Processing Time
Canada: 6-12 months average. Max wait: 2 years for complex cases.
USA: 8-12 months average. Max wait: 2+ years in high-volume areas.
Requirements Compared
Canada: 3 years PR (or 1 year if married to Canadian). 60% physical presence in 5 years. English/French competency.
USA: 5 years Green Card (or 3 if married to USC). Continuous residence. English competency + civics test.
The Test
Canada: 20 questions on history, government, symbols. No formal test—oral interview.
USA: 10 civics questions from pool of 100 + English evaluation.
Fees
Canada: $630 for adults
USA: $585 + $0 biometric fee = $585 (can be waived for low income)
Easier to Get
Canada is generally easier: shorter residency requirement (3 years vs 5 years), simpler test format, no civics exam component in formal testing.