Spouse and I (both US citizens) want to move to Canada, specifically Vancouver (also considering Toronto for the larger job market, but we love Vancouver for the nature/outdoors aspect). I'm a junior-level software engineer, while he's an experienced network engineer. We qualify for Express Entry. If we got permanent residency through EE, should we expect to face a lot of issues finding jobs in Vancouver and/or Toronto? Are permanent residents looked down upon in favor of Canadian citizens in the tech industry, or does it not really matter as long as you have the right skills? Any insights anyone has into the network engineering market in Canada would also be welcomed. There definitely doesn't seem to be that many openings in Vancouver for network engineers (but maybe we're not looking at the right job boards). Thanks.
People with PRs are not looked down upon compared to citizens. Even though healthcare is “free” COL, taxes are high in Toronto and Vancouver but salaries are not as high compared to US/Bay Area/tech hubs. Non-American Canadian companies give higher preference to Canadian experience even though it doesn’t make sense. YMMV. Vancouver is nice but very expensive. Toronto is the commercial capital with most opportunities in IT. There is Waterloo and Kanata (near Ottawa) that are tech hubs too but don’t have much idea about pay or opportunities there - you can research it if there is interest. I presume COL will be more balanced in those two places. Montreal is cheaper but not knowing French may put you at a disadvantage. Best option would be to work remotely for Microsoft or Amazon in Seattle/closer to the border on US salary while living in Vancouver if you can work that out. Seattle to Vancouver is two and a half hours by road. Otherwise Toronto would be the best place overall in Canada considering it’s their commercial capital and most companies have offices/opportunities there. Just my $0.02/-
Has anyone ever succeeded in earning US comp while living in Vancouver?
Would be interested in knowing this too. From what I know the TC in Seattle and Vancouver is quite different
Out of curiosity, why Canada? Doesn’t pay anything like US for your line of work. Is it a political/social stance rather than financial?
Ehh, I guess a mix of political and social reasons, I suppose...definitely not for financial reasons, lol. More for lifestyle, childcare, general safety, etc.
Go to Australia
USA is a mess right now with anti abortion laws. Next, they will probably outlaw women from voting, and after that, from working.
You went too far and unrealistic with "outlaw women" part. Are you trying to give new inhumane ideas? Or you trying to maintain equality? Also, who kills her own child? That's inhumane. Have separate post for these discussions and post the link to that new post here.
Wait - are you OP? Or some rando speculating why OP should move
It'll be challenging in the beginning but since you both bring tech skills in demand, I don't think it'll be difficult. I lived in Vancouver and loved it. Would move back in a heart beat if given the opportunity.
@Mundo Can you throw light on why would you move to Canada?
In my experience, life is simpler in Canada. While the pay is lower than in the US, I found that there is healthier attitude toward work-life balance. People tend to be more content and value experiences over things. Again, this has been my personal experience.
Vancouver - why? Move to Seattle instead. Same weather pattern here.
Actually lived in Seattle before and wasn't a fan. Awful public transit, dining scene was just OK to me. More diversity, better dining scene in Van, IMO. Parts of Seattle are beautiful...there are def some nice parks, but I think Vancouver wins in that department, too (Stanley Park, the Seawall, Whistler being a fairly close drive).
Lol, with the pay cut, you won't be dining out all that much.