Chase an L1 VISA, or a higher TC

Matrox / Eng
lazyasshat

Matrox Eng

lazyasshat
Jan 13 13 Comments

To give some background, I'm from a middle-class family from India, and I couldn't afford US education for my Master's, and I'm finishing a Master's in ML in a top uni in Canada on a free ride.

I'm graduating soon, and I have an offer at EA as an SDE 2, albeit with a low TC (105 CAD TC).

I am confident I can grind to get an L1A or an L1B if I stick to my job for 4-5 years, and I'll be somewhat close to 30.

I love the project I'm assigned, and it's been my dream to write code for AAA games (I've contributed to several mobile games in the past).

Should I chase an L1 VISA (my job description and projects are super interesting), or focus on extensive LC grinding for job hops till I triple my TC in CAD in ~3 years from now?

I've heard mixed things about getting TN VISAs as an SWE, so will chasing a US Green Card by the time I'm 32-33 be worth it?

Long term planning, I know, but I was asking out of curiosity.
#software #swe #l1 #greencard #canada #us

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TOP 13 Comments
  • New
    wuQt33

    New

    BIO
    software engineer
    wuQt33
    Dude don't be silly, if you're enjoying your current role stay and push for L1. Stay in Canada as a manager for 3 yrs and then move to us on L1 visa. One that you're eligible for L1 eb1 That's only way to get gc faster in current times. What I've seen people gets gc within 2 yrs through L1 EB1 path. You lucky dog happy for you but make sure to make most out this. There's Absolutely no way to get GC other ways. Stick and play smart. Good luck!
    Jan 13 2
    • Matrox / Eng
      lazyasshat

      Matrox Eng

      lazyasshat
      OP
      Hey New.

      Thanks for your suggestions and I appreciate your insight into this. I can get to SDE 3 in a year, I'll try to move to an SDM or tech lead equivalent role for the L1A; I'll take your suggestion seriously and work towards it by putting more effort at the office and putting lesser time into LC.
      Jan 13
    • New
      wuQt33

      New

      BIO
      software engineer
      wuQt33
      Yea man that's what's it going to matter down the line. I've seen people on blind earning 1M still crying hell of cause stress H1 and long eb 2/3 gc process is. Instead be silent shark 2-3 yrs of loss in tc can save you decade of slog stress depression etc good luck.
      Jan 13
  • Google
    prosac

    Go to company page Google

    prosac
    105 CAD is good to start with. You will reach 150k in 2-3 years. Get your citizenship and then move on a L1A visa. It’s better to do that than hang in uncertainty in the US
    Optimize for long term success ( Canadian citizenship and H1b/ L1)
    Jan 13 2
    • Matrox / Eng
      lazyasshat

      Matrox Eng

      lazyasshat
      OP
      Thank you, I'm already eligible for applying for a PR, will aim for long term planning, and that's a valuable suggestion. I thought so but reading posts about 500k USD TC with 0 YOE was demoralizing as a new engineer, I'll think about it more long term.
      Jan 13
    • Google
      prosac

      Go to company page Google

      prosac
      That is neither the norm nor the average
      Jan 13
  • Hologic
    kryptou

    Go to company page Hologic

    kryptou
    105 CAD to start with isn’t bad at all. I’d say go for this.
    Green card waitlist isn’t worth the wait imo
    Jan 13 2
    • Matrox / Eng
      lazyasshat

      Matrox Eng

      lazyasshat
      OP
      Thanks! Acc. to you, would grinding up to an L1 VISA to transfer to USA + GC in 5 years from now be the right move instead of focusing on a switch in a few months?
      Jan 13
    • Hologic
      kryptou

      Go to company page Hologic

      kryptou
      5 years is too long a wait. Who knows what would happen after 5 years? I’d vote for EA. 105k is pretty good to start your journey
      Jan 13
  • Oracle
    zoMl56

    Go to company page Oracle

    zoMl56
    I’d say do LC Grinding
    Jan 13 2
  • Amazon
    IUul86

    Go to company page Amazon

    IUul86
    Why 3 years ..he can be sdm just for one year that is enough
    Mar 30 0