Short answer: both are permanent statuses, but the rules differ a lot. A US green card requires the US to be your permanent home, and long absences can mean abandonment; Canadian PR is measured by 730 days in five years, which is more flexible. On tax, green card holders generally report worldwide income wherever they live.
Main comparison
| US green card | Canadian PR | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping status | The US must be your permanent home; over a year away is generally abandonment without a re-entry permit | 730 days in any five years |
| Citizenship timing | 5 years as a green card holder (3 if married to a US citizen) | 1,095 days in five years |
| Residence for citizenship | Physically present about half that time | Days of physical presence |
| Dual citizenship | No requirement to give up your nationality | Allowed |
| Tax | Generally US tax residents, reporting worldwide income | Residence based on presence and ties |
| Investment route | EB-5, from USD 800,000 | Provincial entrepreneur routes such as BC PNP |
Which suits you?
- Settling there long term, children’s education: both work; it depends where you prefer.
- Regular work trips back to Asia: Canada’s 730-day rule is more flexible; green card holders need a re-entry permit before long absences.
- Tax: green card holders generally report worldwide income even when living abroad, so families with more assets should plan early.
Our advice
Decide where the family will mainly live for the next five years, then compare status rules and tax. Routes and timelines differ too — the Programme Finder is a quick first comparison. As of October 2026.