I'm supposed to join Google as a SWE L4 in mid April but my TN visa application was RFE'ed. As a result, my start date will likely be pushed back. I proposed to my manager that I start working from Canada until the TN is processed, and they were open to this. We are now waiting to find out if there are any HR implications here. My original offer was for the Mountain View location. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience "remotely onboarding" and working at Google from another country temporarily. Thanks. Update 4/10: Google was able to arrange for a "split start" which will involve temporary employment from Canada until the TN application is processed. TC: $300K, 4 yoe #h1b #rfe #tn
No, but is that in the Canadian dollar or American dollar?
USD
Following this post, what I’ve heard is Google allows working from another country for max one month per year, otherwise there will be tax implication which HR/Legal will stop you continue doing so.
Except that Google has engineering offices in Canada, and so they have the tax implications all figured out
Any reason you chose consular processing as opposed to port of entry? Reach out to the recruiter, pretty sure they would need to set you up on their Canadian payroll or hire you as a contractor while you are in Canada. What’s the contingency plan in case of long wait?
This was the approach that Google's immigration team decided to proceed with. It will eventually require me to obtain my visa at a port of entry though. Yes, that's what I'm guessing may have to happen if they end up setting me up in Canada initially. We hope that this plan works out, as the delays from the RFE may take quite a while given the current state of the US.
Are they paying you your US TC or did you get a “Canadianized” version while working up north?
They can't pay you through US payroll since you have no legal status to work(i94).
I think you mean I-9, but yes, my guess is that I'd have to be put on Google Canada payroll temporarily, otherwise I wouldn't be authorized to work.
I'm wondering about the same thing, please post back when you have updates
I’m also facing the same issues right now, any updates?
I have a call with the lawyers to discuss the RFE tomorrow. Will keep you posted once I find out more information
That would be awesome, please let me know! I’ll let you know if I have any updates as well
Am facing the same issue as well, except I haven’t filed a petition yet (currently in the US). I have a call with lawyers next week but I see two options: work remotely from Canada for the employer based in the US, or work remotely from US for the employers Canadian arm. Not sure if the latter would be possible but that would ensure that you wouldn’t need to travel and risk getting covid.
Are you currently on TN status in the US from your previous employer? I'm not sure if the latter would be allowed since you technically can't work (while physically in the US) for any other company aside from the one that sponsors your TN.
I am currently on TN in the US from my previous employer. I think this is okay because I wouldn't be working for a US company (I will propose to be on the CAD payroll of the Canadian arm). At the same time, I think I can file a petition through USCIS for the US arm of the employer. This way, I am merely just working for a Canadian company while I'm waiting my Petition to be approved. USCIS has no insight/does not care about employment in Canada I believe. Will verify w/ lawyer
Is google not allowing you to apply at POE? Seems like it should be pretty straightforward?
Please let me know if you hear back!
You can request what is called a split transfer with HR and VP approval. This should enable you to work from Canada /any home office for 3 months or so. I was on a split transfer as well since my visa process was taking time, but I had been at Google for a while so not sure if this applies to Nooglers.
How does compensation work in this case? I had 220 k USD offer in the states, but now I will split start in Canada - how will this affect my offer?
You'll get what you would have made in Canada for the same role. Your US offer will be honored once you physically start working out of an office in the states.
I don't think that is possible especially when you are a Noogler. Why not just wait till the visa gets approved.
TN PP is also suspended today, not sure if OP’s RFE case will get delayed too.
I had PP done initially, but the RFE will essentially put it on pause until the evidence is provided.