Candidate on STEM OPT (Expires Dec 2028)

U.S. Path (Uncertain)

Canada Path (Stable)

Option 1

Option 2

H-1B Lottery (Level 1 wage = $105K) Low chance

Cap-Exempt H-1B (Only universities/non-profits)

Change to B-2 / Other (No work authorization)

ICT Transfer to SPX Canada Work permit 1-3 years Eligible for L-1 back after 1 year

PNP (With SPX offer + IELTS General) +600 CRS points Fast PR

Express Entry (Direct) CRS score based PR in 12-24 months

Long-Term U.S. Options (After Canada)

After PR/1 year

L-1 Visa (After 1 year in SPX Canada)

EB-2 / EB-3 Green Card Sponsorship

TN Visa (After Canadian Citizenship)