in major cities like
01:53Vancouver and Toronto is painfully high. Groceries and fuel are generally cheaper in the U.S.,
01:58but Canadians enjoy better social services and parental support. On this, U.S. wins on day-to-day
02:04affordability while Canada wins on safety nets. 3. Job market and wages
02:09Now let's talk jobs the reason most people move. The U.S. has the world's largest economy.
02:15It's a magnet for industries like tech, finance, and media. Companies like Apple,
02:19Google, and Tesla all call it home. If you're in tech or business, you might find higher salaries
02:24and more opportunities in the States. But here's the twist Canada's job market is friendlier to
02:29newcomers. Canadian employers are more open to hiring immigrants, and foreign degrees are more
02:35often recognized. In fact, immigrants in Canada earn around 87% of what locals do, while in the U.S.,
02:42that gap can be wider depending on your visa. Also, Canada's open work permits for spouses and
02:48post-grad students make it easier to build a family life while working. We can confidently say that U.S.
02:53wins on potential income, while on the other side Canada wins on accessibility.
02:584. Healthcare and social services
03:00This category is simple but important health. Canada has public health care. It's funded by
03:06taxes and free at the point of use. You won't get a bill for going to the hospital. Yes, there are
03:11wait times but you won't be denied care based on your bank balance. The U.S.? It has some of the best
03:17hospitals and technology in the world if you can afford it. Even with insurance, co-pays and deductibles
03:22can cost thousands. Also, Canada has stronger social services. Maternity leave, unemployment insurance,
03:29and even child benefits for new parents. Hands down, Canada wins for peace of mind.
03:345. Education
03:36Planning to study or raise a family? Education matters. Canadian public schools are highly
03:41rated and free for all residents. University tuition is also cheaper averaging $7,000 to $10,000
03:48per year for domestic students and about $20,000 for internationals. The U.S. has more globally ranked
03:55universities but comes at a steep cost. Tuition can exceed $50,000 a year not including housing,
04:01books, or meals. Canada also has a postgraduate work permit, PGWP, that leads many international
04:08students directly into permanent residency. On matters education, Canada wins on affordability
04:14and long-term opportunity. The U.S. wins if prestige is your goal.
04:186. Culture and diversity
04:20Let's explore the cultural side. Both countries are immigrant nations with people from every
04:25continent living side by side. But Canada officially promotes multiculturalism, and you'll find
04:31strong support systems in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. The U.S. offers incredible
04:36diversity too especially in New York, L.A., and Houston but racial and political tensions are more
04:42visible. In surveys, immigrants report feeling more welcome and safer in Canada. Hate crime rates are
04:48lower, and Canada ranks higher in global inclusivity indexes. So, Canada leads in integration U.S. is more
04:55intense for better or worse. 7. Quality of life
04:58Now, quality of life the everyday experience. Canada is quieter, greener, and more peaceful.
05:04You'll find clean cities, public parks, and less gun violence. Work-life balance is a bigger focus and
05:10stress levels are lower overall. The U.S. is vibrant, fast-paced, and competitive. Big cities are exciting,
05:17but also come with higher crime rates and wider income gaps. On the Global Happiness Index, Canada
05:23usually ranks in the top 15. The U.S. is often in the top 20 but more affected by income inequality and
05:29social division. Here Canada wins for peace and balance. U.S. wins for energy and ambition.
05:358. Long-term stability
05:37Last but not least, long-term outlook. Canada offers dual citizenship, consistent immigration policies,
05:44and a stable political system. It's seen as one of the safest countries for future planning even with
05:49global uncertainties. The U.S. has more volatility politically and socially. But it also offers higher
05:56financial upside if you break into the right industries or start a successful business.
06:00Ultimately Canada wins on predictability. The U.S. wins on risk and reward. So, which country is better
06:06for immigrants in 2025? Let's do a quick recap. Category winner. Immigration Process Canada.
06:13Cost of living USA. Job market tie. Healthcare Canada. Education Canada. Diversity and culture
06:20Canada. Quality of life Canada. Long-term stability Canada. Canada comes out ahead in 6 of 8 categories
06:27but the United States still offers immense opportunity for the right person. It depends on
06:32what you're looking for. Stability or speed. Peace or power. Healthcare or hustle. Let us know in the
06:38comments which country would you choose and why. And if you're exploring your next move,
06:42hit that subscribe button. Untapped Mindset is here to help you make smarter life decisions no matter
06:47where in the world you want to go.
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