As a Data Scientist in the U.S. with approximately two years of post-PhD work experience, I'm currently on an F1 STEM OPT visa but was unsuccessful in the H1B lottery this year. Honestly, dealing with the H1B process and U.S. immigration in general has become exasperating. I'm seriously considering a permanent move to Canada, even at the potential cost of halving my current TC. What should my immediate steps be? Should I just start applying to tech firms in Canada? I'd appreciate any advice from other tech professionals who have made the move from the U.S. to Canada. #canada #tech TC: 300k (USD)
I totally agree to your point of dealing with h1b process is exhausting and never ending. But what is the rationale behind taking 50% pay cut to move to Canada? Ive seen people move to Canada when they completely maxed out h1 or on any visa issues but not as their next exciting move. Am i missing something?
I need a more stable immigration status to live. That's it. I am ok with the pay cut. Money... I earned enough. I no longer care as I used to.
If i had not been through a layoff i would laugh at this. But now “peace of mind” >>>>> anything. Do whatever it takes and let me know.
Do not go there without an offer. The market is terrible, especially if you are a new comer. Many a times I’ve seen them asking for Canadian experience!! Even though it’s an excuse for them to low ball the candidates!!$
I current do not have an offer. My goal is getting my first offer from a Canadian company which leads to a temp visa first
Why not apply for O1? If you have publications maybe doable
A few, but chance is slim due to my field of study
1. Get in the express entry pool for PR 2. Recruit for NAMER roles and move on Work Permit(if someone would sponsor) 3. Hopefully you have good scores to meet the draw thresholds and you can get a PR 4. If not, work for a year and apply in Canadian Experience Class
Getting a job in Canada is the first and the biggest step. Preferably a US company that also hires in Canada. Those companies pay the best although it’s still typically lower than hcol US pay.
Are you still at Pinterest? Don't they have offices there?
You have 4 options 1) have your company do an internal transfer 2) apply for an open work permit 3) apply for PR if you meet the CRS cutoff 4) You could try getting a Canadian firm to sponsor your visa with a job offer, but YMMV
I am in discussion with my company but it seems they are not certain or at least HR is refusing to give me a definite answer just repeating the boilerplate like “upon review…”. I would rather leave by myself to get a more secure visa.
Is there an open work permit in Canada like H1B (but not PR)?