News has broken that over 2 million temporary residents in Canada, including more than 70,000 international students, are at risk of deportation due to the federal government’s drastic immigration reset. Once celebrated as the world’s top destination for international students, Canada is now enforcing stricter policies that have left thousands in limbo, scrambling to find ways to stay. If you’re one of the many facing this uncertainty, it’s time to explore alternative pathways. The U.S., with its CPT option for F1 students, offers a fresh start, providing legal work opportunities, diverse programs, and a chance to build a stable future in North America.
Canada has long been a magnet for international students. At its peak, it was among the top countries globally for attracting talent, thanks to favorable immigration policies and accessible pathways to permanent residency. According to reports, Canada admitted over 800,000 international students in 2022 alone, a record-breaking number.
However, the landscape has shifted significantly since then. The Canadian government has announced a dramatic reduction in temporary resident admissions, with plans to cut over 2 million temporary residents by 2026. This shift is creating chaos for students and workers who once viewed Canada as their long-term home.
A report from Toronto City News and Yahoo News interviewed some of the students and they sounded devastated:
Dinesh, a 25-year-old from India, moved to Canada in 2018 as a student and later secured a work permit. When it expired in July 2024, he applied for a visitor visa to stay longer. “I am doing my best to learn French and improve my immigration points so that I can somehow, someway, be saved,” he said. Unable to work legally, Dinesh now struggles to make ends meet, living in a shared apartment and relying on under-the-table income. “The bills don’t stop coming—it’s going to chew you up, eat you up,” he lamented.
According to the report, Canada’s new policies have effectively turned Dinesh—a once highly educated legal immigrant worker and reliable taxpayer—into a temporary visitor forced to work illegally just to survive.
Shreya, a 35-year-old from South Asia, took out $50,000 in loans to study in Canada, hoping for a “beautiful future.” Instead, she faced underemployment and couldn’t meet the rising points needed for permanent residency. “I feel like I was brainwashed by immigration agents,” she said. With her work permit expiring soon, Shreya is unsure of her next steps, adding, “I came here for a good future, but I feel like I’m a big zero.”
It’s easy to blame immigration agents, but when they introduced Shreya to Canada, it was a country renowned for welcoming highly skilled workers. In fact, many of these agents, who have spent decades studying the Canadian market and helping students pursue education there, are now facing business challenges themselves. The recent policy changes, however, were unforeseen and have created significant hardships for many, drastically altering the trajectory of their lives.
The United States offers several work visa options for international students and professionals, each catering to specific needs and qualifications.
The United States offers several work visa options for international students and professionals, each tailored to different needs and qualifications. The H-1B visa is the most well-known and popular choice for highly skilled workers in fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare, but it requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual lottery, making it both competitive and uncertain. In the past few years, only 25% of those who got the sponsorship and entered the lottery in time can be selected for it.
Another option is the O-1 visa, tailored for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, education, business, or the arts. However, the application process requires extensive documentation to demonstrate exceptional achievements, and legal fees alone can start at $20,000, with no guarantee of approval. While it is possible to attempt a DIY application, consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer is strongly recommended to navigate the complexities and improve your chances of success.
If you have been employed at a company in Canada with a headquarters or affiliated office in the U.S., you may be eligible for an L-1 visa to transfer to the U.S. branch, provided your employer is willing to sponsor the transfer. To qualify, you must have worked for the company for at least one continuous year within the past three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity. Additionally, the U.S. branch must have a qualifying relationship with the Canadian office, such as being a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch. Confirm eligibility requirements with your employer and consult an immigration attorney for guidance on the application process.
One often overlooked work authorization option in the U.S. is the benefit provided to F-1 international students. Under the F-1 visa, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the U.S. after graduation. This authorization is typically limited to 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension available for students in STEM fields. Another valuable work authorization under the F-1 visa is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT enables students to work in their field of study while pursuing their degree, offering hands-on experience from the start of their academic program.
While nearly all U.S. universities support CPT applications under specific restrictions, some programs go a step further by designing their curriculum around practical training and industry preparation. These are often referred to by international students as CPT programs, officially known as hybrid professional programs. Unlike traditional degrees focused solely on research and classroom learning, these programs prioritize real-world experience through internships.
Hybrid CPT programs are usually master level or above, and structured to accommodate working professionals, with flexible schedules that include on-site classes once a month or even just once per semester, typically on weekends. The rest of the coursework is completed online, often during evenings, allowing students to balance academics with paid internships. These programs are particularly appealing for their multiple intakes—typically three to six, and in some cases up to nine—throughout the academic year, making them accessible for students with varying schedules.
Moreover, these programs are significantly more affordable than traditional degree programs, with tuition costs ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 for a master’s degree. Students can offset these costs by earning a salary through their internships, making CPT programs a practical and cost-effective pathway to gain valuable U.S. work experience while completing their education.
This makes CPT programs an attractive and practical alternative for those seeking to gain U.S. work experience while pursuing their education.
Immediate Work Opportunities
Unlike traditional programs, Day 1 CPT universities enable students to start working in their field from the beginning of their degree program.
Practical Experience
Students can integrate their academic learning with hands-on experience, making them more competitive in the U.S. job market.
Flexibility in Program Choice
Day 1 CPT universities offer diverse programs, including MBA, IT, healthcare, and data science, tailored to industry demands.
Avoiding H1B Lottery Challenges
Securing an H1B visa in the U.S. can be daunting due to the lottery system. With a Day 1 CPT program, students can legally work while pursuing their education, providing a backup plan if they don’t secure an H1B immediately.
Cost-Effective Pathway
Compared to traditional degree programs, many Day 1 CPT universities offer competitive tuition rates and flexible payment plans, reducing the financial burden for students.
For those in Canada looking to transition to the U.S., understanding the legal process is crucial. Here’s how it works:
Applying for an F-1 Visa
Documentation Required
Timeline and Considerations
hen considering career opportunities in North America, particularly in the tech industry, the United States presents compelling advantages over Canada in terms of compensation and professional growth.
Tech professionals in the United States consistently earn higher salaries compared to their Canadian counterparts. On average, U.S. tech workers earn approximately $122,600 annually, while Canadian tech workers earn around $83,700, indicating a significant wage gap.
This disparity is evident across various tech roles. For instance, software engineers in the U.S. have an average salary of $120,380, compared to $97,870 in Canada. Similarly, data scientists in the U.S. earn about $130,000, whereas in Canada, they earn approximately $100,000.
The U.S. tech industry offers a diverse range of opportunities for career progression. With a multitude of tech hubs, including Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Boston, professionals have access to a variety of companies and roles that cater to different skill sets and career aspirations. This diversity enables tech workers to find positions that align with their expertise and interests, fostering both professional growth and job satisfaction.
The United States is renowned for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech sector. Strong intellectual property protections and a favorable tax environment encourage startups and technological advancements. This ecosystem not only supports established companies but also provides a fertile ground for entrepreneurs looking to launch new ventures, contributing to a dynamic and forward-thinking industry landscape.
Beyond the tech industry, the United States offers abundant opportunities across various other sectors, making it an attractive destination for non-tech professionals as well. The U.S. healthcare industry, projected to grow significantly and reach $6 trillion by 2025, is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled workers, creating high demand for roles in nursing, healthcare administration, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, sectors like finance, education, logistics, and hospitality continue to thrive, offering diverse career paths for international talent. With its dynamic economy and expansive job market, the U.S. caters to professionals across a wide range of fields, ensuring ample opportunities for career advancement and stability.
Canada’s changing immigration policies have left many international students and workers in limbo, forcing them to reconsider their options. For those seeking stability and opportunities in North America, the U.S. stands out as a viable alternative.
Day 1 CPT universities provide a unique pathway for students to work and study simultaneously, reducing financial strain and enhancing employability. By transitioning to the U.S., students can continue their journey toward a successful career without the uncertainties currently plaguing Canada’s immigration system.
For more information on Day 1 CPT programs and how to make the transition, contact CPTDog today. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!