How realistic is Canada PR vs US job route after studying and gaining work experience?

I’m currently trying to understand realistic long-term pathways for studying and eventually settling abroad, mainly looking at Canada and the USA.

Right now I’m planning to complete an International Year One foundation programme (after my AS Levels) and then progress into a bachelor’s degree (likely in Canada or a similar pathway country). My long-term goal is to build a stable career in data analysis (like SQL, Excel and Power Bl, etc) and understand how that connects to immigration routes like Canada PR or US work-based pathways.

From what I’ve researched so far, Canada seems more structured with its points-based system, while the US is more employer-driven and less predictable. I’m trying to understand what a realistic progression looks like in both cases after completing a degree and gaining some work experience.

There’s also a personal factor I’m considering, like my partner is based in the US, so I’m also trying to understand what realistic pathways exist for eventually living in the same country long-term, whether through study, work, or other legal routes.

How flexible English language requirements actually are across different pathways (for example IELTS vs other accepted tests), and how much that affects long-term planning.

I’m 20 years old, and I’m currently choosing the foundation route (International Year One) instead of waiting for direct university admission cycles, as I want a more quicker progression into a degree.

I’d really appreciate insights from people who have gone through or studied these pathways seriously, especially those who started from outside North America and planned step-by-step (study - work experience - immigration outcomes).

In practice, what tends to matter most for immigration success: education, work experience, or timing?