While it’s true that Canada, Australia, and New Zealand give out a larger share of their visas to economic migrants compared to family-sponsored applicants, this comparison overlooks an important fact: when you adjust for population size, these countries grant far more permanent resident visas (green cards) than the United States.
The U.S. provides the highest number of green cards in absolute terms among wealthy nations, but when you account for the size of the population, the U.S. offers far fewer green cards per capita than countries like Canada and Australia.
Both Canada and Australia issue more than twice the number of permanent residency visas per person as the U.S. does. And for New Zealand, the figure is even higher—more than three times the number of green cards per capita.
What This Means for U.S. Immigration Policy
If the United States truly wanted to adopt an immigration system similar to Canada’s or Australia’s, it would require more than just shifting the focus to skills-based immigration. The U.S. would first need to significantly increase the total number of green cards issued each year—likely by more than double the current amount. This increase would allow for a higher percentage of economic-based immigration (for skilled workers, for example) while still maintaining the number of family-based green cards.
In simple terms: If the U.S. matched the level of immigration seen in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (adjusted for population), it could easily increase the number of visas for skilled workers and employers without reducing the number of green cards available for family reunification. This would allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to live with their families, while also boosting the number of immigrants with needed skills.
Key Points for PR Visas
- Visa Issuance Rates: Canada and Australia issue significantly more PR visas relative to their populations. For instance, annual family-based immigrants in Australia and Canada represent about 0.26% and 0.23% of their respective populations, while the U.S. stands at 0.21%.
- Immigration Policies: Both countries have established immigration systems that prioritize skilled workers and family reunification, making them attractive destinations for immigrants. Canada’s immigration system is often seen as more flexible, allowing for a wider range of occupations to qualify for PR.
- Processing Times: The processing times for PR visas differ markedly between these countries and the U.S. For example, while Canada’s average processing time is around 190 days, Australia boasts a much shorter processing time of approximately 61 days.
- Economic Opportunities: Both Canada and Australia offer strong economies and high living standards, which contribute to their appeal to prospective immigrants. Canada is noted for its multicultural environment and robust job market, whereas Australia’s higher average salaries are also a significant draw.
While the focus often shifts to the share of family vs. skills-based green cards, the real issue lies in the need for the U.S. to increase the total number of green cards issued. Only then can it adopt a more balanced approach that benefits both skilled workers and families.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an Express Entry or a Canada PR, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need for International travel. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
