Destination comparison · For Sri Lankan students
Canada vs USA — which is right for you?
North America's two giants. The USA has more elite universities and deeper funding; Canada is cheaper, has a friendlier visa, and a far clearer route from study permit to permanent residence — which is why many Sri Lankan families lean Canadian.
compare_arrows See them side by sideCompare destinations (pick 2–3)
Pick at least 2 destinations (max 3).
 Canada |  USA | |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 cost (LKR) | LKR 9M – LKR 18.5M | LKR 13.1M – LKR 22.4M |
| Funds to show for visa | LKR 4.8M+ living + tuition | No fixed rule — varies |
| Student visa | Study Permit (standard stream — SDS closed Nov 2024) | F-1 Student Visa |
| Visa processing | Standard processing: 8–16 weeks (SDS no longer available) | 2–6 weeks from interview |
| Post-study work | Up to 3 years (PGWP) | 1 year OPT (+2 years STEM) |
| Part-time work (term) | 24 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week (on-campus) |
| Typical IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80+ |
| Bachelor's length | 4 years | 4 years |
| Master's length | 1–2 years | 1.5–2 years |
| Main intake | September (also Jan & May) | August (Fall) |
Still torn between them?
A counsellor will weigh your profile, budget and goals against each — free.
Still can't decide?
A counsellor will weigh Canada and USA against your academic profile, budget and goals — and tell you honestly which gives you the best odds. Free for students.
Ask which fits me